A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, also known as a senior systems administrator, network analyst, infrastructure engineer, network architect and network designer, is an IT professional who designs and manages an organization’s Microsoft LAN networks. This includes choosing (or at least recommending) the hardware and software to meet an organization’s IT needs as well as managing the rolling out of new equipment and systems, and ensuring that corrective and preventative measures are performed on existing equipment and systems.

Duties of a network engineer include the analysis of an organization’s business needs and then the related design, implementation and maintenance of the network infrastructure to support those business needs. This role has overlap with that of a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator but is higher level in that analysis and design work is done in addition to the possible sourcing of equipment. Network engineering is a highly technical role. A very good understanding of available network operating systems, network equipment and networking protocols is essential, as well as is the ability to program scripts and batch files. Strong interpersonal skills are also important, as the network engineer must understand the networking needs of not just users but the organizations as a whole and be able to sell management on the best infrastructure solutions. Lastly, a network engineer must be able to create network plans, get various technologies to talk to each other and know which ones just won’t communicate well, document the existing network infrastructure, negotiate with technical solution providers, and troubleshoot and find solutions to problems that lower level staff can’t solve.

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)

• 4 networking systems exams
• 1 client operating system exam
• 1 design exam
• 1 (elective) exam

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.

Core Exams: Networking System (4 Exams Required)

• Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment

• Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network

• Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network 

• Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active

Core Exams: Client Operating System (1 Exam Required)

• Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® XP Professional

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

Core Exams: Design

• Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)

• Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server™ 2000

• Exam 70-229: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

• Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

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

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

As an alternative to the electives listed above, these Microsoft certifications may be substituted for an MCSE elective:

• MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000

• MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000

As an alternative to the electives listed above, these third-party certifications may be substituted for an MCSE elective:

• CompTIA Security+