In-Depth

MCSE Specializations

Systems engineer premier specialist titles for those whose job roles focus on messaging, security.

Microsoft introduced two new specializations for its Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer title, developed as a result of job task analysis surveys it conducts frequently with customers. The specializations have similar requirements to the MCSE, but Microsoft offers a recommended (what it calls "prescribed") path to achieving these specialist titles based on job role.

Currently Microsoft offers two specializations, Security and Messaging, for both Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 versions of the title as shown in the following tables:

MCSE: Security
Windows 2000 Windows 2003
Core: Client (Pass 1)

70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows 2000 Professional

70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional
Core: Networking
(Pass 3)
(Pass 4)
70-215: Installing, Configuring, Administering Windows 2000 Server
70–290: Managing, Maintaining Windows Server 2003
70–216: Implementing and Administering a Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
70–291: Implementing, Managing, Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network
70–217: Implementing and Administering a Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure 70–293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
70–294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
Security: Design (Pass 1)
70-220: Designing Security for a Windows 2000 Network 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
Security Specialization: Core (Pass 2)

70-214: Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows 2000 Network

70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network

70-227: Internet and Security Acceleration
Server 2000
or
SY0-101: CompTIA Security+

 

MCSE: Messaging
Windows 2000 Windows 2003
Core: Client (Pass 1)

70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows 2000 Professional

70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional
Core: Networking
(Pass 3)
(Pass 4)
70-215: Installing, Configuring, Administering Windows 2000 Server
70–290: Managing, Maintaining Windows Server 2003
70–216: Implementing and Administering a Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
70–291: Implementing, Managing, Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network
70–217: Implementing and Administering a Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure 70–293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
70–294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
Core: Design (Pass 1)
70-219: Designing a Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure  
70-220: Designing Security for a Windows 2000 Network
70-221: Designing a Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
70-226: Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Windows 2000 Server
70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
Messaging Specialization (Pass 2)

70-224: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Exchange 2000 Server
AND
70-225: Designing and Deploying a Messaging Infrastructure with Exchange 2000 Server

 

70-284: Implementing and Managing Exchange Server 2003
AND
Exam 70-285: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

The paths are direct upgrades from the MCSA versions of these titles, so keep in mind which OS version in your planning.

For more about specializations, see "" and "New MCP Titles Highlight Exchange Expertise" and "Microsoft Announces New Version of Security Specialist Titles" in the News archive.

For the official guides:

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