Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Demonstrate your expertise in designing and implementing infrastructure for Microsoft Windows 2000 Server–based and Windows Server–based business solutions. The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential equips you with the technical capabilities and industry-recognized validation to help you compete.

Level:

One to two years of experience in designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems

Audience:

IT professional

Type:

Microsoft Certification

Overview

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential shows clients and employers that you can design, implement, and administer infrastructures for business solutions based on Microsoft 2000 Windows Server and other Windows server platforms. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

This credential also covers Active Directory, which helps organizations simplify IT management, strengthen security, extend interoperability of systems and software, and ultimately reduce costs. The MCSE credential not only equips you to manage an organization's Active Directory but to plan strategically for its future network enhancements.

The MSCE credential maps to a variety of job roles, including systems engineer, technical support engineer, system analyst, network analyst, and technical consultant.

MCSE candidate profile

An MCSE candidate should have one to two years of experience in designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

Why get certified?

Earning a Microsoft Certification validates your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today's rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you utilize evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, becoming certified demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

Certifications

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

The enduring strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market suggests that demand for related IT expertise will continue for many years. The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification enables you to demonstrate your expertise with Windows Server 2003 and inspire confidence in clients and employers. Prove your ability to analyze business requirements for information systems solutions and validate your expertise in designing and implementing infrastructures based on Windows Server 2003.

To earn the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass seven exams (in any order):

  • Four exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • One exam on design

  • One elective exam

Note Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on networking systems: All required

Exam number

Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-290

Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-291

Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-293

Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Exam 70-294

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Windows 7, Configuring

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

Exam 70-680

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

Exam 70-620

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-270

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-210

Exams on design: Choose one

Exam number

Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-298

Elective exam: Choose one

Exam number

Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-086

Planning, Deploying, and Managing Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003

Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements.

Exam 70-089

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement.

Exam 70-227

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements.

Exam 70-228

Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-229

TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server

Exam 70-235

TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-236

TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 – Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting

Exam 70-262

Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution

Exam 70-281

Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business

Exam 70-282

Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Messaging Specialization requirement.

Exam 70-284

Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

Exam 70-285

Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Note You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Note You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-298

Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-299

Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-301

Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004

Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement.

Exam 70-350

TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring

Exam 70-351

TS: Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-400

TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-401

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-431

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-445

TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing

Exam 70-500

TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration

Exam 70-557

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Note You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the client operating systems requirement.

Exam 70-620

TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

Exam 70-624

TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-630

TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring

Exam 70-631

TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-638

TS: Windows 7, Configuring

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

Exam 70-680

MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

MCSA

MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

See requirements in the next section

MCSE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

Note This certification is discontinued, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Discontinued

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications

CompTIA

If you have the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you can upgrade to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) on Windows Server 2008 certifications.

MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

The MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification is designed for IT professionals working in the typically complex computing environments of medium-sized and large organizations.

To earn the certification, you must pass seven exams (in any order):

  • Three exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • One exam on design

  • Two elective exams

Note Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on networking systems: All required

Exam number

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-215

Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-216

Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-217

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-210

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-270

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

Exam 70-620

Exams on design: Choose one

Exam number

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-219

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-220

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-221

Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-226

Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.

Exam 70-298

Elective exams: Choose two

Exam number

Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-086

Planning, Deploying, and Managing Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003

Exam 70-089

Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-214

Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-218

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-219

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-220

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-221

Migrating from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 to Microsoft Windows 2000

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-222

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Clustering Services by Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-223

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-224

Designing and Deploying a Messaging Infrastructure with Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-225

Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-226

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-227

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-228

Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-229

Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-230

Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-232

Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-234

Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server

Exam 70-235

TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-236

Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-244

TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 – Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting

Exam 70-262

Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution

Exam 70-281

Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business

Exam 70-282

Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Exam 70-284

Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

Exam 70-285

Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Note You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Note You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-298

Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-299

Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-301

Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004

Exam 70-350

TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring

Exam 70-351

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-431

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-445

TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing

Exam 70-500

TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration

Exam 70-557

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Note You can only choose this elective if you did not choose it to satisfy the design requirement.

Exam 70-620

TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

Exam 70-624

TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-630

TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring

Exam 70-631

TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-638

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications

CompTIA

Specializations

With an increasing number of IT professionals pursuing certification and a significant demand for specialized expertise, MCSE specializations provide a valuable means of demonstrating your proficiency in a particular technical field. These specializations are not more advanced than the MCSE certifications; they are simply more focused.

MCSE Messaging on Windows Server 2003

To earn the MCSE Messaging on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass eight exams (in any order):

  • Four exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • One exam on design

  • Two exams on messaging specialization

Note Many exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on networking systems: All required

Exam number

Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-290

Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-291

Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-293

Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Exam 70-294

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Exam 70-620

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-270

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-210

Exams on design: Choose one

Exam number

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-219

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-220

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-221

Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-226

Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-298

Exams on messaging: Both required

Exam number

Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Exam 70-284

Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

Exam 70-285

MCSE Security on Windows Server 2003

To earn the MCSE Security on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass eight exams (in any order):

  • Four exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • One exam on design

  • Two exams on security specialization

Note Many exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on networking systems: All required

Exam number

Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-290

Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-291

Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-293

Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Exam 70-294

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Exam 70-620

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-270

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-210

Exam on design: Required

Exam number

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-298

Exams on security: Choose two

Exam number

Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-299

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-227

Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004

Exam 70-350

TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring

Exam 70-351

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications

CompTIA

MCSE Messaging on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

To earn the MCSE Messaging on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification, you must pass seven exams (in any order):

  • Three exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • One exam on design

  • Two exams on messaging specialization

Note Many exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on networking systems: All required

Exam number

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-215

Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-216

Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-217

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Exam 70-620

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-270

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-210

Exams on design: Choose one

Exam number

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-219

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-220

Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-221

Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-226

Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-298

Exams on messaging: Choose one set

Exam number

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server

and

Designing and Deploying a Messaging Infrastructure with Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server

Note These exams are retired, but if you already passed them, you can apply them toward this certification.

