MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Certification Requirements

Content Updated: August 01, 2006

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

ON THIS PAGE Core Exams Elective Exams Upgrade Exams

Core exams (six exams required) Four networking system exams One client operating system exam One design exam Elective exams (one 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 (two exams required) Microsoft has designed an upgrade path that will enable a current MCSE to earn the Windows Server 2003 credential in a time-effective 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, including classroom training courses, e-learning, and Microsoft Press books that are designed to help Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) candidates prepare for the required exams. See individual Exam Preparation Guides for exam availability.

Core exams (six exams required)

Core Exams:

Classroom -1-

Microsoft E-

Microsoft Press

Networking System (Four Exams Required)

Exam 70290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment

Training

Learning

Books

Course 2273: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (five days) or Course 2274: Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (five days)

Course 2274: Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (21 hours) and Course 2275: Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (17 hours)

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70290): Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (ISBN 07356-1437-7)1

and Course 2275: Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (three days) or Course 2208: Updating Support Skills from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (three days) Exam 70291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Course 2276: Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Hosts (two days) and Course 2277: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Services (five days) or Course 2208: Updating Support Skills from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (three days) Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Course 2278: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (five days) Course 2278: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (22 hours) MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (ISBN 07356-1893-3)1 Course 2276: Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Hosts (10 hours) and Course 2277: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Services (24 hours) MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70291): Implementing, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (ISBN 07356-1439-3)1

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Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Course 2279: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (five days)

Course 2279: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (20 hours)

MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-294): Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (ISBN 07356-1438-5)1

Core Exams: Client Operating System (One Exam Required)

Exam 70270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Classroom Training

Microsoft ELearning

Microsoft Press Books

Course 2285: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (two days) or Course 2272: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (five days)

Course 2285: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (eight hours)

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition (ISBN - 07356-2152-7)

Exam 70-2102: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Course 2151: Microsoft Windows 2000 Network and Operating System Essentials (three days) Course 2152: Implementing Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and Server (five days)

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70210): Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Second Edition (0-7356-1766-X)

Core Exams: Design3 (One Exam Required)

Exam 70-2974: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Classroom Training

Microsoft ELearning

Microsoft Press Books

Course 2282: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (five days)

Course 2282: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (16 hours)

MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-297): Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (0-7356-1970-0) MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-298): Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (0-73561969-7)

Exam 70-2984: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

Course 2830: Designing Security for Microsoft Networks (three days)

Course 2830: Designing Security for Microsoft Networks (18 hours)

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Elective exams (one exam required)

Elective Exams (One Exam Required)

Exam 700895: Designing, Implementing, and Managing a Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Infrastructure

Classroom Training
Course 2596: Managing Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 and Course 2597: Planning and Deploying Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Course 2159: Deploying and Managing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000 (three days) Course 2072: Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Database (five days) Course 2073: Programming a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Database (five days) Course 2071: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2000 with Transact-SQL (two days)

Microsoft ELearning
There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Microsoft Press Books

Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Administrators Companion (0-73561888-7)

Exam 70-2275: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition Exam 70-2285: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition Exam 70-229: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

MCSE Training Kit: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000 (0-73561347-8) MCSE Training Kit: Microsoft SQL Server 2000 System Administration (0-73561247-1) MCSE Training Kit: Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation (07356-1248-X)

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Exam 70-232: Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000 Exam 70-235: TS: Developing Business

Currently, corresponding Official Microsoft Learning Products are unavailable.

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Currently, a corresponding Microsoft Press title is unavailable.

Course 2933: Developing Business Process and

There are no E-Learning courses currently

There are no Microsoft Press Products currently

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Process and Integration Solutions Using BizTalk Server

Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 (available as a five-day classroom training course in mid2006) Course 2934: Deploying and Managing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 (available as a two-day classroom training course in mid-2006)

available.

available

Exam 70-262: TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 - Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Exam 70-281: Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution Exam 70-282: Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business Exam 70-2845: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Currently, corresponding Official Microsoft Learning Products are unavailable.

