MCSE is a highly sought-after Microsoft credential for IT professionals in the field of hardware or infrastructure. It is the oldest certification in the industry and offers expertise in various areas.
It can be confusing for a newbie in IT to understand the nomenclature, the path to follow, and the areas of specializations available. We can actually understand the origins of MCSE if we look at the history. It was initially called Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), but later this specialization was changed to Microsoft Certified IT Professional, (MCITP), and renamed to Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) in 2014.
Let’s discuss the current offerings as well as the areas of specialization. MCSE is a combination of courses and certifications that are combined according to the area of study. Microsoft has now divided its certification portfolio into five technology streams.
MCSE: Business Applications ( Focused On Dynamics 365)
MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure ( focusing on Server and Cloud).
MCSE: Data Management and Analytics (Focused upon SQL, BI and Data Science and Analytics).
MCSE Mobility (Focus on Client OS and Devices).
MCSE: Productivity ( Focused On Server, O365 and Skype for Business, SharePoint).
Microsoft Replaces MCSD, MCSA & MCSE Certs – Check Role Based Certs
Microsoft has replaced the MCSE, MCSA and MCSD certifications that expired on 31 January 2021 with new role-based credentials. This is a relief that many have longed for. Microsoft’s role-based certifications verify that a technical professional can learn within the first 3-5 years or 5-7 years of employment; this experience is equivalent in level to expert, intermediate, and beginner categories.
Microsoft to replace MCSA and MCSD with role-based certificates and check for new role-based certifications

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Microsoft Role-based Certification Options: Recommended Path
MCSE: Core Infrastructure
Start your Azure journey by joining any of these:Azure Administrator Associate
Expert in Azure Solutions Architect
Azure Security Engineer Associate
MCSE: Productivity
Start your Microsoft 365 journey by joining one of these:Teams Administrator Associate
Assistant in Messaging Administration
Security Administrator Associate
Take:Enterprise Administrator Expert
MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
You can start your Azure Data & AI journey by joining any of these:Azure Database Administrator Associate (coming shortly)
Data Analyst Associate (coming soon).
Azure data Engineer Associate
Azure AI Engineer Associate
Azure DAta Scientist Associate
MCSD: App Builder
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