Introduction to Microsoft Exams - MCSE 2003

Mukesh G Mahin

Sr IT Operation Lead Technical

Introduction to Microsoft Exams - MCSE 2003

The MCSE is the 'Rolls Royce' of qualifications. Whilst there is talk of paper MCSEs, anyone who has slogged through the 7 exams must have gained a good all-round knowledge of Windows Server 2003.

It has always been difficult to understand the rules of the Microsoft Exam game. I would put forward three reasons for this:

1. There is no one-to-one relationship between MOC training courses and the exams. For example MOC Course 2274 does NOT completely prepare you for exam 70-290 (or any other particular exam).

2. It is VUE or Thompson Prometric who administers the exams, not Microsoft; perhaps this helps explain why the exams are different from the Microsoft Official Courses (MOC).

3. Lots of acronyms, MCSE, MSCA, MCP, MCT and therefore lots of individual parts.

4. Microsoft were prone to changing the rules, especially with NT 4.0. Also the exam format varies from regular fixed 45 questions, to adaptive with 35 questions. With adaptive exams the next question changes depending on you answer to the first question. Moreover, you cannot go back and check previous answers with adaptive exams.

5. From February 2004, you will get a pass marks, which is useful to see how close you were if you fail.

MCSE on Windows 2003 (Seven full or two Upgrade)

Here is my understanding of the present situation, however do check with Microsoft. You probably know that MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified System Engineer.

There are three MCSE 2003 tracks depending on whether you are an MCSE on Windows 2000

1. Upgrade

2. Regular

3. Intermediate

Upgrade route for those who are already MCSE 2000

Just two fast-track Exams (70-292) and (70-296)

Regular route

Six Core (compulsory) + One Elective

Four - Server / Networking / Active Directory

Managing, Maintaining Server (70-290), Implementing, Managing, Maintaining Server Network (70-291), Planning and Maintaining Network (70-293) , Active Directory (70-294)

One Design - (70-297) or (70-298) - similar to MCSE 2000.

One Client - XP (70-270) or Windows 2000 (70-210)

One Elective - SQL (70-228), Exchange (70-284),
Also SMS, Web, ISA, Design Electives 70-281 and 282.