Taking the Tests
Most administrators with a Novell background and a CNE certification discover that obtaining the MCSE certification isn't quite as easy as the CNE. In fact, Microsoft purposely designed the classes and exams to be more difficult than the CNE equivalents to add more value to the MCSE designation. So before you run off to take your first MCSE exam, you will want to do a little homework about taking the tests.
Start by calling Sylvan Prometric (800-755-3926), the only authorized testing agent for the MCSE exams, to find the nearest testing center and schedule a time to take your exam. Stepping into one of the testing centers for the first time can be intimidating. The tests are completely computer based. This approach makes taking each test easier in many ways and gives you results quicker (however, the computer won't tell you whether your answers to the questions are right or wrong during the test). The average amount of time you have to complete the test is 90 minutes. Most tests consist of 50 to 60 multiple choice or multiple option (no essay) questions in sequence, and many include illustrative graphics and diagrams to help you. And as you might expect, you can't take anything into the exam with you.
During the test, you can mark questions you may not be sure about for later review, and if you have the time, you can step back through all your answers to double check them. This ability to go back and check your answers is nice, but be careful you don't second guess yourself or you might change a correct answer to an incorrect one. Here are some other test-taking tips.
- Taking an exam without studying is not a good idea, because the test will probably include a question that you didn't think of, and a study guide might broaden your base of topics.
- The tests tend to focus on administrative tasks, so the questions target situations you might encounter in a real work environment, rather than an idealized product deployment.
- The tests don't contain many theoretical questions. For example, the NT Server test contains questions about the NT core technology (including questions relating to the NT Loader sequence, DLLs, and drivers), but you also need to be prepared for questions outside of this scope.
- Be aware of which test you're taking. The test may not be in sync with the class you took to prepare because of a lag between the time when Microsoft released the product, when you completed the class materials, and when Microsoft last updated the exam.
- Use several study methods (e.g., sample tests and books).
*During the exam, take advantage of the opportunity to mark questions that you are unsure of so you can go back and check your answer. Frequently, by building on the same concepts, a later question will accidentally contain the answer to an earlier question.
- Use the diagrams on the test to help clarify the text descriptions of the scenarios.
Individual Exam Pointers
Knowing what to study for each exam will give you the upper hand in passing. The themes you will see running through all the exams are capacity planning and troubleshooting--issues that administrators face every day. Although I don't have room to tell you everything to look for on every exam, I've provided a few pointers on the exams I'm familiar with to help get you started (see also Emmett Dulaney, "A Study Guide for Microsoft's TCP/IP on Windows NT 4.0 Exam," page 144).
Windows NT Workstation. The desktop exam emphasizes file security, such as shares, access on an NTFS volume, and peer-to-peer networking. In addition, Remote Access Service (RAS) plays a key role, with questions on topics such as multilink connections. You'll find a variety of questions on the test in a format such as, "You're managing a workgroup with five NT workstations, with users A, B, and C. User A needs to grant access to files located on one of the workstations to user B. What should she do?" followed by several options.
Windows NT Server. The server exam consists predominantly of performance and network planning questions. If you want to pass, you also need to know your NetWare. NT Server's interoperability with this legacy environment is a critical feature of the product, and Microsoft heavily emphasizes this fact on the test. You can plan for questions that cover logon scripts, security, and client and gateway services for NetWare.
SQL Server. The SQL Server administration exam is not simple. Replication, which is one of the newest features of the product, gets a high percentage of questions. Make sure you understand this topic thoroughly. Other key areas include database planning for storage requirements, databases spanning multiple devices, where SQL Server stores the global table templates, and user security for tables.
Exchange Server. Many individuals consider the Exchange Server exam to be the most complicated of the bunch. The 5.0 exam drills you on topics including connectors (MS Mail, Internet, etc.), how the Mail Transfer Agent (MTA) works, and client configuration and public folders. Passing this exam requires that you study, use the product, and read everything you can get your hands on.
Systems Management Server (SMS). For such a complex product, the SMS exam is surprisingly manageable. The class I took placed a lot of emphasis on topics such as which services perform which functions and where files are located, but the exam focuses on site planning and software distribution. Don't discount knowing how SMS works, and understand the concepts of enterprise deployment.
Looking for Help
Across the industry, book publishers and software companies are producing training materials; use all available resources in your quest for certification. Depending on the level of certification you're seeking, different resources will have different value. Some resources I've found valuable include
- Microsoft's Web site (http://www.microsoft.com), which contains sample tests, course outlines, online training, and registration for exams. It's a great place to visit so that you can keep updated on the world of the MCSE.
- Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, which is a quality resource that discusses topics ranging from getting certified to helping you make the most of your advanced knowledge. Microsoft offers a complimentary subscription after you become an MCP (you can also buy the magazine).
- Self-guided study aids, which include books, training kits, and sample exams that will help you target your study toward less familiar areas.
- The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), user groups, magazines, and forums can be great resources for study material. Use the Web, read technical magazines such as Windows NT Magazine, go to user group meetings (which can also be a great resource for jobs), and keep an eye on discussion groups and chat forums. You never know what useful tidbit of information you might find. In particular, MSDN, which you can find on Microsoft's Web site, and its associated subscription service offer everything from software betas to special support services.
- The Microsoft TechNet subscription CD-ROM service, a leading source of technical information for supporting Microsoft products, can answer most questions you form while studying for your exams.
- Practice makes perfect. Never forget that working with the software, knowing the administrative tools, understanding installation and how the products function is the most valuable resource. If you have friends who have been through the certification process, or even if they haven't, talk to them about the ways they use the products.
Making the Grade
The MCSE certification gives you many tools to be successful, ultimately improves your earning potential, and gives you an edge over your competitors. The detailed product knowledge you get from taking classes and studying for the tests can help you perform your job. The certification process can also enable you to tap into the power of the products you own or plan to deploy to enhance your business with new capabilities. For example, I knew I could distribute software with SMS, but until I took the class, I didn't know that I could distribute the operating system. Being certified helps you fully use your systems and reduces your cost of ownership.
If you're thinking about certification as a way to break into the NT computer industry, check with local companies, placement centers, and schools for details on available training programs, and what benefits you can expect from holding certification. Eventually, you can expect to see a surplus of MCSEs, but right now not enough individuals are certified to go around. Will jobs still be open by the time you finish? I think so--this industry is showing no sign of slowing any time soon.
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