Even though the 'MCSA' & the 'MCSE' are regularly discussed within the same career track, they are in fact basically very different. Training to become a 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator' (MCSA) is for Networking & senior-support jobs & server administration. Anyone seeking technical-systems work, administering the functions of a medium size or smaller business-network would benefit if they opt for an MCSA. You will get a lot out of this kind of role if you are a highly organised problem-solver who likes a good technical-challenge. You can expect a healthy level of interaction with fellow workers, (because a great deal of what you do will call for helping and supporting the network users,) & a varied working day.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) will train you for a rather more responsible management position in project work, planning & design. So if senior-administration, network management, senior Security work or project/technical management is your objective, then this is the direction you should look at taking. The MCSE is perhaps not so well-known for it's training on creative & leadership problem-solving skills, which are also crucial for those in Senior technical careers.

You have 4 Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams to sit in order to qualify at the MCSA grade. Of these, three examinations are compulsory elements & so must be sat, but the 4th can be chosen from a choice of electives. An increasingly practical and fully accepted 'elective' is the CompTIA 'Security+' , which for obvious purposes is becoming more and more popular with trainees. In order to successfully accomplish your complete MCSE there are 7 MCP examinations to pass. These specifically place importance upon network design, security & systems-planning.

People attracted to this sort of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and won't enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If you're thinking this sounds like you, use multimedia, interactive learning, where learning is video-based. Research into the way we learn shows that much more of what we learn in remembered when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we get physically involved with the study process.

Learning is now available in disc format, where everything is taught on your PC. Using video-streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to do something, and then practice yourself - with interactive lab sessions. You must ensure that you see some example materials from your chosen company. They have to utilise instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's.

Avoid training that is purely online. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where obtainable, so you can use them wherever and whenever you want - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on your internet connection always being 'up' and available.

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