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Currently, corresponding Microsoft Press Products are unavailable.

Course 2732: Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution (five days) Course 2395: Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for the Small and MediumSized Business Course 2400: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and Workshop 2011: Troubleshooting Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Currently, a corresponding Microsoft Press title is unavailable.

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Currently, a corresponding Microsoft Press title is unavailable.

Course 2400: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 (17 hours) Course 2008: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization (16 hours) Course 2009: Upgrading Your Skills from Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 (16 hours)

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70284): Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 (07356-1899-2)

Exam 70-285: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

Course 2008: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization (two days)

Course 2008: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization (16 hours) Course 2009: Upgrading Your Skills from Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 (16 hours)

Currently, a corresponding Microsoft Press title is unavailable.

Exam 70-2974: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Course 2282: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (five days)

Course 2282: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (16 hours)

MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-297): Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and

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Network Infrastructure (0-7356-1970-0) Exam 70-2984: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Course 2830: Designing Security for Microsoft Networks (three days) Course 2830: Designing Security for Microsoft Networks (18 hours) MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-298): Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network 0-73561969-7) MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70299): Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (07356-2061-X) Currently, a corresponding Microsoft Press title is unavailable.

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

Course 2823: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Exam 70301: Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0

Course 1846: Microsoft Solutions Framework Essentials and Course 2710: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Microsoft .NET Solution Architectures

Course 2710: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Microsoft .NET Solution Architectures (21 hours)

Exam 703505: Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004

Course 2824: Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004

Course 2826: Upgrading to Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004 (12 hours)

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70350): Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004 (0-73562169-1) MCTS SelfPaced Training Kit (Exam 70431): Implementing and Maintaining Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (available mid2006) Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Database Essentials Step by Step (0-7356-2207-8) Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Applied Techniques Step by Step (0-73562316-3) Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (available mid2006) Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant (07356-2107-1) Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Companion (available mid2006)

Exam 704315: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance

Course 2779: Implementing a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database (available as three-day classroom training in early 2006) and Course 2780: Maintaining a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database (available as three-day classroom training in early 2006)

2778: Writing Queries Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Transact SQL (18hour series; available mid2006) 2936-2944: Free* Microsoft E-Learning Series for Database Administrators, Database Developers, and Business Intelligence Developers

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As an alternative to the electives that are listed in the Electives Table, these Microsoft certifications may be substituted for an MCSE elective:

Microsoft Certifications
MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 MCSE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.06

As an alternative to the electives that are listed in the Electives Table, these third-party certifications may be substituted for an MCSE elective:

Certifications
CompTIA Security+7

Classroom Training
Course 2810: Fundamentals of Network Security (four days) Currently, corresponding Official Microsoft Learning Products are unavailable.

Microsoft ELearning
There are no E-Learning courses currently available. There are no E-Learning courses currently available.

Microsoft Press Books

Security+ Certification Training Kit (0-73561822-4) Currently, a corresponding Microsoft Press title is unavailable.

Unisys UN0-101: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Solutions in the Data Center

Upgrade exams
Microsoft has designed an upgrade path that will enable a current MCSE to earn the Windows Server 2003 credential in a time-effective and cost-effective manner. For the MCSE on Windows 2000 credential, the candidate should keep the following in mind: Networking: An MCSE on Windows 2000 has the option to take only Exams 70-292 and 70-296 instead of all four core network exams; however, an MCSE on Windows 2000 can elect to take all four core network exams. Client: An MCSE on Windows 2000 has already passed Exam 70-210 or 70-270, which also satisfies the client requirement for MCSE on Windows Server 2003; therefore, no action is required. Design: The design skills required of an MCSE on Windows Server 2003 do not differ significantly from those required of an MCSE on Windows 2000; therefore, no action is required. Elective: Elective exams are required so that candidates prove technical breadth, interoperability skills, or additional technical depth. For MCSEs on Windows 2000, the current MCSE credential satisfies the elective requirement for Windows Server 2003 because it proves the ability to support another version of the platform; therefore, no additional

