Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
IT professionals seeking recognition as proficient in the realm of Microsoft technologies will almost certainly want to consider obtaining the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credential. MCSE credential holders are recognized industry-wide as possessing the technical skills, expertise, and knowledge necessary to perform complex roles using Microsoft technologies. Employersdepend on MCSE professionals to solve difficult problems requiring innovative resolutions, design systems and complex solutions, build and deploy, as well as operate and maintain Microsoft based systems, and optimize technology performance.
As with the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), the MCSE comes in various certification flavors, all designed to meet the demanding requirements facing advanced level Microsoft professionals in today’s every changing technology environment. Current MCSE certification paths include:
- MCSE: Server Infrastructure,
- MSCE: Desktop Infrastructure,
- MCSE: Private Cloud,
- MCSE: Data Platform,
- MCSE: Business Intelligence,
- MCSE: Messaging,
- MCSE: Communication,
- MCSE: SharePoint.
An advanced credential, the MCSE builds on the foundational skills developed at the MCSA certification level. In addition to earning a preliminary MCSA (which takes 2 or 3 exams depending on subject matter), MCSE credential seekers must also pass two or more additional exams relating to their area of expertise and focus. Including MCSA pre-requisites, MCSE candidates take five exams to earn that credential (but the same MCSA can be a pre-requisite for multiple MCSEs such as, for example, the Server and Desktop Infrastructure MCSE, both of which take the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 as a three-exam pre-requisite). In most instances, exams cost $150 USD each.
The MCSE offers credential holders numerous benefits -- recognition from peers, establishment as an expert in Microsoft technology, prestige, and validation of technical skills and knowledge. In addition, the MCSE (and MCSA) credentials have real life benefits in terms of earning potential and the access for new jobs or promotions, given especially the name recognition for those certifications thanks to the period from 1994 until 2003 when they enjoyed a previous incarnation amidst the many Microsoft certification programs.
Required Courses: Prerequisite courses are not generally required, but a relevant MCSA is. The MCSE requirements list all necessary exams, however, including items that combine to earn the MCSA.
Required Exams: All current MCSEs require candidates to pass 5 exams in total, including MCSA requirements. Because all the relevant MCSAs that lead to MCSE require three exams, MCSE candidates must take two additional exams to earn that credential, beyond the three required for the relevant MCSA.
Exam Costs: Microsoft exams typically cost USD$150. Prices may vary based on the specific geography and in some instances, taxes may apply.
MCSE Study Materials: The Microsoft Learning Page has numerous resources available by specialization area including books, exams, online courses, classroom training, and recommended Learning Plans. For more information on self-study, visit Microsoft Learning.
IT professionals seeking recognition as proficient in the realm of Microsoft technologies will almost certainly want to consider obtaining the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credential. MCSE credential holders are recognized industry-wide as possessing the technical skills, expertise, and knowledge necessary to perform complex roles using Microsoft technologies. Employersdepend on MCSE professionals to solve difficult problems requiring innovative resolutions, design systems and complex solutions, build and deploy, as well as operate and maintain Microsoft based systems, and optimize technology performance.
The MCSE offers credential holders numerous benefits -- recognition from peers, establishment as an expert in Microsoft technology, prestige, and validation of technical skills and knowledge. In addition, the MCSE (and MCSA) credentials have real life benefits in terms of earning potential and the access for new jobs or promotions, given especially the name recognition for those certifications thanks to the period from 1994 until 2003 when they enjoyed a previous incarnation amidst the many Microsoft certification programs.