The strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market today indicates that demand for related IT expertise will continue for years to come. The best way to demonstrate your expert skills on Windows Server 2003—and to inspire confidence in a hiring manager, your team, and yourself—is by earning the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credentials.
In addition, if you are certified on Windows Server 2003, you have an efficient path to the Windows Server 2008 certifications.
This MCSE credential verifies your ability to analyze the business requirements for information systems solutions, and to design and implement the messaging infrastructure based on Windows Server 2003.
Candidates for the MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2003 certification typically have at least one year of experience implementing and administering both network and client operating systems. They are knowledgeable about the planning, design, and implementation of Microsoft Windows messaging solutions in mid-sized to large companies.
Related job titles: systems engineer, network engineer, systems analyst, network analyst, or technical consultant
To earn your MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass eight exams:
| • | Four core exams on networking systems |
| • | One core exam on client operating systems |
| • | One design exam |
| • | Two messaging specialization exams |
The MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2003 certification will not retire.
| Core exams on networking systems (all are required) | |
Exam 70-2901 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment |
Exam 70-2911 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure |
Exam 70-2931 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure |
Exam 70-2941 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure |
| Core exams on client operating systems (choose one) | |
Exam 70-620 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-620: TS: Windows Vista, Configuring |
Exam 70-270 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional |
Exam 70-2102, 3 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional |
| Design exams (choose one) | |
Exam 70-2975 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure |
Exam 70-2985 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network |
| Messaging exams (both are required) | |
Exam 70-2844 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 |
Exam 70-2854 | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-285: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization |
1 Candidates who hold an MCSA or an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server credential can take Exam 70-292 in place of Exams 70-290 and 70-291. In addition, candidates who hold an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server credential can take Exam 70-296 in place of Exams 70-293 and 70-294. Exams 70-292 and 70-296 retire in March 2008.
| • | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-292 |
| • | Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-296 |
2 This exam retires in March 2008.
3 Candidates who passed Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Exams 70-067, 70-068, and 70-073 had the option of taking the comprehensive Exam 70-240: Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. By passing this exam, candidates met the following exam requirements: Exam 70-210, 70-215, 70-216, and 70-217. Exam 70-240 is no longer available.
4 Exams 70-236, 70-237, and 70-238 on Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 cannot be used as credit toward this messaging credential.
| • | Learn about Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 |
5 Candidates can also take Exam 70-219, Exam 70-220, Exam 70-221, or Exam 70-226 to satisfy the Design exam requirement.