Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential shows clients and employers that you can design, implement, and administer infrastructures for business solutions based on Microsoft 2000 Windows Server and other Windows server platforms. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

This credential also covers Active Directory, which helps organizations simplify IT management, strengthen security, extend interoperability of systems and software, and ultimately reduce costs. The MCSE credential not only equips you to manage an organization’s Active Directory but to plan strategically for its future network enhancements.

The MSCE credential maps to a variety of job roles, including systems engineer, technical support engineer, system analyst, network analyst, and technical consultant.

View MCSE requirements
Learn about MCSE specializations
MCSE candidate profile
An MCSE candidate should have one to two years of experience in designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

Why get certified?
Earning a Microsoft Certification validates your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today’s rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you utilize evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, becoming certified demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

Microsoft 70-620 Exam

This Technical Specialist (TS) exam, Exam 70-620: TS: Windows Vista, Configuring, became available in January 2007. This exam is available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese [Simplified], Chinese [Traditional], French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.Audience Profile
Candidates for Exam 70-620: TS: Windows Vista, Configuring, should have at least one year of experience in the IT field. They typically provide phone support at the tier-1 or tier-2 level in a wide range of environments, including retail stores and the medium-sized organization or enterprise environment.

Candidates should have experience resolving issues concerning network connectivity, desktop operating systems, security, and applications. Their experience should also include addressing logon problems, performing password resets, and resolving most issues with desktop applications.
Credit Toward Certification
When you pass Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Vista, Configuration
Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Consumer Support Technician
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Support Technician
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator

A Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) can use Exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise Support as credit for certifications that list Exam 70-620 as a required or elective exam.
Learn more about Exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise Support

Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format .

Test 101: Virtualization Technical Support for AIX and Linux

Planning (34%)
Using tools (e.g. System Planning Tool and performance tools) to determine adapter requirements and placement.
Determine provisioning requirements(e.g. VIO, NFS, SAN, Networking, VLAN trunking, IVE/HEA and virtual Ethernet).
Determine availability requirements (e.g. Multipathing, redundant adapters, storage).
Console considerations and capabilities (IVM, HMC).
Create system documentation (gathering from installed systems, creating design plans with drawer and I/O placement).
Determine requirements for Application and Partition mobility.
Determine which PowerVM capabilities and options are required.
Implementation (33%)

Test information:
Number of questions: 52
Time allowed in minutes: 75
Required passing score: 61%
Test languages: English

Define LPARs (including using HMC/IVM).
Configure VIO servers and clients (including IVM).
Connect to storage (e.g. disk, tape, oem drivers, etc).
Connect to and configure networking (including external networks, virtual Ethernet, IVE/HEA, and implementing IVE).
Use other HMC Interfaces (profile management, firewall management, etc).
Ongoing Support (33%)

Diagnose and troubleshoot problems
Collect and analyze performance data.
Use DLPAR.
Install and update VIOS code.
Install or upgrade (OS, I/O cards).
Perform mobility tasks (Application mobility, Partition mobility).