The Value of an MCSE

As a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you increase your value as anemployee, improve your marketability in a job hunt, and command a higher salary.Jeff Zwier, technical recruiting professional with Wujcik and Associates inChicago, Illinois, knows the value of an MCP. "I can regularly arrange apreliminary interview for a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) with twoyears of experience--not so for those without certification," he says. "Certifiedsystem administrators and developers receive offers up to $5000 above comparablenoncertified professionals."

Although the advantages of certification are clear, the process of becomingcertified can be intimidating. Before you commit to the effort, you'll want toknow what to expect and what approach to take. Often, the best way to getreliable information is to ask someone who's been there. To give you thatperspective, here are four MCSEs who made the grade, sharing their experiencesand tips for passing a Microsoft certification exam.

Please see Sidebar "How I Got My MCSE"