Getting it right the first time on the new MCSE test

There's been a bit of a flap in the MCSE community recently, concerning Microsoft's plans for Windows 2000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer testing, and I can't see what all the fuss is about.

Microsoft has announced exam 70-240: Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. By taking (and passing) this single test, NT 4 MCSEs will obtain their Windows 2000 certification. This single test combines the curricula of the four core Windows 2000 exams:

1. Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.
2. Exam 70-215: Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.
3. Exam 70-216: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure.
4. Exam 70-217: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure.

As an added bonus, exam 70-240 can be taken for free. That's right, no testing fee to take the exam that gets you your Windows 2000 certification.

So what's the flap about? There's only one test to take, rather than four. It's free, saving you the $400 you'd pay for the four core exams. Additionally, you have over 20 months to get ready to take the test, which is offered until Dec. 31, 2001.

Sounds like an ideal program, but there is one catch: you can only take the test once. If you try and fail, you'll have to take the full, four-course core unit for Windows 2000. That's what's upsetting some MCSEs. Evidently, there's a significant group of people who believe you should take the test once for practice (maybe twice) before actually trying to pass it.

Microsoft says the limit of one chance only is to improve the integrity of the testing. Evidently, some unscrupulous people take the tests over and over again in an attempt to memorize the questions asked, then study only the answers to those questions. Can you say "paper MCSE"?

Bravo to Microsoft for trying to inject some integrity into the certification process. And a double bravo for providing a significant benefit to the experienced MCSEs out there with a free, streamlined upgrade method.

Dave Kearns is a writer and consultant in Silicon Valley. His most recent book is "Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Networks" published by SAMS. Dave's company, Virtual Quill, provides content services to network vendors: books, manuals, white papers, lectures and seminars, marketing, technical marketing and support documents. Virtual Quill provides "words to sell by..." Find out more at Virtual Quill or by e-mail at info@vquill.com

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