Sams Teach Yourself MCSE Windows NT Server 4 in 14 Days
(Publisher: Macmillan Computer Publishing)
Author(s): David Schaer, et al
ISBN: 0672311283
Publication Date: 12/15/97

Chapter 1
How to Become an MCSE

by David Schaer and Theresa Hadden

1.1. Overview of the MCSE Process

There are many avenues you can follow toward becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). As you prepare to take the examinations you can elect to attend classes or follow a course of self-study. This book is aimed toward helping you prepare whichever route you decide to take. This chapter provides an overview of the MCSE certification tracks and the testing process and shows you how to prepare for each of them.

1.1.1. Charting Your Course

At this time, there are two MCSE certification tracks, one based on NT 4.0 and the other on the older NT 3.51. You can find the most current MCSE requirements on Microsoft’s training and certification Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/Train_Cert/mcp/certstep/mcse.htm.

The following charts outline the required exams for the NT 4.0 track. You are not required to take the exams in any specific order.

All MCSE candidates must take the following two exams:

If you are a Novell CNE, MCNE, or CNI, or a Banyan CBS or CBE, you are exempt from having to take the following core exam. All others must pass this exam.

The fourth core operating exam can be any one of the following:

The final step is to pass two electives. As the following chart shows, there are several different choices. You must pass only two of the following exams:

You might want to consider taking a beta exam as they become available. They consist of 150 to 200 questions that you have three hours to complete. This enables you to see all of the proposed questions. It is also only $50 instead of $100. The drawback is that it will take 6 to 8 weeks before you get your results.

Although there is no imposed time frame within which you must meet all of the MCSE requirements, as the products are updated there always is a chance that an exam might be retired and no longer count toward new or continued certification. The Microsoft Web site contains the latest certification news at http://www.microsoft.com/Train_Cert/mcp/.

1.1.2. Registering for the Exams

Microsoft MCSE testing currently is provided through Sylvan/Microsoft. You can reach Sylvan in the United States at (800) 755-EXAM. At the time of this writing, the cost per exam was $100 U.S. dollars. It often is possible to schedule your exam on the day of the call; however, it is better for you to schedule a week in advance to ensure that you get the time slot you want.