Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a globally recognized standard for IT professionals. It builds on skills learned on the job and as part of gaining certification as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA). There are a number of different streams for the MCSE 2012 qualification.
MCSE: Server Infrastructure – This validates skills needed to run a modern data center, including: identity management, systems management, networking, storage, and virtualization. It qualifies you for jobs such as computer support specialist and information security analyst. These exams need to be passed to gain this qualification:
- 410 – Installing and configuring Windows Server 2012
- 411 – Administering Windows Server 2012
- 412 – Configuring advance Windows Server 2012 services
- 413 – Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
- 414 – Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure – This shows you can deploy and manage desktops and mobile devices, while maintaining security and standards’ compliance. This certification qualifies you for such job roles as desktop and device support, and data and applications manager. This is the exam list for this certificate:
- 410 – Installing and configuring Windows Server 2012
- 411 – Administering Windows Server 2012
- 412 – Configuring advance Windows Server 2012 services
- 415 – Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure
- 416 – Implementing Desktop Application Environments
MCSE: Private Cloud certification – This proves expertise in managing and implementing Microsoft private cloud computing technologies. It qualifies you for jobs like a server administrator, systems programmer, or network manager. You need to pass these exams to gain this qualification:
- 410 – Installing and configuring Windows Server 2012
- 411 – Administering Windows Server 2012
- 412 – Configuring advance Windows Server 2012 services
- 246 – Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Centre 2012
- 247 – Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Centre 2012
MCSE: Data Platform – This validates skill sets in building and administering enterprise-scale data solutions. It qualifies you for such jobs as database analyst and database designer. This is the exam list:
- 461 – Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 462 – Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- 463 – Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 464 – Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- 465 – Designing Database Solutions for SQL Server 2012
MCSE: Business Intelligence – This proves the skills needed to design, build, and deploy solutions that deliver information across the organisation. It qualifies the holder for a position as a BI and reporting engineer.
- 461 – Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 462 – Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- 463 – Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 466 – Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 467 – Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
MCSE: Messaging – This validates the ability to move a company to the cloud, increase user productivity and flexibility, and reduce data loss. It qualifies you for a position in network and computer systems administration.
- 410 – Installing and configuring Windows Server 2012
- 411 – Administering Windows Server 2012
- 412 – Configuring advance Windows Server 2012 services
- 341 – Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
- 342 – Advanced Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
MCSE: Communication – This validates the expertise needed to connect colleagues to people around the world. It qualifies you for a position in network and computer systems administration.
- 410 – Installing and configuring Windows Server 2012
- 411 – Administering Windows Server 2012
- 412 – Configuring advance Windows Server 2012 services
- 336 – Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013
- 337 – Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013
MCSE: SharePoint – This verifies expertise in sharing information across the organisation with SharePoint. Earning this qualifies you for a job as systems or network analyst.
- 410 – Installing and configuring Windows Server 2012
- 411 – Administering Windows Server 2012
- 412 – Configuring advance Windows Server 2012 services
- 331 – Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
- 332 – Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
Note: After passing the following exams when sitting an MCSE course, you gain a certification:
- 410, 411 and 412 – MCSA: Windows Server 2012
- 461, 462 and 463 – MCSA: SQL Server 2012
Preparing for and sitting exams
You could book and sit exams with no formal training, but this will almost guaranteed to lead to failure. A much better route is to find an IT training company that conducts Microsoft-approved courses to teach you the specific knowledge needed to pass an MCSE exam. You should gain the qualification at the end of the course. Each exam test comprises a number of multiple-choice questions that have to be answered in a set period of time. It is a closed-book test.
