Duties of a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), for which nearly every network out there requires at least one, include the installation, configuration and maintenance of PCs, networking equipment and network operating systems. As well, an MCP must deal with patching systems where necessary as well as locking down systems so that only authorized personal can access and use them. Microsoft network administration is a rather highly technical role. 

A good understanding of Microsoft Windows network operating systems, network equipment and networking protocols is essential, as well as a basic ability to program scripts and batch files. However, relatively strong interpersonal skills are also important, as the MCP must understand the networking needs and problems of users and be able to address those issues in a timely fashion. Lastly, an MCP must be diligent at documenting the network as well as be proficient at troubleshooting problems, often under tense situations. This includes knowing when to give up trying to be the hero when solving a problem and having the humility to go to outside sources for help.

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (Exam 70-210)

Audience Profile

Candidates for this exam operate in medium to very large computing environments that use Windows 2000 Professional as a desktop operating system. They have a minimum of one year's experience implementing and administering any desktop operating system in a network environment.

 Credit toward Certification

When you pass the Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® 2000 Professional exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You also earn credit toward the following certifications:

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

• Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certification

• Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Microsoft Windows 2000 certification

• Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows 2000 certification

Skills Being Measured

This certification exam measures your ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Windows 2000. Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the job skills listed in the following:

• Installing Windows 2000 Professional
• Implementing and Conducting Administration of Resources
• Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers
• Monitoring and Optimizing System Performance and Reliability
• Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop Environment
• Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services
• Implementing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Security

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server (Exam 70-215)

Audience Profile

Candidates for this exam operate in medium to very large computing environments that use the Windows 2000 Server operating system. They have a minimum of one year's experience implementing and administering network operating systems in environments that have the following characteristics:

•     Supported users range from 200-26,000+.

•     Physical locations range from 5-150+.

•     Typical network services and applications include file and print, database, messaging, proxy server or firewall, dial-in server, desktop management, and Web hosting.

•     Connectivity needs include connecting individual offices and users at remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet.

Credit Toward Certification

When you pass the Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® 2000 Server 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 Microsoft Windows 2000 certification

•         Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows 2000 certification

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

Skills Being Measured

This certification exam measures your ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the job skills listed in the following

•         Installing Windows 2000 Server

•         Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Access to Resources

•         Configuring and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers

•         Managing, Monitoring, and Optimising System Performance, Reliability, and Availability

•         Managing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Storage Use

•         Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Network Connections

•         Implementing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Security