Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification

Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification - Overview

Take the Firebrand Training Microsoft MCSE Training Course and prove your expertise in designing and implementing the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows XP & Vista platforms and Windows Server 2003 System.

Our 14 day accelerated Microsoft MCSE Training Course provides information technology professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, support, and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows 2003 based networks with a focus on the latest Vista operating system. This Microsoft MCSE Training Course is an accelerated, residential, fully-immersed course, designed for IT professionals that require effective, real-world skill-building and timely certification. Whilst training for your MCSE you will live, learn, and test on-site.

Firebrand Training's Microsoft MCSE Training Course delivers the greatest value on the market for Windows XP/Vista/Server 2003 Certification Training.

During the program, students will achieve the following certifications

Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Our Microsoft MCSE Training Course:

Allows you to achieve your certifications in a fraction of the time of 'traditional training' while delivering industry-leading exam passing percentages
Helps students grasp complex technical concepts more easily by identifying and catering to individual student learning styles through a mixed visual, auditory and kinaesthetic-tactual delivery system
Enhances retention by employing accelerated learning techniques focused on committing information to long-term memory

Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification - Benefits

For IT managers, our Microsoft MCSE Training Course is particularly important because it allows them to more easily identify the skills that an individual possesses. When a company has employees that possess certain skills, it can garner a competitive advantage when seeking to attract customers. Alumni have found our Microsoft MCSE Training Course contributes to increased productivity, because studies have shown that certified individuals are generally quicker to implement and design new technologies. And of course by knowing that their employees are certified, IT managers can feel more confident about their ability to implement and support a network infrastructure.

Individuals

Overwhelmingly, individuals having taken the Microsoft MCSE Training Course have an advanced level of knowledge, expertise and skill, and command more professional credibility.
The MCSE is seen as a particularly elite indication of an engineer’s prowess and skill level, and these professionals are highly sought by employers.
Individual students may receive college credits to utilize tuition reimbursement programs for their IT training or to complete college coursework.

Companies

Reduce the costs of maintaining your workstations and personal computers, and increase the reliability of your network with Active Directory and with the information technology (IT) professionals to back it up.
Make a roll out of Windows Server 2003 smooth and successful.
Customers see great value in certification - they want the people on their engagement to have the best skills, and the MCSE provides that proof point.
Significantly improved Microsoft security throughout the software but particularly in the Web Server component of Windows Server, IIS;
Scalable management tools that improve on the legacy of Windows 2000 Server: enhanced Active Directory features, and new tools such as the Group Policy Management Console
Significant increases in server performance. In internal tests, Windows Server 2003 shows dramatic performance gains over previous versions of Windows server operating systems. For example, file and Web server performance is two times faster than Windows NT Server 4.0.
While your organization's performance gains may vary because of unique network and computer settings, Microsoft is confident that the improved performance of Windows Server 2003 will help you deliver faster service for your network solutions.

Human Resources

Employer-funded training and certification programs are a key to retaining skilled IT staff. Career development and advancement opportunities are shown to significantly reduce rates of employee turnover.
Certification Training Programs provide benchmarks for hiring and promotion decisions by accurately assessing technical skills.
For-certification training programs maximize educational investments through immediate validation of skills.

Taking the Microsoft MCSE Training Course affords special membership benefits

Technical information, product information and exclusive discounts on products and services through a secured section of the Microsoft website.
Microsoft< logos and certificate for your personal promotion to clients or potential employers.
Invitations to Microsoft conferences and other educational opportunities.
Access to the secure Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online website.

Other accelerated training providers rely heavily on lecture and independent self-testing and study.

Effective technical instruction must be highly varied and interactive to keep attention levels high, promote camaraderie and teamwork between the students and instructor, and solidify knowledge through hands-on learning.

Firebrand Training provides instruction to meet every learning need, including

Intensive group instruction
One-on-one instruction attention
Hands-on labs
Lab partner and group exercises
Question and answer drills
Independent study

This information has been provided as a helpful tool for candidates considering certification. Benefits of certification determined through studies do not guarantee any particular personal successes. Firebrand Training provides a guarantee of obtaining certification at the camp, but does not make any guarantees about personal successes or benefits of obtaining certification.

Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification - Curriculum

"Firebrand constantly monitors its products and adapts them to meet market changes and/or client feedback. One area where we have noticed a change in emphasise is in our MCSE Vista product, where it has become evident that there is a strong demand to cover both client platforms due to Windows XP still being in widespread use. We have therefore taken the decision to replace the existing CompTIA SEC+ element of our course with Windows XP now being the client exam and Windows Vista becoming the elective. All other aspects of our course remains as before." Graeme Phillips, Head of Education, Firebrand Training (September 2008)

Firebrand Training's Microsoft MCSE Training Course is the most effective, efficient way to learn how to successfully design, plan, and implement a network infrastructure, Active Directory infrastructure, and client deployment on the Windows Server 2003 platform.

Course Materials

Students attending this Microsoft MCSE Training Course will receive a robust set of course materials that caters to each of the three primary individual learning-intake styles (auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic-tactual) - critical for a successful accelerated learning experience.

Daily lectures, labs, and review sessions are supplemented by a combination of

Proprietary Lab Manual & Microsoft Courseware - developed in conjunction with Microsoft, adapting the Microsoft MCSE Official Curriculum to address the demands of accelerated learners
Self Test or Transcender Testing Software

Delivery Schedule

Our Microsoft MCSE Training Course prepares students to achieve four (4) certifications during the program: MCSE Vista, MCSA 2003, MCP, and MCTS.

