MCSEs in the Real World

In the next section, we describe an ideal MCSE candidate, knowing full well that only a few real candidates will meet this ideal. In fact, our description of that ideal candidate might seem downright scary. But take heart: Although the requirements to obtain an MCSE may seem formidable, they are by no means impossible to meet. However, be keenly aware that it does take time, involves some expense, and requires real effort to get through the process.

Increasing numbers of people are attaining Microsoft certifications, so the goal is within reach. You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before you, so you can follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to obtain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can take—and pass—all the certification tests involved in obtaining an MCSE.

In addition to MCSE, some of the other Microsoft certifications available include the following:

• MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)— This is a newer certification that Microsoft has provided for those Microsoft professionals who are not going to design networks but rather administer them. This certification includes three core exams and a single elective .

• MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer)— This certification is aimed at software developers and requires one specific exam, two more exams on client and distributed topics, plus a fourth elective exam drawn from a different, but limited, pool of options.

• MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer)— This certification is aimed at software developers functioning at a departmental level with one to two years of application-development experience. The MCAD certification requires two specific exams, plus a third elective exam drawn from a limited pool of options.

• MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator)— This certification is aimed at database administrators and developers who work with Microsoft SQL Server. The MCDBA certification requires three core exams and one elective exam.

• Other Microsoft certifications— The requirements for these certifications range from one test (MCP) to several tests (MCSE).

The Ideal MCSE Candidate

This MCSE exam is aimed at experienced Windows Server 2003 MCSEs who need to demonstrate expertise in implementing, managing, and maintaining Exchange Server 2003. The 70-284 exam by itself is enough to achieve the MCSA: Messaging on Windows Server 2003 specialization. If you are after the MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2003 specialization, you will also need to pass the Exchange Server 2003 design exam, Exam 70-285, "Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization."

Microsoft specifies the following audience profile for this exam, which also summarizes the experience level that a typical MCSE candidate should possess:

• The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 credential is intended for IT professionals who work in the typically complex computing environment of medium to large companies.

• Candidates should have experience implementing and administering a network operating system in environments that have the following characteristics:

  • 250 to 5,000 or more users

  • Three or more physical locations

  • Three or more domain controllers

  • Network services and resources, such as messaging, database, file and print, proxy server, firewall, Internet, intranet, remote access, and client computer management

  • Connectivity requirements, such as connecting branch offices and individual users in remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet

• In addition, candidates should have experience in the following Exchange Server 2003 specific areas:

  • Two or more Exchange Server computers

  • Connectivity requirements, such as connecting branch offices and individual users in remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet

Fundamentally, this boils down to a bachelor's degree in computer science (or equivalent experience on the job), plus two to three years experience working in a position involving network design, installation, configuration, and maintenance. We believe that well under half of all certification candidates meet these requirements. In fact, most meet less than half of these requirements—at least, when they begin the certification process. But because all the people who already have been certified have survived this ordeal, you can survive it too— especially if you heed what this self-assessment can tell you about what you already know and what you need to learn.