| Just to give you some idea of what an ideal MCSE candidate is like, here are some relevant statistics about the background and experience such an individual might have. Don't worry if you don't meet these qualifications, or don't come that close ”this is a far-from-ideal world, and where you fall short is simply where you'll have more work to do. Here are the qualifications: -
Academic or professional training in network theory, concepts, and operations ” This includes everything from networking media and transmission techniques through network operating systems, services, and applications. -
Three+ years of professional networking experience ” This includes experience with Ethernet, token ring, modems, and other networking media. This must include installation, configuration, upgrade, and troubleshooting experience.  | The Windows 2000 MCSE program is much more rigorous than the previous NT MCSE program; therefore, you'll need some hands-on experience. Some of the exams require you to solve real-world case studies and network design issues, so the more hands-on experience you have, the better. |
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Two+ years in a networked environment ” This must include hands-on experience with Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT Server, Windows NT Workstation, and Windows 95 or Windows 98. A solid understanding of each system's architecture, installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting is also essential. -
Knowledge of the various methods for installing Windows 2000 ” This includes manual and unattended installations. -
A thorough understanding of key networking protocols, addressing, and name resolution ” This includes TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NetBEUI. -
A thorough understanding of NetBIOS naming, browsing, and file and print services. -
Familiarity with key Windows 2000-based, TCP/IP-based services ” This includes HTTP (Web servers), DHCP, WINS, DNS, plus familiarity with one or more of the following: Internet Information Server (IIS), Index Server, and Proxy Server. -
An understanding of how to implement security for key network data in a Windows 2000 environment. -
Working knowledge of NetWare 3.x and 4.x ” This includes IPX/SPX frame formats; NetWare file, print, and directory services; and both Novell and Microsoft client software. Working knowledge of Microsoft's Client Service for NetWare (CSNW), Gateway Service for NetWare (GSNW), the NetWare Migration Tool (NWCONV), and the NetWare Client for Windows (NT, 95, and 98) is important but not essential. -
A good working understanding of Active Directory ” The more you work with Windows 2000, the more you'll realize that this new operating system is quite different from Windows NT. New technologies such as Active Directory have changed the way Windows is configured and used. We recommend that you learn as much as you can about Active Directory and acquire as much experience using this technology as possible. The time you take learning about Active Directory will be time very well spent! Fundamentally, this boils down to a bachelor's degree in computer science, plus three years of 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 and that most, in fact, 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 our Self-Assessment tells you about what you already know and what you need to learn. |
