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Q. Should I study for the current exams (NT 4.0 and Windows 95 at this writing) or wait for the next versions of Microsoft software?
A. In 1996 when I started the process we were studying NT 3.51 and were asking the same question. I would start with the current version and try to get certified. If you keep waiting there will always be a new version in the wings. In the real world there is less concern about this issue. None of the current jobs I've been on have ever questioned what version of NT I'm certified in. I have recently passed the 4.0 tests because I want to keep my certifications as current as possible and of course when NT 5.0 (Windows 2000) comes out the old 3.51 tests will be retired. I currently work in an environment where there is an NT 3.51 server and Windows 3.11 workstations along with NT 4.0 Workstation, Server and Windows 95 clients.
Q. Aren't we going to saturate the market with MCPs and MCSEs?
A. Many people are familiar with the demand for CNEs a few years ago and the certification glut. Many of these folks are unable to find good paying work or are retraining in Microsoft. It is important to point out that the CNE's that saw this coming and got their MCSEs are in great demand due to the number of mixed environments out in the real world. It is possible that we will have this glut happen in our area as well but I don't think we will see it over the next 5 years.
Microsoft Solution Provider companies must have two MCPs on staff to retain their status and get job referrals from Microsoft. They need an MCSE or several MCSEs to get any large jobs referred by Microsoft. What I would recommend is that you keep your eye on the market closely and be prepared to switch teams if you see a trend developing. If you enter this field, you are making a commitment to continued learning and getting certifications regularly. Given the sales of NT I think we will be in demand for some time.
Q. What other certifications would you recommend in addition to an MCSE?
A. After your MCSE I would recommend you consider getting:
Q. What hardware skills do I need to have?
A. I am blessed to work with someone who has tremendous experience in the hardware area. In my current assignment we deal with hardware very little since a different group supports the hardware. If you get a job in a smaller company you may be expected to do more hardware troubleshooting. These skills are coming for me with experience. If you can latch onto a friend that has these skills and have them apprentice you, that is the best. Ideally it would be great to have both certification and hardware skills. In most situations, if you are an MCSE and have limited hardware experience you will win out getting the job over someone who has good hardware skills but no certification.
Q. What are the pay ranges for an MCSE.
A. Originally I had heard salaries ranges being discussed from $30,000 to $100,000. Realistically, I think that $40,000 to $65,000 would be the average. If you have experience it would be at the higher end of the range. If you have experience and develop a special skill set like Cisco Routers or TCP/IP then you might see the numbers closer to $100,000.
Q. I've heard you can go out to web sites and see all the questions and answers and if you just memorize these you'll pass all the tests. Is this a good idea?
A. There are some sites on the Internet where there are brain dumps containing lists of questions people have seen on the tests. Even my site contains some test questions. There is a line that I have refused to cross and that is giving people detailed questions or answers. I studied hard to pass these exams and feel it is unfair for me to share answers that you need to find on your own. Also, I would hate to be responsible for giving you an answer that I'm convinced is right and you get it wrong and fail the test. The questions I've recorded are my best recollections made later that day. On a good day I might remember the type or general wording of 20 questions and only a few of the answer options. Some of these tests have left me unsure what my own name is so I'm surprised when someone can recall vivid details on questions!. Whenever I see sites where one individual remembers 40 questions and all of the answers in detail, I have to ask myself if they cheated by recording this information or have taken the test so many times they finally saw a large part of the question pool. Many of these well meaning folks are corrupting the test process and Microsoft has already began taking steps to weed them out. Additional info on brain dump sites is contained in the next question. The new Non-Disclosure Agreement, adaptive tests and simulations are going to help to weed out the cheaters.
Q. I plan to self-study for the certification tests. What study materials do I need?
A. The list of materials is a mile long. Here are my favorites and other tips for study:
Q. I'm pretty familiar with the Microsoft products. Isn't just familiarity with use of the Microsoft products going to help me pass the tests?
A. Familiarity with the product is assumed on the tests. People with product familiarity and even industry experience are sometimes shocked when they barely pass a test or fail outright. I use NT products every day where I work but when it came time to study for NT Workstation, Server and Enterprise I had to hit the books for quite a few hours to be ready for the tests.
Q. What test should I study for first?
A. Pick an operating system test like NT Workstation or Server. The Windows 95/98 test may be more difficult than the Workstation test. Another option would be to get your A+ Certification first as these tests are a lot easier and only two tests are required to complete this certification.
Q. How many tests will I need to take each year to keep my certifications current?
A. Well it depends on whether you are taking only the tests you need to or getting the jump on things like I do. If you are taking only the required tests I'll guess at two per year. In my case I decided to switch from the 3.51 track to the 4.0 track. That meant 5 tests this year plus another test in Proxy Server because it interested me and I'm working towards the MCP/MCSE+Internet certification.
Q. Who writes the test questions for Microsoft, some diabolical fiend?
A. These tests are not only difficult to take but very difficult to write also. I applied to be a part of the test writing team a couple of years back and had to undergo a lengthy telephone interview and critique of a handful of sample questions I wrote. The sample questions took a long time for me to research and formulate and in the end the very pleasant interviewer tore my best efforts to shreads. Before you get too hard on the testing process try to sit down and write some questions. You'll see just how hard it is to come up with tough, fair, well researched questions and answers.