The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE, is the precursor to the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification. Whereas the MCITP covers newer technologies, like Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Windows Server 2008, or MIcrosoft SQL Server 2008, the MCSE certification covers Windows Server 2003-based systems. In the Microsoft Certification framework, it fits within the Professional series, which demonstrates skillsets needed for broader job functions.

This article will discuss the two Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certifications as well as the prerequisites and requirements for each.

MCSE Certifications

You can be certified on two separate technologies – Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server. The experience requirements are the same for both, one to two years of experience in the design, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of network systems, but the exams vary slightly.

Windows Server 2003: The certification requires seven exams – four on networking systems, one on client operating systems, one on design, and an elective exam. There are only four networking systems exams to choose from:

• 70-290 – Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
• 70-291 – Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• 70-293 – Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• 70-294 – Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

For the client operating system you have the choice of four – Windows 7 (70-680), Windows Vista (70-620), Windows XP Professional (70-270), and Windows 2000 Professional (70-210). As of this writing the 70-210 Windows 2000 Professional exam is no longer available but if you passed it, you can apply it towards the certification.

For the design exam, you have a choice of four – Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (70-297), Windows Server 200 Network (70-298), or Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization (70-285).

Finally, of the electives you have one of a few dozen to choose from, far too many to enumerate here. Remember, you must satisfy all these conditions before the certification will be granted.

Windows 2000 Server: For the Windows 2000 Server certification, there are again seven exams but one networking systems exam has been replaced by an elective. It is worth noting that all three networking exams have been retired, so you cannot get this certification unless you already passed all three exams. The three networking systems exams are:

• 70-215 – Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• 70-216 – Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
• 70-217 – Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure

I’ll skip the other requirements as anyone without all three of the networking systems exams will be unable to completely the requirements of this certification. If you have satisfied the above three and are missing exams on client OS, design, or the two electives, you can review this list to see what you need to complete it.

It is important to know that support for Windows Server 2003 will end on July 13, 2010 and that Microsoft Windows 2000 Server will reach the end of its lifecycle on July 13, 2010. This is why so many of the exams for the Windows 2000 Server MCSE certification have been retired, Windows 2000 Server will no longer be supported.

If you want to learn more, here is Microsoft’s description of the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification.