MCSE Training

Training for MCSE certification is a large undertaking. Preparing for the seven MCSE exams can take anywhere from six months to a year and requires patience, discipline and dedication to achieve the MCSE title. Individuals seeking MCSE certification have several MCSE training options available to them:

1. Instructor Led Training - This type of MCSE training course normally occurs in a classroom environment. The instructors are most likely MCSE certified and may also qualify as MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer). The MCSE training class usually follows Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC). In addition, students are given access to the necessary Microsoft servers and Microsoft system software that will be covered in the MCSE exam. Class duration vary ranging from 3-5 days to several months. Costs range from $400 to $5000 depending on subject covered, duration, and expertise of the instructor.



2. MCSE Boot Camps - One form of classroom training is MCSE boot camps. These instructor led training classes are very intense MCSE training condensed into a few days. MCSE boot camps cover a large amount of material in a very short period of time. Most MCSE boot camps will cover the material for all seven MCSE exams in two weeks or less - sometimes in as little as 5 days! MCSE Boot Camps use a “hands on” approach, so be ready to roll up your sleeves. Be warned, because of the tight timeline, you will need past experience in the concepts, systems, and applications that will be covered as the instructors will not slow down the pace of the MCSE training. MCSE boot camps are not recommended for those new to the industry or technology. Costs range from $1000 to $5000 depending on subject covered, duration, and expertise of the instructor.



3. MCSE Labs - Microsoft encourages “hands on“ knowledge of the systems and applications covered on the MCSE exams. Many IT professionals use real equipment at their workplace to understand key points and sometimes construct small networks at home to practice the concepts and material that they will be tested on the real MCSE exam. Online MCSE labs are a cost effective alternative to buying your own equipment. With Online MCSE labs, an IE browser is all that is required to experience the Microsoft environments you will need to know for the MCSE exams. Online MCSE lab costs range from $100 to $500 depending on the subject covered and duration of the lab.



4. MCSE Online Courses - Some individuals find that they can cover material better with a self-paced MCSE Online Course. This type of MCSE training is usually downloadable or streaming media. An MCSE Online Course attempts to cover the subject using a multimedia presentation featuring slideshows, flowcharts, and images to cover the course material. Some MCSE Online Courses are presented by an MCSE certified trainer. Because MCSE Online Courses are self-paced, individuals can use them at any time and accommodate flexibility needed for busy schedules. Costs range from $100 to $500 depending on the subject covered and the duration of the course.



5. MCSE Practice Tests - This type of MCSE training attempts to simulate the actual MCSE exams. MCSE practice tests allow individuals to study for the actual MCSE test using similar questions in the same “knowledge domains” covered by the actual exam. High-quality practice tests also have explanations, reference materials, and the complex item types and simulations you will see on the actual MCSE test. References may include examples from Microsoft Official Curriculum, Microsoft White Papers, Microsoft MSDN, Microsoft TechNet, Microsoft Press Books and other high-quality reference materials. Recent surveys show that almost 70% of MCSE candidates use a practice test before taking the actual Microsoft MCSE exam. Costs range from $50 to $200 for top quality MCSE practice tests.

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