Certification Advice from The MCP Cache

As an MCSE, and technical instructor for a large International Training Provider, I am often asked for advice on preparing for the MCP exams. In my experience, the most important aspects are a solid understanding of the Windows NT environment, and exhaustive review of study questions and sample tests. Classroom instruction can be a definite advantage by giving you access to a knowledgeable instructor, as well as other students who will most certainly contribute to your understanding of Windows NT. However, this is not always feasible for everyone. In any event, it is EXTREMELY important to understand exactly what Microsoft expects you to know.

Officially, exam questions can come from several sources. Any documentation accompanying the product (including on-line documentation and help files) is fair game. The Microsoft NT Server Resource Kit (which now contains the NT Workstation Resource Kit as well) is an excellent source of information. The Microsoft Knowledge Base, White Papers, and TechNet (all invaluable tools before and after certification) are also included in testable material. Basically, if it's out there, it could show up on an exam.

Microsoft's testing scheme has shifted to an adaptive process. The difficulty and number of questions you will be required to answer are based on your responses. As you answer, the test calculates your score, assesses your answer, and continues to present questions until you have demonstrated your ability (one way or the other). Personally, I prefer the adaptive process to the "regular" format of a set number of questions. If you know your stuff, you'll be certified in a hurry! Here's a sample adaptive test and some further explanation to give you a better idea of what to expect.

OK, so what's actually required? Well for the official (confusing) curriculum, check out the MCSE Requirements. Basically, for the MCSE you need to pass four "core" exams, and two electives. For an MCP certification you need only pass one of the core exams (Networking Essentials excluded). The "+ Internet" certifications require a little more. You'll find all the details on them by following the links on the MCSE Requirements page.

So where should you start? There seem to be two schools of thought. The first suggests that the Networking Essentials exam is the better place to start. I assume that the logic behind this is the fact that many "basics" of networking are covered on this exam. A solid understanding of the fundamentals of networking will go a long way in helping you understand many of the concepts presented in the other core exams. (A second supporting factor of this approach is the fact that the other three core exams tie closely to each other, building upon the concepts of the previous. Therefore, the "Operating System" core exams should be taken closely to each other). The down-side of this approach is the fact that the Networking Essentials exam will not bring you any certification. If you need the MCP designation quickly, and have a solid understanding of networking (or just can't stand to wait!) start with the NT Workstation exam. Passing this (or any of the other core exams) will earn you an MCP certificate and identify you as a true professional in the use and understanding of the Microsoft NT Operating System.

I'm often asked to recommend study guides and practice tests. In addition to the information previously stated, there are several great products out there to help you prepare for the exams. The Microsoft Press books are excellent and will be valuable reference for you for years to come. Personally, I think they contain more useful information than any of the other guides, but they are a little pricey. The Sybex Network Press guides are also an excellent series and are packed with hundreds of sample questions and practice tests. New Riders and Exam Cram also publish quality guides that should be of great benefit in your pursuit of certification. I recommend either the Microsoft Press series or Sybex series, but whichever you choose, be sure that they include practice tests and/or demo versions of the software. When you see the prices, don't panic. These are aids that you will reference for many years to come. They truly are an investment in your future, and will pay for themselves quickly by decreasing unnecessary support calls alone. You'll find links to the recommended books for each exam on the individual exam pages, or you can search Amazon.com (for books, CDs, videos and more!) directly from here:

As for practice tests, again there are several to choose from. Transcender seems to be the most popular (and one of the best). The Transcender exams cost approximately $149/each and come with a money-back guarantee of your passing the exam within two attempts. My personal favorite, and the program which got me through the MCSE track, is CyberPass CNEQuizzer. Yes, they are better known for their work on the Novell examinations, but have recently moved into the Microsoft exam arena. At an average cost of approximately $29-$39/each (but the prices may have risen in January of 1999), they are hard to beat. No guarantees, but they are dead-on when it comes to concepts, topics, and in many instances, specific questions. I swear by them. Are practice tests necessary? Absolutely not, but I recommend taking every advantage available. You'll find links to FREE PRACTICE EXAMS on the individual pages for each exam. Just use the links in the menu bar on the left side of this and every page.