How Do I Earn a MCSE Certification?

<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutMCSECertification">Important Facts About MCSE Certification</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Common Exam Topics </td><td> Configuring and supporting Windows, <br/> Windows server installation and configuration, <br/> Microsoft SQL Server database development, <br/> Database management</td></tr> <tr><td>Potential Benefits </td><td> Higher salaries and career advancement; a few certifications can lead to college credit</td></tr> <tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Recertification by exam required every three years</td></tr> <tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Information technology manager, network engineer, systems administrator</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $80,600 (<i>for all network and computer systems administrators</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 3% growth (<i>for all network and computer systems administrators</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>IT professionals seeking MCSE certification must pass five exams containing between 40 and 60 questions and lasting no more than four hours apiece. A directory of testing centers and exam scheduling services are available through Prometric, the testing service that administers Microsoft's certification exams. </p><p>The first three exams can be completed en route to the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) credential. These will focus on the installation and administration of either Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012. You must then pass an additional two exams focusing on your specialty area. These could require you to demonstrate your ability to: </p><ul><li>Design advanced server infrastructure </li><li>Implement desktop infrastructure and application environments </li><li>Monitor, configure and deploy a private cloud </li><li>Develop databases and implement data models </li><li>Design database and business intelligence solutions </li><li>Develop messaging solutions </li><li>Configure enterprise voice and online services </li></ul><h3 id="section---PrerequisitesAndTrainingRecommendations">Prerequisites and Training Recommendations</h3><p>MCSE candidates should have up to two years of related work experience before attempting to take the certification exams. If you're just starting out, you might consider pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in such fields as information technology, networking or computer information systems. These programs can introduce you to the hardware, software, programming languages and troubleshooting techniques used by IT professionals. In some cases, these degree programs also incorporate MCSE training into their curricula so you'll be ready to sit for certification exams upon graduation. </p><p>If you already have some training or work experience, you might consider enrolling in instructor-led classes offered in conjunction with one of Microsoft's learning partners. These can include community colleges, universities and computer training schools that feature certificate programs or individual courses. Microsoft also offers short training videos through its Virtual Academy, and certification candidates can check the skills measured by each exam on Microsoft's website to see if they're proficient in the areas tested.</p>