As a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you increase your value as an
employee, improve your marketability in a job hunt, and command a higher salary.
Jeff Zwier, technical recruiting professional with Wujcik and Associates in
Chicago, Illinois, knows the value of an MCP. "I can regularly arrange a
preliminary interview for a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) with two
years of experience--not so for those without certification," he says. "Certified
system administrators and developers receive offers up to $5000 above comparable
noncertified professionals."
Although the advantages of certification are clear, the process of becoming
certified can be intimidating. Before you commit to the effort, you'll want to
know what to expect and what approach to take. Often, the best way to get
reliable information is to ask someone who's been there. To give you that
perspective, here are four MCSEs who made the grade, sharing their experiences
and tips for passing a Microsoft certification exam.
Please see Sidebar "How I Got My MCSE"