First of all, the MCSE is a Microsoft certification program which stands for "Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer." This certification is one of the most widely recognized, pursued and obtained certifications in the IT industry.



The skills you will acquire include managing backoffice computer systems and networks that run on Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and other Microsoft operating systems. The MCSE certification is targeted for these following job functions: Email administrators, Systems engineers, Network engineers, Network administrators, Security analysts, Windows system administrators and Microsoft website administrators or commonly known as webmasters.

* What kinds of jobs can I get being Network+ certified?

These certifications have very limited job opportunities. However, while this certificate may not land you a job, it will give you valuable basic building-block information and complement your degree.

A Network+ certification is helpful for jobs in the IT field. You will probably start on the help desk or in junior administration and move up from there.

* What kinds of jobs can I get being CCNA certified?

The CCNA is a low-level certificate. Only a few jobs call for it. This certification will probably land you a job at the help desk, tech support, network technician or junior network administrator. All of these are good starting jobs and can lead to better jobs later on.

CCNA certification by itself is generally isn't enough to put you into the workforce. You will need other degrees, experience and credentials to back it up.

* What kinds of certifications should I consider for a Network Administrator career?

A Network Administrator is responsible for day-to-day NT systems administration, including data storage and data management. The person is also responsible for infrastructure design and for developing an Exchange environment.

Qualifications include the following:

- Knowledge of design and set-up of Windows 2000 and Exchange.

- Experience with data storage and data management.

- Experience with infrastructure and design.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Physically fit.

* What kinds of certifications should I consider for a Network Engineer career?

The qualifications for a Network Engineer career are:

- Prior experience in PBX, telephony, and data network (Analog, TDM, IP, etc.) transport via wire, radio and fiber, and experience with telephony and data networking management systems (CMS, Remedy, HP Openview, etc.)

- Ability to lead the organization's top management team through the review and upgrade of the overall telecommunications (voice and data transport) network design.

- Ability to manage, direct and control the activities of subordinate supervisors and staff in planning, assigning, and coordinating the work of field, professional and technical subordinates.

- Ability to direct and review the preparation and interpretation of communication engineering and system design plans and specifications, codes, regulations and complex technical documents.

- Knowledge of e-mail and basic office productivity tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, and MS PowerPoint.

- Experience with project management methods and practices for planning, budgeting, scheduling, monitoring performance, and evaluating results.

- Experience in communications network engineering management, design and operational principles, construction techniques, current trends, regulations, standards, and equipment.

- Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations, laws and practices governing operational activities and related potential employee, citizen and environmental effects and their mitigation.