Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

MCSE Certification

Course Details

If you already have some experience administering client and network operating systems, this course is ideal. Equally, it offers a progression pathway from CompTIA and MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) certifications. Gaining this MCSE certification shows you know how to manage and troubleshoot system environments successfully. It can help inspire confidence in potential employers and advance your career.

The course curriculum covers a wide range of Windows Server 2003 skills, including planning and maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure; implementing and maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure; and Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network.

*Please note - as a pre-requisite to starting this course you should have 6 - 12 months experience in administering client and network operating systems.

Qualifications

This course offers two Microsoft qualifications - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). This makes it ideal if you want to become an IT Systems Administrator and/or IT Systems Engineer.

However, If you have already attained the (MCSA) qualification, you can just study for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) level.

These are industry recognised qualifications that prove you have the skills employers are searching for to manage their Windows operating system.

To take the MCSE course you must first earn MCSA certification by passing three core exams and one elective exam as shown below:

• Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (Core networking systems exam)
• Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (Core networking systems exam)
• Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (Core Operating Systems exam)
• Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (Elective exam) 

Study Plan

Your course material will cover a wide variety of topics and subjects.

Your MCSE course is split into seven modules and comprises 28 books. The first four modules lead to MCSA certification so will not be applicable if you already have MCSA certification. Some of the topics covered by the 3 top-up modules leading to MCSE certification are shown below:

• Windows Server 2003 network planning
• Planning a DNS strategy
• Planning and managing IPSec
• Name resolution and DNS
• Active Directory authentication and security
• Managing users, groups, computers and resources
• Designing a secure Public Key Infrastructure
• Securing Internet Information Services
• Securing VPN and extranet communications

Study Details

During your course you will be given assignments to complete.  The number of assignments set will depend on whether you are studying for both the MCSA and MCSE qualifications or just the MCSE qualification.  The assignments are designed to let you demonstrate what you have learnt so far.  You are provided with your own personal tutor for the duration of your studies.  Your personal tutor will use the assignments to aseess your progress and provide you with feedback.

Once you have attained MCSA status and completed the 3 modules for the MCSE course you will be in a position to sit the following 3 MCSE online exams at a local test centre:

• Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (Core networking systems exam)
• Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (Core networking systems exam)
• Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (Core Design exam)

It should take the average student approximately 280 hours of study time to complete the course.

Careers

At the end of your Home Learning College course, and with the qualification you want under your belt, the door to a new career is close at hand.

With this course you will be able to apply for jobs as an IT Engineer, with a salary of up to £40,766* per annum.

*Source: IT Jobs Watch - 2009