When preparing for your Microsoft certification, it's important to understand the entire set of requirements dealing with MCSE. A basic understanding of the core requirements for the certification test helps you to get a broader sense of the exam material, as well as assist in your study pace.

Microsoft continuously updates its product sets, providing an opportunity to earn certifications on its Windows Server 2000, 2003 and 2008 products. Most companies and businesses run on a variety of server formats, so it's very important to get the most general certification as possible. Check with your current or prospective employer to ensure you are studying for the proper exam. As many IT departments are preparing to upgrade to the forthcoming Windows Server 2008 technology, developing a complete MCSE study plan is important.

An ideal starting point is to earn a Sever 2000 certification first. This gives you a solid foundation to then take any future exams. In order to earn your MCSE for Windows 2000, you need at least one year of network administration, and then pass seven exams. The first set covers core materials on networking systems, followed by a core exam on client operating systems and another on core design.

To proceed in your certification, you are required to pass each of the core exams, and then select from two elective tests. You can choose from several related options for each of the operating systems, design and elective exams, while the core networking system exams are all prerequisites for the full set of tests. The core exams cover installation, configuring and administration of the server infrastructure.

The majority of companies rely upon the 2003 Servers as their core Information Technology infrastructure. Microsoft has worked to develop a clear path from the 2003 to 2008 certification. Similar to the 2000 Server exam, a candidate for an MCSE on the 2003 Server should have a year of network administration. The exam structure consists of seven tests, but extends the core requirements to four network systems tests and only a single elective exams. The elective options cover a wide range of Microsoft products from SQL servers to Exchange Servers and Share Point, allowing you to focus your elective exam efforts on your core skill set.

While previously someone would follow a transition path from Windows 2000 to 2003 certification, those certifications were retired. If you now hold a 2003 certification, then you only are required to take a single upgrade exam to earn an MCTS certification.