MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Certification Requirements
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) candidates on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 track are required to pass seven exams or the equivalent that include the following:

Core Exams (5 Exams Required)
Four operating system exams. Candidates must pass one exam from each set of operating system exams—client operating system and networking system—in the table that follows. One design exam. Candidates must pass one exam that provides proof of expertise for design skills for specific Microsoft server technologies.

Elective Exams (2 Exams Required)
The elective exams provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise in solution design and implementation. MCSE candidates should also have at least one year of experience implementing and administering a network operating system, implementing and administering a client operating system, and designing a network infrastructure. Individuals who earned the MCSE certification on Windows NT® 4.0 by February 28, 2001 remain certified. To learn more about changes in the certification policy, see the Microsoft Enhances Its Certification Program page.



MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Certification Requirements
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) candidates on the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 track are required to satisfy the following requirements:

Core Exams (6 Exams Required)
Four networking system exams
One client operating system exam
One design exam

Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)
Together with the core exams, the elective exams provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise in solution design and implementation. MCSE candidates should also have at least one year of experience implementing and administering network operating systems and desktop operating systems.

Upgrade Exams (2 Exams Required)
Microsoft has designed an upgrade path that will enable a current MCSE to earn the Windows Server 2003 credential in a time- and cost-effective manner.

For more information about the Windows Server 2003 exams, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

The following tables list Official Microsoft Learning Products and Microsoft Press books designed to help MCSE candidates prepare for the required exams. See individual Exam Preparation Guides for exam availability.