2/19/2003 -- On Monday Microsoft announced the structure of its new Windows Server 2003 certification track for its Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credentials, as well as an upgrade path for Windows 2000 MCSAs and MCSEs.

Microsoft told MCP Magazine that the MCSA will still require four exams, consisting of three core tests and one elective. The core exams consist of two tests on networking and one on client systems.

People who already have or obtain the MCSA on Windows 2000 can upgrade to the newer title by passing a single exam: 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000.

The MCSE will still consist of seven exams, but now the set will mandate six core and one elective vs. Windows 2000's five core and two electives. The core requirements break down like this:

• Four networking system exams
• One client operating system exam
• One design exam

Along with 70-290 and 70-291, from the MCSA program, the MCSE also will offer two other networking exams:

• 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
  

The core design requirement can be fulfilled by passing one of two new exams: 70-297, Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure; or exam 70-298, Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network. Either of these can also be used as an elective in the track, as long as the candidate passes both of them. The client OS exams consist of 70-210 and 70-270, comparable to the MCSA track.

Microsoft will offer two upgrade exams for people who have or intend to earn the MCSE on Windows 2000. One, 70-292, Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000, is the same upgrade exam offered for MCSAs on Windows 2000. The second is specific to the MCSE title: Exam 70-296: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000.

For more information on these new tracks and upgrade paths, as well as comments on the new structure by Dan Truax, Director of Microsoft Certification Business & Product Strategy, read the story on MCPMag.com here.

For more information on Microsoft's certification program, visit http://microsoft.com/mcp. -D.S., B.N.