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action is required. For the MCSE on Windows NT 4.0 credential, the candidate should keep the following in mind: Networking: The core networking skills required for Windows Server 2003 are significantly different than those required for Windows NT 4.0; therefore, an MCSE on Windows NT 4.0 must prove their skills on all four core network exams. Client: If the candidate has already taken either Exam 70-210 or 70-270, no additional action is required. Design: An MCSE on Windows NT 4.0 was not required to prove design skills, so they must prove their skills by passing either a Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 design exam. If the candidate has already taken a Windows 2000 design exam, no additional action is required. Elective: Elective exams are required so that candidates prove technical breadth, interoperability skills, or additional technical depth. For an MCSE on Windows NT 4.0, the MCSE credential itself satisfies the elective requirement for Windows Server 2003 because it proves the ability to support another version of the platform; therefore, no additional action is required.

For the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2000 credential, the candidate should keep the following in mind: Networking: An MCSA on Windows 2000 has the option to take Exam 70-292 instead of Exams 70-290 and 70-291. However, Exams 70-293 and 70-294 are still required. Client: An MCSA on Windows 2000 has already passed Exam 70-210 or 70-270, which also satisfies the client requirement for MCSE on Windows Server 2003; therefore, no action is required. Design: The MCSA certification does not require candidates to prove design skills. To attain the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass a design exam listed in the certification requirements that are described earlier. Elective: Elective exams are required so that candidates prove technical breadth, interoperability skills, or additional technical depth. For an MCSA on Windows 2000, the MCSA credential itself satisfies the elective requirement for MCSE on Windows Server 2003 because it proves the ability to administer another version of the platform; therefore, no additional action is required. Upgrade Exams for an MCSE on Windows 2000 (Two Exams Required)
Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000

Classroom Training

Microsoft ELearning

Microsoft Press Books

Course 2299: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000 (available November 2003) or Workshop 2209: Expert Track: Updating Systems Administrator Skills from Microsoft Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2003 or

Course 2274: Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (21 hours) and Course 2275: Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (17 hours) and Course 2276: Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure:

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70292 and 70-296): Upgrading Your MCSA/MCSE Certification to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (0-73561971-9)

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Course 2273: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (five days) or Course 2274: Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (five days) and Course 2275: Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (three days) and Course 2276: Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Hosts (two days) and Course 2277: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Services (five days) Exam 70-296: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000 Course 2297: Planning, Implementing, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000 or Workshop 2207: Expert Track: Updating Systems Administrator and Engineer Skills from Microsoft Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2003 or Course 2278: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (five days) and Course 2279: Planning, Implementing, and

Network Hosts (10 hours) and Course 2277: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Services (24 hours)

Course 2278: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (22 hours) and Course 2279: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (20 hours)

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70292 and 70-296): Upgrading Your MCSA/MCSE Certification to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (0-73561971-9)

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Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (five days)

Note No additional core or elective exams are required for an MCSE on Windows 2000 who passes Exams 70-292 and 70-296.

This book is also one of the four books that are contained in MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements (ISBN: 0-73561953-0).
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Candidates who passed Windows NT 4.0 Exams 70-067, 70-068, and 70-073 had the option to take the comprehensive Exam 70-240: Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. By passing this exam, candidates met the MCSE exam requirement for 70-210. Exam 70-240 is no longer available.
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Candidates may also take Exams 70-219, 70-220, 70-221, or 70-226 to satisfy the Core Design exam requirement.

Exams 70-297 and 70-298 may each count one time as either one core design exam or one elective exam but not both.
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Exams 70-089, 70-227, 70-228, 70-284, and 70-350 may each count toward both the MCSA and MCSE elective exam requirements.
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Although exams are no longer available for the MCSE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 certification, individuals who earned this credential remain certified.
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CompTIA Security+ certification satisfies both the MCSE elective requirement and an MCSE: Security specialization requirement
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