Preparing For The Hardest Exam (MCSE 70-210)

If you’re familiar with the various Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification exams out there, you have probably heard of the MCSE 70-210.  This is definitely no exam for the faint at heart!  In fact, it is said to be the hardest exam to successfully complete.  Here are some tips for properly preparing for the MCSE 70-210 exam.

Tip #1: Make sure you’re ready to go after the certificate before sinking your money into it!

As the MCSE 70-210 is no beginner exam, you should make sure you have the proper experience and practical knowledge of Windows 2000 Pro administrative (and related) tasks first.  You should have no less than 12 months prior experience working with networks for a mid-sized or large organization.  These exams don’t come cheap, and there’s no sense throwing money down the drain.  Be sure you’re ready to take the exam before going for it.

Tip #2: People who need people are the luckiest people in the world!

Barbra Streisand, famous American singer and actress, once sang this tune, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world…”  It may sound quaint, but it also happens to be true.  What I mean by that is getting help from others will make the journey a lot easier.  You can take classes that will train you and get you ready for the exam.  They cover topics involving putting together the Windows 2000 operating system, setting up the network, getting the infrastructure up and running, and directory services administration.  You can also take training classes where you teach yourself how to prepare for the exam.  I won’t say not to go this route because everyone’s different.  Some people learn better on their own.  However, most people feel a group environment is the best option.  It allows them to ask questions, receive immediate feedback, and better appreciate the support system available.

Tip #3: Keep your eyes on the prize…it will help motivate you

If you’re reading an article like this, you probably already know what great credentials you can earn by passing the 70-210 exam:

  • You gain the status of a Microsoft Certified Professional
  • You gain one of the needed credits for gaining each of the following certificates: MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000, MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000,  MCSA on Windows Server 2003, and MCSE on Windows Server 2003.
Hopefully these three tips will help you down your path towards becoming certified in the MCP category of your choice.  Even facing the hardest MCSE exam, you can make the odds a little bit better if you’ll play it smart.  Good luck!