I recently received a message from a Lockergnome reader who was seeking some advice as to whether they should study towards an MCSE 2000 or an MCSE 2003. This is a common question from those considering a Microsoft certification. My advice: if you are more familiar with Windows 2000, study towards MCSE 2000 and then upgrade to MCSE 2003. Of course there are pros and cons you need to look at before making your decision.

If you are more familiar with Windows 2000, why not build upon your existing knowledge and get certified in this area? Although the differences between platforms are subtle, you may feel more confident studying a platform you are already comfortable with making your MCSE designation may be slightly easier to obtain.

Since there are more businesses using Windows 2000, it would seem that this would then be the certification path to take (although I think if you are certified in Windows 2000, you would be fine in an environment that uses Windows Server 2003, and vice versa).

On the other hand, if you opted to study for an MCSE 2003, you would be certified in the very latest technology. This track also requires you to pass fewer exams than the Windows 2000 track (this also means less money spent).

Personally, I would suggest studying towards an MCSE in Windows 2000. Then you would be certified in a technology that many businesses are using. Once you receive this certification, you are then only required to take two additional exams to obtain your MCSE 2003. After completing the Windows 2000 MCSE certification, you can take exam 70-292 Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000 and exam 70-296 Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000. Then, not only will you be certified in a commonly used technology, but you will also be certified in the latest technology.