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.