MCP and MCSE certifications
aren't considered a big deal to some
professionals in the industry, but employers do look for it. Here is
some
information on how to get MCP and MCSE Certified.
1. Decide your path.
For MCP's, you only need to pass one of the exams listed at
the link below:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcp/requirements.asp
You can apply one of your MCP tests toward your MCSE. The requirements
foran
MCSE are listed below:
For Windows 2003 MCSE Track:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/
For Windows 2000 MCSE Track:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/requirements.asp
2. There are 2 main ways to prepare for the MCP and MCSE
exams.
a. Purchase books with examples and exercises.
b. Purchase a spot in a "boot camp" or training
class.
If you have little or no experience with Windows administration
experience, I
would strongly suggest purchasing books, and following the exercises at
your own
pace.
Boot camps are considered to be useful for people with some experience
already,
and they basically throw you through the training and cover the main
topics.
There are training options for beginners. However, I've seen
many
inexperienced people waste their money on training because it was too
fast
paced for them.
3. Top off your knowledge with brain dumps and test exams.
The internet is loaded with MCP and MCSE brain dumps that hit on
the main points of the exams.
Test exams are the most helpful. Trancender makes the best MCP and
MCSE practice tests. You can get more information at
http://www.transcender.com/
4. Take the exam.
If you have done the above, you are ready for the exam. You can sign up
and find
MCP and MCSE testing centers using the links below:
http://www.vue.com/
http://www.2test.com
Microsoft will send you certificates and a card for your MCP or MCSE
achievement.
Carry it with you on job interviews because some companies ask to see
it. Don't
carry it around otherwise, because most people will think you're a geek
if you
do. Now you're ready to get a nice systems administrator job.
