The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certification is the premier credential for technical professionals who analyze the business requirements and design and implement the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 platform and Microsoft server software. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

By earning the premier MCSE credential, individuals are demonstrating that they have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of the most advanced Microsoft Windows platform and Microsoft server products.

The MCSE Certification is geared toward systems analysts, network analysts, technical support engineers, systems engineers, and technical consultants. The Windows 2000 track of the MCSE credential is designed for IT professionals working in the typically complex computing environment of medium to large organizations.

An MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience implementing and administering a network operating system in environments with the following characteristics:

• 200 to 26,000 supported users
• 5 to 150 physical locations
• Typical network services and applications including file and print, database, messaging, proxy server or firewall, dial-in server, desktop management, and Web hosting
• Connectivity needs including connecting individual offices and users at remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet
• In addition, an MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience in implementing and administering a desktop operating system and designing a network infrastructure.

By passing your MCSE Certification exam, you are certified to design and implement infrastructure systems using the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform and Microsoft server software, based on your analysis of business needs. You are able to install, configure, and troubleshoot network systems.

Unless you hold a MCSE Certification in Windows NT 4.0, you must take five core exams and choose two elective exams. If you have already passed the three Windows NT 4.0 exams, you may take two core exams (one of which replaces four of the five core exams) and two elective exams. Microsoft has retired the Windows NT 4.0 Certification, so even if you hold an MCSE in Windows NT 4.0, you must maintain your certification before the end of 2001 by passing the Windows 2000 requirements. Microsoft also plans to offer exams in Windows XP Professional and Windows .NET Server later in 2001.