List of tips for those new to the MCSE road.

Step 01 - Set a Deadline

Although studying at your own pace and taking the exam "when your ready" has its merits, it doesn't work well for millions of people who tend to procrastinate, or whose busy lives are filled with distractions. When you begin your studies, set a real schedule for yourself including how much you'll read every day, when you'll start with studying review questions, lab time, etc., Depending on the amount of study time you have available and your level of experience with Windows NT/2000, 8-10 weeks per exam should be enough


Step 02 - Pick a training method that works for you

Not everyone learns the same way. Formal classroom training has its advantages, but it's not an option for many people because of cost, availability, and scheduling conflicts. Self studying with books is cheaper and more flexible, but it can be tedious and very boring. So what's left? SmartCertify (formerly CBT Systems) offers an outstanding computer based MCSE training curriculum that is well below the cost of classroom training. CBT Nuggets offers an excellent and affordable CD based video training program that is very similar to classroom instruction. You'll get a combination of theory and practical instruction as you progress through the lessons.

Step 03 - Be prepared for the new test format

Microsoft has re designed the test format for the Windows 2000 exams to discourage memorization of answers, use of "Braindumps", and to make the exams a little more relevant to real world environments. Expect of lots of troubleshooting questions, complex scenarios, and interactive questions that require you to perform a specific task on a simulated control pane

Step 04 - Always read 2 books on every exam topic

This advice has served me well. Always read an official MCSE study guide and a real world guide during your studies. This will give you the information you need to pass the exam as well as the "unglazed" version of how Windows 2000 really works. Begin by reading the real world version without highlighting or taking reams of noted. The idea is to get a basic understanding of the topic and an overview of how everything works. When you're finished, start up with the official study guide of your choice. Take your time, go through the review questions and lab scenarios in each chapter taking notes as you go.

Step 05 - What to focus on

You obviously can't memorize the entire book when preparing for the exam, so what do you focus on? Microsoft publishes a guideline for each exam that list the topics they expect you to know, and these are a good indication of what you'll be tested on. But that still leaves a lot to chance. Fortunately, most of the MCSE books do a decent job of creating review questions that cover the exam topics very well. They also offer callouts of "exam tips" or "Alerts" for trick questions.Test prep software can also be useful, and there are also a number of 'Certification Prep" books available that focus on review questions and their rationale.

Step 06 - Staying motivated

Procrastination is a big problem for many people, so if you're having a hard time staying motivated to study, you're not alone. You can fight this tendency by getting a study partner, and or starting a friendly contest of who can pass their exams first (or with the highest score).You should pick your partners carefully, and if possible get a group of 5-7 people together as a study group. Meet regularly, and discuss exam topics and review questions .

Step 07 - Take plenty of Test simulators

Some people are very bright, but just bad at taking tests. And some of the test questions can be tricky and catch you off guard. By taking some of the prep tests available, you'll be better prepared for the actual exam and more likely to pass. If you have the funds, we recommend the Transcender Exams or ExamSimulators.com There are also plenty of free practice exams available on the web. In addition, Sybex and Que make pretty good review guides that are full of sample questions. Well worth the money. Warning: Beware of test prep software companies that claim to offer the real questions from the exam. Microsoft, CompTIA and other companies have begun to crack down on these vendors for copyright infringement, and often demanding a list of people who ordered the software as part of the settlement agreement. It is unclear whether they intend to "decertify" people who used these products, but why take the risk?

Step 08 - Schedule the exam for your peak time

Give yourself the biggest edge possible by scheduling the exam at your peak time. For most people, this is between 10am - 2pm. If you are more of an evening person, try scheduling after 7pm. Obviously weekdays will be less packed then Saturdays, giving you less of a distraction during the exam. Try to give yourself a few hours of free time before the actual exam to run through your review questions and cram sheets just before you take the test.

Step 09 - Get a good nights sleep

Fatigue will kill you on the tougher exams. Study as much as you like in the week before the exam, but staying up late the night before your test can degrade your performance. Also, don't eat a big breakfast or lunch that may make you sleepy during the test. Have a small healthy snack to increase your blood glucose levels, and reward yourself with a good meal after you pass the exam


Step 10 - Before you start

Remember, the test doesn't start until you begin on the PC. Take your blank sheets of paper and write down any tables or other information you think you may "draw a blank on" during the test. If you've never taken a Microsoft test before, there is a sample test available that doesn't count towards your score or your time. It features the different types of questions you'll encounter, including the new interactive and drag and drop questions. Get comfortable with these before you start. When you're ready to start the real exam, take a deep breath, and relax before you begin. It's only a test .

Step 11 - If you fail, retake the test within 2 weeks

It's important to get back on the horse if you failed by a slim margin. See the test as a learning experience. As soon as you leave the testing center, write down any questions that stumped you while they're still fresh in your head. Study some more, and retake the test as soon as you fell comfortable. If you outright "bombed" the test, then you have a lot more studying to do