The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification is the globally accepted endorsement of a professional’s expertise in certain core areas of the IT industry, namely, design, deployment and implementation of Microsoft infrastructure solutions.

This expertise equips the certificate holders to analyse business requirements and problems, and design the infrastructure to generate business solutions on the Microsoft Windows 2000 (and advanced platforms), and the Microsoft Windows Server System. In addition, the professional is equipped to install, configure, and troubleshoot network systems.
In the IT industry, MCSE certified professionals qualify for appointment as Network Engineer, Network Analyst, Network Architect, System Administrator, Server Administrator, Tech Support Engineer, IT Consultant, IT Manager and other responsible
Because of its unique testing and appraisal method, the MCSE is taken as a testimony of “proved-competence” in the industry. The candidate has to pass through an exacting set of performance-based tests to earn the certification, with entry to the tests being given to those who have at least 1 year’s experience in implementing and administering a network operating system, and also possess troubleshooting skills acquired on-the-job. The tests require the candidate to solve problems and accomplish tasks in a simulated workplace condition, which helps in accurate assessment of the candidate’s knowledge and skills, plus response time, and confidence level. No wonder then that an MCSE candidate gets hired without much ado as his certification obviates the need for the recruiting firm to put him through further assessment tests.
A candidate for MCSE certification is required to take four networking exams, plus a client operating system exam, a design exam, and an elective exam. The topics covered include, “Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment,” “Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional,” and, “Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network.” The course content and the tests are upgraded regularly in keeping with the pace of technological advances and matching requirements in the industry.
In addition to the regular MCSE certification, Microsoft offers another set of exams for endorsing two areas of specialization, namely, MCSE: Security, and MCSE: Messaging. These certifications too demand “on-the-job performance” by the candidates who are also required to solve problems and accomplish tasks in a simulated workplace environment. The MCSE Messaging certification qualifies the candidate for the position of a Systems Engineer which requires capability to design, plan and implement an exchange infrastructure on the Windows operating system. For taking the MCSE Messaging exam, the candidate needs to have two years experience in implementing and administering desktop and network operating systems, and designing network infrastructure in a simulated environment of a medium-to-large organisation. In addition, he has to have at least one year’s experience in administering an Exchange Server environment with units located in different places, having diverse connection protocols, and Internet messaging.
The MCSE Security specialization calls for comprehensive knowledge and skills related to Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 security. Microsoft holds elective exams to test the candidate on his security skills on these platforms. A candidate who has obtained MCSE Security certification is also equipped to handle Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition, besides being qualified to attempt the Computer Technology Industry Association’s CompTIA Security + certification exam.
Specialization is always advantageous for the IT professional. And the industry too welcomes it. By specializing in any technical field of the IT spectrum, the professional gets to excel in the chosen field, besides distinguishing himself from those who have the broad MCSE certification. The industry welcomes a candidate with specialization in a chosen area because it is always easier to match him or her closely with a technical job slot. With more and more MCSE certified professionals coming into the job market, the task of hiring a person for a specialized field thus becomes easier for the industry as it can readily identify the candidate for the available job, and save precious time and effort. But it should be borne in mind that despite Microsoft offering the specialized MCSE certification, the value of the regular MCSE certification is not diminished in any way. The MCSE continues to be regarded as the ultimate credential of a professional’s high competence.
In addition to the Messaging and Security specialization in the MCSE, Microsoft offers two other certificates: The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), and the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) which are qualifications that the industry accepts as suitable for customer-service workers and administrators respectively. Candidates without the required experience can consider these two certificates as opportunities for acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for attempting the tougher MCSE certification exams which focus on experienced IT professionals with expertise in designing and implementing Microsoft solutions.