MCSE (Solutions Expert) Certifications
MCSE certifications validate your ability to implement physical and cloud-based solutions across multiple technologies.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications recognize established IT professionals with the skills to design, create, and manage technology solutions using today's leading Microsoft products. As the flagship credential of Microsoft’s new cloud-optimized certification program, MCSEs can manage IT solutions both on-site and in the cloud.
Perhaps the most marketable trait of solutions experts is their deep contextual knowledge of Microsoft platforms and how they interact with each other. This means a MCSE can take a business problem, conceptualize an innovative solution and build it from the ground up, making him or her a valuable asset to the organization.
Explore high-quality flexible online programs featuring Microsoft technologies & certification prep.
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The prerequisite for MCSE certification is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) class of certificates, which focus on building solutions within a single Microsoft platform, such as Windows 10 or SQL Server 2012. If you’re completely new to IT, check out the beginner-level Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications.
Popular MCSE Certifications
Here are the most marketable Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert credentials, plus key skills measured and trending career paths for each credential.
MCSE: Server Infrastructure | Demonstrates the expertise to run a modern data center, with skills in systems and identity management, server virtualization, data storage and networking. Popular career paths for certification holders include technical support specialist and cyber security analyst.
MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure | Validates the skills to deploy and manage desktop computers and cloud-enabled devices, with advanced skills in data security and compliance, PC and application virtualization, and remote desktop services (RDS). Popular career paths include desktop support technician and mobile device support specialist.
MCSE: Private Cloud | Demonstrates your ability to manage cutting-edge cloud computing setups using Windows Server and System Center. Popular career paths include server/systems administrator, network administrator and computer systems programmer.
MCSE: Business Intelligence | Validates the expertise to design, create and optimize business intelligence solutions - using Microsoft SQL Server - which your company can use to make smarter business decisions. Popular career paths include database administrator, business intelligence analyst and data scientist.
View the complete list of MCSE certificates at Microsoft.com.
Recertification: MCSE certification holders must recertify every 3 years, which typically consists of one abridged exam per MCSE renewal. This raises the certification's value by ensuring employers that your skills are current.
MCSE Certification Salaries
Average Salary for Microsoft Certified Professionals:
- MOS: Microsoft Office Specialist: $53,000
- MTA: Microsoft Technology Associate: $55,000
- MCDST: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician: $57,000
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: $59,000
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: $73,000
- MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer: $80,000
- MCTS: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: $84,000
- MCITP: Microsoft Certified IT Professional: $90,000
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: $91,000
- MCPD: Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: $94,000
- MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator: $96,000
- MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer: $97,000
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: $97,000
- MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: $100,000
- MCA: Microsoft Certified Architect: $113,000
Average salary by Microsoft certification class.
Source: Payscale.com
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About the Author
Daniel Greenspan is the founder and Editor-in-chief of ITCareerFinder. Working closely with IT professionals, world-class trainers, and hiring managers since 2005 has given him unique insight into the information technology job market and the skills and credentials IT pros need to succeed.
