An MCSE certification validates your knowledge and expertise in analyzing business networks, troubleshooting network problems as well as installing and configuring different network components. A lot of network administration professions usually require or prefer their employees to be MCSE certified.

Getting an MCSE certification comes with a level of difficulty. To increase your chances of passing the MCSE certification, you will need a good deal of focused studying and hard work for it. You can get into an MCSE training program, take Microsoft practice tests or refer to study guides approved by the MCP.

Here are some tips that you can follow to help you ace the MCSE certification exams. For one, you need to review the various core exams and electives offered in the Windows 2000 track to know the skills every exam tests. Keep in mind that Microsoft will soon phase out Windows NT 3.51 and NT 4.0 tracks, making the Windows 2000 track the most preferred option to take. 

Identify the exams you like to take as well as the skills you want to acquire. Remember that you will need to successfully pass five core tests and two electives to become MCSE certified.

Also, to become certified, it is a requisite to take four core exams namely Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional; Exam 70-215: Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server; Exam 70-216: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure; and Exam 70-217: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure. To complete the five core exams you will need to take, you can then choose one more core exam that best reflects a skill that you already have or want to acquire. You may choose a core exam that deals with network security, directory services or network infrastructures. 

For the elective exams, you can choose two options in the Windows 2000 track. These options cover three optional core tests and one additional test that deals with upgrading Windows 2000 from Windows NT 4.0. Keep in mind that tests that are listed as core and elective are counted only once.

Also, choose a training or preparation service approved by Microsoft. There are self-study or classroom options that are available for you to choose from. Moreover, you can take a practice test approved by Microsoft for your skills assessment. Practice tests are available through Microsoft. Choose the tests you like to take and finish them.

Keep in mind that an MCSE certification leans towards Windows 2000 since it validates administrators for bigger networks that can cover over 200 users. Windows 2000 is formerly known as Windows NT. Moreover, there are also other available certification options for desktop operating systems such as Windows 98.

Furthermore, as recommended by Microsoft, it is recommended that Windows 2000 MCSE aspirants have at least one year experience in implementing and administering a network operating system before taking the certification. If, however, you do not have an experience yet, you need to take hands-on classes, which are offered in a community college or in a university extension program.

Meanwhile, if you have already passed at least three Windows NT 4.0 certification tests, you can proceed to taking the Exam 70-240 or Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs to replace the four core tests. In addition, if you have a network certification through another entity, you may still be able to use such certification as substitute for one of the elective tests. This, however, depends whether Microsoft finds this certification acceptable or not.

With good planning and careful planning, you can succeed at passing the MCSE test and be on your way to becoming an MCSE certified professional!