Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is the prevailing mid-range Microsoft certification that covers most administrative job roles, including systems administration at both the desktop and server levels, as well as more specialized job roles that include Private Cloud, Data Platform and Business Intelligence (SQL Server), Messaging (Exchange Server), Communication (Lync Server) and SharePoint.
But the brightest lights in this group for networking content are those that address Windows Server for desktop infrastructure, server infrastructure and private cloud topics. These credentials don’t specifically use “network administrator” in their descriptions and nomenclature, and they do fall under systems administration headings. But because there’s so much networking involved in modern server administration the MCSE ranks as one of the top networking certifications you can achieve today.
Beyond the MCSE (and underlying Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or MCSA), Microsoft also offers its Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) credential. While not required to obtain the MCSA or MCSE certifications, the MTA is an entry point into the Microsoft certification towers for those seeking to validate their core knowledge in IT fundamentals. The MTA offers Server, Desktop, Applications, Database and Developer certification tracks.
Table 1: MCSE Facts & Figures
Certification Name
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) tracks:
– MCSE: Server Infrastructure
– MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure
– MCSE: Private Cloud
Prerequisites/Required Courses
- No required courses. The the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification is a prerequisite (three exams: 70-410, 70-411 and 70-412).
Number of Exams
MCSE: Server Infrastructure:
– Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
– Exam 70-414: Implementing and Advanced Server InfrastructureMCSE: Desktop Infrastructure:
– Exam 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure
– Exam 70-416: Implementing Desktop Application EnvironmentsMCSE: Private Cloud:
– Exam 70-246: Monitoring & Operating a Private Cloud with System Center
– Exam 70-247: Configuring & Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center
Cost per Exam
- $150 USD per exam; prices vary by location.
URL
Self-Study Materials
- Practice tests, self-paced training, distance learning, books, online resources, recommended learning plans and more available at Microsoft Learning:www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/exam.aspx#tab2