Exam 70-224

Exam 70-225

Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

and

Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

Exam 70-284

Exam 70-285

MCSE Security on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

To earn the MCSE Security on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification, you must pass seven exams (in any order):

  • Three exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • One exam on design

  • Two exams on security specialization

Note Many exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on networking systems: All required

Exam number

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-215

Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-216

Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-217

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

Exam 70-620

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-270

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-210

Exams on design: Choose one

Exam number

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-220

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-298

Exams on security: Choose two

Exam number

Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-214

Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-227

Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-299

Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004

Exam 70-350

TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring

Exam 70-351

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications

CompTIA

Upgrade Paths

Upgrade to MCTS on Windows Server 2008

If you have the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you only need to pass one exam to earn all three Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) on Windows Server 2008 certifications.

Current certification

Certification goals

Required exam

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

and

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

and

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration

Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Upgrade to MCITP on Windows Server 2008

After you have earned the MCTS certifications by following the upgrade path shown in the preceding table, you will have completed several requirements for earning two Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications on Windows Server 2008.

Note Multiple required exams can be taken in any order.

Current certifications

Certification goal

Required exam

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration

MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

Current certifications

Certification goal

Required exams

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Choose one:

Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

or

Exam 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

and

Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

Upgrade to MCSE on Windows Server 2003

If you have the MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification or the MCSE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 certification, use the following upgrade paths to earn the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification.

Note Multiple required exams can be taken in any order.

Current certification

Certification goal

Required exams

MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-296: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

MCSE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Note This requirement is waived if you have already passed Exam 70-210 or Exam 70-270.

Choose one of the following design exams:

Exam 70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Upgrade to MCSE on Windows Server 2003

If you have the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2003 Server certification, use the following upgrade path to earn the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification.

Note Multiple required exams can be taken in any order.

Current certification

Certification goal

Required exams

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.)

Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

 

Choose one of the following design exams:

Note This requirement is waived if you have already passed a design exam on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.

Exam 70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (Note This exam can be used to satisfy either the design requirement or the elective requirement—not both.)

Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network (Note This exam can be used to satisfy either the design requirement or the elective requirement—not both.)

Exam 70-219: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.)

Exam 70-220: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.)

Exam 70-221: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.)

Exam 70-226: Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.)

 

Choose one of the following elective exams:

Note This requirement is waived if you have already earned the MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification or the MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification.

Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements)

Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements)

Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements)

Exam 70-229: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements)

Exam 70-232: Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000 (Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.)

Exam 70-282: Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business

Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 (Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements)

Exam 70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (Note This exam can be used to satisfy either the design requirement or the elective requirement—not both.)

Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network (Note This exam can be used to satisfy either the design requirement or the elective requirement—not both.)

Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network (Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements)

CompTIA Security+: Note CompTIA Security+ certification satisfies both the MCSE elective requirement and an MCSE Security specialization requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Q.  What is the difference between a certification and a specialization?

A.

A certification validates competency in a specific job role. A specialization validates job-role competency in a specific technical area. Specializations enable individuals who currently have or who are seeking certifications to highlight their focus in a specific field.

Q.  Are MCSE specializations more advanced than the MCSE certification?

A.

No. A specialization provides a way for candidates to show a hiring manager that they focus on a specific technical area. However, the job role proficiency that the certification validates is the same for an MCSE with or without a specialization.

Q.  Which specializations are available?

A.

Messaging and Security specializations are available on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.

Q.  Can an exam satisfy both the MCSE elective requirement and a specialization requirement?

A.

Yes. If you have already taken a specialization requirement to satisfy your MCSE elective requirement, you are one step closer to achieving your specialization.

Q.  Is there an MCSE credential on Windows Server 2008?

A.

No. In response to customer requests for certifications that are more targeted and up-to-date, we offer Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Server Administrator and MCITP Enterprise Administrator.

Q.  Does MCSE equate to MCITP: Server Administrator?

A.

No, not exactly. The MCITP on Windows Server 2008 requires a new skill set—in some cases, a more robust one—that differs from the skill sets needed for MCSE certifications. MCITP: Enterprise Administrator maps to an actual job role profile, whereas the MCSE certification does not. The latter combines technology and job skills.

Q.  Are the MCTS and MCITP certifications replacing the MCSE and MCSA credentials?

A.

No. The MCSE and MCSA certifications are not being replaced. There is no change to the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 tracks and certifications. The MCTS and MCITP certifications are for Windows Server 2008.

Q.  Does my MCSE credential expire?

A.

No. Your certifications and specializations will hold their value in the marketplace as long as there is a need for IT professionals with skills in working with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. The Windows Server 2008 certifications are intended for IT professionals who are using or will be using Windows Server 2008; there is no requirement to upgrade to them.

Still have questions? Try one of the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) pages.

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