Credentials: MCSE

SAN MATEO (02/28/2000) - The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is one of the most popular IT certifications. It focuses on planning, implementing, and supporting systems using the Windows NT Server and Microsoft Corp. BackOffice.

The basics

Who offers it:

Testing is done by Sylvan Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises. Many courses and self-study packages will help prepare you for the exams.

Requirements:

Initial - Pass four core exams and two elective exams.

Ongoing - If an exam you take is "retired," you must pass a replacement exam.

Cost:

Exams - $100 each. Cost of courses and self-study materials varies widely.

Percent of IT professionals whose companies offer tuition reimbursement: 76.7 percentSample exam topics:

Implementing and administering a Windows 2000 directory services infrastructureInstalling, configuring, and administering Windows 2000 ServerUpgrading from Windows NT to Windows 2000Vital statisticsWho has one:

Number of MCSEs - 165,000

Percent of IT professionals reported holding any certification:

Senior management - 17.5 percent

Middle management - 26.2 percent

Staff - 19.8 percent

Percent of IT professionals who reported holding MCSE:

Senior management - 3.9 percent

Middle management - 8.5 percent

Staff - 6.4 percent

History:

Year certification was established: 1994Web resourcesMicrosoft Certified Professional Program: www.microsoft.com/mcpMicrosoft offers information on all its certification programs.

InfoWorld Special Report on Education and Certification: http://archive.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayCareers.pl?990920ed-cert1.htmThis report includes a directory of IT certifications, as well as general advice on how continuing education can help your career.

Sources: 1999 InfoWorld Compensation Survey, Microsoft.

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