MCSE Exams

Ever tried googling the term “free MCSE practice test?” A thousand or so sites will leap out your screen, each claiming to offer the most effective practice test package to “give you the edge you need.” More than anything else, this shows how popular Microsoft-certification exams have become only a few years after they were launched.

The MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) has been considered the top certification offered by Microsoft. It is the premier qualification for professionals who analyze and design business information systems and infrastructure based on the Microsoft Windows platform.

Owing to the high demand by the industry, MCSE-qualified individuals receive top-notch salaries as compared to other certified professionals such as MCPs (Microsoft Certified Professional) or MCSAs (Microsoft Certified Application Developer). Though an MCSE certification does not imply that the holder is an engineer to the fullest sense of the word, a person with MCSE tacked to his name still command respect from the rest of the IT world.

To become an MCSE, candidates must pass a total of seven exams, including four operating system exams, one design exam, and two electives. Furthermore, an MCSE is obliged to take another exam whenever a new Microsoft system comes out to maintain his certification. This is to ensure that his knowledge is upgraded along with each new application that Microsoft issues.

As Microsoft applications improve, so do the exams, which get tougher and tougher with each new version. To improve their chances of passing, MCSE aspirants are advised to enroll in study groups and training centers, or at the very least, take MCSE practice tests to prep them up for exam day.

There are hundreds of free MCSE practice tests to choose from online. But the catch is how to separate the worthwhile practice test package from the rubbish. Due to the popularity of the MCSE, fly-by-night operators have proliferated, offering testing packages with reworked questions ripped off from other free sites.

A good MCSE practice test package does not need to be expensive. In fact, it can be given for free. Just make sure to ask these questions before you plunge on:

Does it have the Microsoft Certified Practice Test provider logo? Microsoft provides certifications to several free MCSE practice test providers. In exchange, these providers regularly submit practice tests to Microsoft for review. A Microsoft-accredited practice test covers the content of most Microsoft exams, and its products offer an automatic feedback on all correct and incorrect answers. In addition, it provides technical support for users of its practice test packages.

Is it located in the US or Europe? Most fly-by-night operators work outside these areas so it will be harder for authorities to catch and prosecute them. Check the address provided on their website. If it is unavailable, you can look for other clues such as numerous, unbelievable testimonials and horrible grammar. Also, do not be taken in by very well-designed and visually appealing websites. Most often, this is just a ruse to project an image of credibility.

Is it an established industry player? Sure, small MCSE practice test providers offer cheaper (and sometimes free) products. The quality of the test questions, however, is not worth what you pay for. Also, big, established providers have larger support staff, better customer service, and more credible product guarantees.

Does it offer “real” exam questions? Be very careful if you encounter free MCSE practice test websites that say they are offering “real questions” ripped off from actual MCSE exams. Take note that this form of cheating has been marked already by Microsoft, and there are several providers who have been arrested precisely for this offense. Moreover, under the new MCP guidelines, anyone who has been caught cheating on the exams will have his or her certification nullified and barred from taking any other exam in the future.

Do you see any free alternative? Many free MCSE practice tests are available on the Web. While these may not be top of the line, they will still do a great job of prepping you up for the exams. Plus, you'll be saving a few bucks if you take them.

It takes time, commitment and lots of financial sacrifices to hurdle all the exams necessary to become an MCSE. Well-meaning companies are trying to make things easier by providing free MCSE practice tests to train you without breaking your wallet. This early, be wise enough and learn to pick out the best from the mediocre.