Microsoft is one of the most successful vendors of computer software and operating systems. It has also made a mark in the training of professionals who handle installation of servers, designing of server infrastructure, troubleshooting computer networks and ensuring that a user and network data is secure. These are the kind of tasks handled by experts who are Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certified. MCSE certification is an expert level credential whose foundation is the MCSA credential. There are a total of five MCSE certifications at this level.
I want to take you through what these MCSE exams and certifications entail and why pursuing any of them would be a plus to your IT career and profession. Yes, we are going to look at its contribution towards your success as well as the success of your business enterprise or organization.
Microsoft certifications have continued to be the most popular over the world. This is because Microsoft trains individuals and prepares them for the real world experience. Having their software products and operating systems being widely used in most organizations and institutions around the world has resulted in a higher demand for their exams and certifications. This is why their certifications will continue to be popular among candidates and managers who are charged with recruitment of individuals for their IT related company positions.
First things first, let’s look at the reasons why you need to be MCSE certified:
- You become an expert in your area of designation.
- Specializing helps you get more job opportunities and a better pay.
- You actualize your IT career as well as personal goals.
- Companies get the best knowledgeable and skilled professionals who can efficiently help in running of computer systems.
- Efficiency of systems for companies means overall business growth is achievable.
How do You Become MCSE Certified?
- Find out exactly what MCSE certification you want to pursue, and then look for more information regarding the same. You can get the information on Microsoft official website.
- Register and schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
- Prepare for your exam.
- Sit and pass your exam. Once you pass your exam, you then qualify for the award of the corresponding certification.
- The passing score is 70%. You must note, however, that Microsoft uses scaled scores to grade you. You can learn more about the scaled scores in their exam guidelines and FAQs.
What Are the Details of Microsoft Exams?
Microsoft does not usually disclose the details of their exams. But based on the past exams, their exam questions usually range from 40-60 and with a duration of 2.5 hours allocated to it. The questions are mostly multiple-choice, hotspot and drag-and-drops.
Passing your Microsoft MCSE Questions & Answers exam requires serious preparation. You can enrol for a course or self-train. Making use of relevant study guides and practice exams will also help you to prepare thoroughly. Look for what works for you, say, depending on your schedule or which method is effective for you. So, it’s all about revising while making sure that you explore all the required topics by giving each one of them the amount of time that it deserves. Let’s find out more about how you can pass your exam. Use these tips below:
- Schedule your time well
Plan your time in such a way that you will be able to allocate sufficient time for your revision. Avoid a last minute rush as you may end up getting confused. If you are working, ensure you find a balance between your job responsibilities and your exam revision.
- Understand the exam topics well
The starting point would be finding out what the exam objectives are. Get to understand each topic by studying it deeper. To do this, you can enrol for a training course with a certified trainer or study on your own using the resources that are available online. Use of study guides is also part of the studying process since that is where you get to learn the exam topics in detail. Self-study can also include use of videos.
- Use of practice tests
You can source for past exam questions online. These exams have been uploaded by various practice test providers and mostly available online for free. In this case, you get an opportunity to practice for your exam using simulations that give you a chance to experience a real exam environment. You can know how well prepared you are for your exam. You will be able to identify your weak areas and then focus on improving them.
- Take enough rest on the eve of the exam
Retiring to bed early the night prior to your exam will help you get adequate sleep and wake up rejuvenated. Make sure you arrive at the exam testing center early enough.
- Have confidence
Be confident as you do your exam. Make sure that you have read the exam rules clearly. Always attempt all the questions.
If you follow these tips, you will do well in your exam. I know why I’m saying this. You know, I have been there before. I did my MCSE SQL Server 2012 exam only last year. It was the idea of my boss though, because I was the main IT person in our organization. I went in to it, albeit reluctantly, but I later realised that it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Once I had met all the registration requirements, it was now time to prepare. I trained with one of the Microsoft certified trainers. While training, I also took time to study using guides. After the training, I got some practice tests online. It was time to find out whether whatever I had been learning was making any sense. After a while, I was good to go. That was like two days to exam. So, the exam time came, I sat for it and guess what? I got amazing results. I received my certification a short while after that. That is the certification that earned me a promotion in the same company almost immediately.
Investing in a Microsoft certification is great because that is what determines whether or not you progress in your IT career. As long as you are ready to put in the effort, then this is the best thing to do.
What Are the Best Training Courses for MCSE Exams?
- Microsoft On-demand Online courses
- Microsoft Classroom Training
- Microsoft Virtual Academy
- GlobalKnowledge MCSE Certification Courses
- CBTnuggetsTraining Courses
Are MCSE Dumps Helpful?
Practice tests, or dumps are useful for your exam preparation. This is because they help you go through your revision using past exam questions. This way, you will get to know how the exam looks like and the expected exam questions. It is possible for you to identify your weak areas so that you can work on them. You can download the exam dumps online and practice them unlimited times.
Here are the top web resources that you can use for your MCSE exam preparation:
- Microsoft Website- MCSE exams and certifications
- Microsoft Exam Policies and FAQs
- Microsoft Online Community Blog
- Microsoft Online Community Success Stories
- ExamCollection MCSE Practice Tests
- Onlc MCSE Exam Preparation
Microsoft has continued to update its curriculum to ensure that the graduates that they train and certify are conversant with the market networking system requirements. Its core goal is to produce all-rounded professionals who will provide business systems solutions using their unique knowledge and skills. Wish you luck!