Preparation Guide for Exam 70-293

Audience profile
The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 credential is intended for IT professionals who work in the typically complex computing environment of medium-sized to large companies. An MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience implementing and administering a network operating system in environments that have the following characteristics:

• 250 to 5,000 or more users

• Three or more physical locations

• Three or more domain controllers

• Network services and resources such as messaging, database, file and print, proxy server, firewall, Internet, intranet, remote access, and client computer management

• Connectivity requirements such as connecting branch offices and individual users in remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet


In addition, an MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience in the following areas:

• Implementing and administering a desktop operating system

• Designing a network infrastructure


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Credit toward certification
When you pass the Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You also earn credit toward the following certifications:

• Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 certification

• Elective credit toward Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 certification


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Preparation tools and resources
To help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills measured" section.

Classroom training Microsoft E-Learning Microsoft Press books Practice tests
Course 2278: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Course 2830: Designing Security for Microsoft Networks
There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements, Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294
MeasureUp
(Measureup.com)

Self Test Software
(Selftestsoftware.com)


Microsoft online resources
• Learning Plan: Get started with a step-by-step study guide that is based on recommended resources for this exam.

• Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.

• TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.

• MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.


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Skills measured
This certification exam measures your ability to plan and maintain a Windows Server 2003 network infrastructure. Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the job skills listed in the following table. The table lists Official Microsoft Learning Products that may help you reach competency in the skills being tested in the exam.

KEY: = The course provides a general introductory overview of this task. You will need to supplement the course with additional work. = The course includes some material to prepare you for this task. You will need to supplement the course with additional work. = The course includes material to prepare you for this task.