Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) is rated highly among the notable Microsoft certifications for IT candidates. It is a 2-5 months program where aspirants learn about the Microsoft Windows operating system, networking, related desktop systems, and Microsoft back-office products. Microsoft offers a large number of certifications, forming a pyramid.
At the foundation of Microsoft Certification’s pyramid, the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is there. Above it, you’ll find Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification. On top of MCSA, there is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification. The Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification is on the top of Microsoft’s pyramid.
Many aspirants think about which exam to give first to pursue the Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification. Microsoft offers five different certifications under the MCSE — Business Applications, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, Productivity, Mobility, and Data Management and Analytics.
What should be the first exam for Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification?
This question has different answers, depending on candidates or IT professionals. The answer entirely depends on the candidates’ experiences in the IT domain. The first exam for a novice candidate in the IT domain is altogether different from the candidate having some hands-on work experience. If you wish to learn and understand the IT field, you can try learning various concepts, like subnetting, confusing nomenclature, etc.
Learning some fundamental IT concepts will help novice candidates pass difficult high-level tests. The most primary and significant test that every candidate, a novice or an experienced, has to pass is the nervousness test. One of the old tests, Networking Essentials NT4 70-058, is obsolete. It was the perfect starter test for novice candidates since it covered the fundamentals of networking.
As this exam is now obsolete, what are other options available for candidates who are new in the IT domain? If you desire to pursue the Microsoft Certified Systems Administration (MCSA) certification, there are two exams that you need to give:
- CompTIA A+ exam
- CompTIA Network+ exam or CompTIA Security+ exam
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ are the best starter exams to give for the fresher candidates in the IT field. These two exams are conducted to evaluate the basic knowledge of IT. The problem is, Microsoft does not offer the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ examinations, and the exam Networking Essentials NT4 70-058 is no longer available today.
Which exam to give first before pursuing the Microsoft MCSE certification? It is essential for any new candidate in the IT domain to understand fundamental IT concepts for pursuing the MCSE course certification. There is no scope for design exams for new candidates, as they require deep background knowledge and understanding. The same is the case with networking and infrastructure examinations. These exams also need in-depth background knowledge.
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291) and Managing and Marinating a Windows Server 2003 Environment (70-290) are the only options you are left with. With the 70-291 examination, you can pursue Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification and Microsoft Certified System Associate certification. If you select the MCSE certification path, you can choose 70-290 and 70-291 examinations.
The Managing and Marinating a Windows Server 2003 Environment (70-290) examination consists of 50 to 60 questions with 90 minutes time duration. It follows a linear format and is a computer-based online test. This examination contains questions of various forms:
- Multiple Choice with a single answer
- Multiple Choice with multiple answers
- Fill in the blanks
- Simulation
- Exhibit-based
The Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291) examination has the same format as the 70-290 exam. Both these examinations have total marks graded between 100 to 1000. Candidates should score a minimum of 700 passing marks in both examinations.
Eligibility criteria and cost of Microsoft MCSE certification
Applicants wishing to pursue the Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification must complete their higher secondary certificate (HSC) or +2 in the science stream from a recognised board. Additionally, applicants must possess an MCSA certificate to appear for the Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification examination. The MCSE certification cost varies depending upon the above five courses and different examinations. The training fees also vary according to the institution type.
If you are a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, you get multiple open job opportunities in various IT industries. It is a global certification that will help individuals in their promotions and high-pay out jobs.
Also Read: What are the Benefits and Types of Earning a MCSE Certification?
Conclusion
Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification is one of the trusted and prestigious certifications for IT candidates. If you are an IT candidate, you can opt for any one of the five MCSE certifications. For new IT candidates, Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291) and Managing and Marinating a Windows Server 2003 Environment (70-290) examinations should be their first exam before pursuing the Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification.
