Furthering Your Career in Information Technology With an MCSE Certification

The MCSE (or "Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer") is at the top of Microsoft's tree of certifications. It is aimed at people who already have experience working in information technology but want formal recognition of this so that they can move their career forward.

A Qualification for Information Technology Professionals

According to the online computing certifications magazine CertCities.com, for the last three years running the MCSE has been voted one of the top three in its Readers Choice Award for the "Most Respected High-Level Certification."

The MCSE is highly rated for one overwhelming reason: the global presence of Microsoft products. This alone means you can be sure it will be relevant to your career and useful in your job hunt

It also earns respect because it is hard to get -- you have to pass seven different exams to qualify.

How Do You Earn An MCSE?

To earn the MCSE you must pass six "core" exams: four on networking systems, one on client operating systems and one on network design.

You must also take one "elective" exam, which you can choose from a list of over twenty different specializations including topics such as:

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 -- Implementation and Maintenance

Microsoft provides exhaustive details of what you need to know to pass each of these exams, plus various tools to help you prepare. You will find information and instruction online, plus various books and practice tests. Face-to-face classroom training is also available.

Is The MCSE For You?

The MCSE is intended to advance the careers of established information technology professionals. It is recommended that candidates should have at least one year's experience of working at a high level with:

The type of network operating systems found in a medium to large organization
Network infrastructures
Desktop operating systems

If this describes you, then earning an MCSE could be a sensible investment, helping you on your way towards a rewarding career in information technology.

Sources
CertCities.com
Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine
Monster.com
Microsoft.com