Module Description	Exam
Configuring Windows Vista™ Client	70-620
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment	70-290
Configuring Windows XP™ Client	70-270
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	70-291
Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	70-293
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure	70-294
Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2003 Network	70-298

Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification - Exam Track

"Firebrand constantly monitors its products and adapts them to meet market changes and/or client feedback. One area where we have noticed a change in emphasise is in our MCSE Vista product, where it has become evident that there is a strong demand to cover both client platforms due to Windows XP still being in widespread use. We have therefore taken the decision to replace the existing CompTIA SEC+ element of our course with Windows XP now being the client exam and Windows Vista becoming the elective. All other aspects of our course remains as before." Graeme Phillips, Head of Education, Firebrand Training (September 2008)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) candidates on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 track are required to satisfy the following requirements:

Core Exams (6 Exams Required for MCSE)
- 4 networking system exams
- 1 client operating system exam
- 1 design exam
Elective Exams (1 Exam Required for MCSE)

The seven (7) examinations that a student will take during our program also satisfy the requirements for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)and Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCSE) certifications.

Exam Description	Exam #	Requirement
Configuring Windows Vista Client	70-620	Elective
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment	70-290	Networking System Core
Configuring Windows XP Client	70-270	Client OS Core
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	70-291	Networking System Core
Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	70-293	Networking System Core
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure	70-294	Networking System Core
Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2003 Network	70-298	Design Core

Exam timetable shown can be changed by the instructor to ensure the goals of the course.

Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification - What's Included

Firebrand Training offers top-quality technical education and certification training in an all-inclusive course package specifically designed for the needs and ease of our students. We attend to every detail so our students can focus solely on their studies and certification goals.

Our Certification Programs includes

Intensive Hands-on Training Utilising our (Lecture | Lab | Review)^TM Delivery
Comprehensive Study Materials, Program Courseware and Self-Testing Software
Fully instructor-led program with 24 hour lab access
Examination vouchers *
On site testing **
Accommodation, All Meals, Beverages, and Snacks
Transportation to/from designated local railway stations
Examination Passing Policy

Please note

* Exam vouchers for our (ISC)2 certifications need to be purchased directly from (ISC)2
** On site testing is not included in our ISACA, or ITIL Managers and Revision Certifications

Our instructors teach to accommodate every student's learning needs through individualised instruction, hands-on labs, lab partner and group exercises, independent study, self-testing, and question/answer drills.

Firebrand Training has dedicated, well-equipped educational facilities where you will attend instruction and labs and have access to comfortable study and lounging rooms. Our students consistently say our facilities are second-to-none.

Examination Passing Policy

Should a student complete a Firebrand Training Program without having successfully passed all vendor examinations, the student may re-attend that program for a period of one year. Students will only be responsible for accommodations and vendor exam fees.

Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification - Prerequisites

Students that are successful in the Microsoft MCSE Training Course for XP & Vista should possess a minimum of one and a half years of networking experience supporting a Windows NT/2000/2003 network.

Firebrand Training staff interview all potential students regarding their technical background, degrees and certifications held, and personal fortitude. This screening process ensures a successful match between the customer and Firebrand Training toward accelerated training and certification.

Firebrand Training is an aggressive training environment. You must have an attitude aimed for success. The above prerequisites are guidelines, but many students with less experience have other background or traits that have enabled their success in accelerated training through Firebrand Training.

MCSE XP & Vista Certification Testimonials

"The course was extremely difficult! Please ensure that you know what you are doing before you embark on this training! It is a roller-coaster of highs and lows, constant study and "red" eyes. Please, please understand that you simply must have experienced the subject matter for a while before you go on this course. I did not know what the course entailed and left Firebrand very disappointed! The training is 1st class, there is NO better place to do MCSE BUT - Dont be under the illusion that you can come with little or no experience and pass. You will be in for a shock!"
Gary Parker, Self Employed.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (18/8/2008 to 31/8/2008)

"Firebrand Training lived up to their expectations with a high quality instructor, training centre and accommodation. The setup took away all the distractions that impede learning and generated a healthy collaborative environment in the classroom. Firebrand managed to fit an MCSE normally recommended to be completed in 42 weeks into 2. Be under no illusion you will need the necessary previous experience and will have to work hard but it will be worth it."
Rob Farnell, CET SAFEHOUSE (Previously named CET Group Ltd).
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (19/11/2007 to 2/12/2007)

"There is no doubt I learned a huge amount whilst on the MCSE Vista course. However, be very sure if you sign up for this that you are prepared to work extremely hard and long hours (strap yourself in and pin your ears back because you'll be going on one hell of a ride!!!). Your efforts will be rewarded."
Dr. Robert Hayes, Wytech Ltd.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (8/10/2007 to 21/10/2007)

"From booking the course only 5 days before attending everyone I had contact with at Firebrand was very polite, courteous, and efficient in carrying out their duties. To be able to just concentrate on learning for the whole 2 weeks was fantastic. The trainer was superb with great anecdotes of real life experience in the IT arena. Thanks Firebrand."
Stuart Johnston, Burns Anderson.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (17/9/2007 to 30/9/2007)

"I did the MCSE Vista - 14 long, hard days, but put in the time, and the effort to suceed and you WILL do it. I passed all my exams, against my expectations. I did not fully expect to walk away with a full MCSE qualification. But all credit due to the Instructor & all the course materials, books etc. It IS accelerated learning, you learn hard & fast, and have to put in the study at night, we were in class at midnight most nights preparing for exams. You have an exam every 2nd day. It's rewarding, but tough. Go with this expectation and you will succeed."
Ted Thomas, IM Group Ltd.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (8/10/2007 to 21/10/2007)

"I started off on the wrong foot. I arrived a day late due to no failure of Firebrand. I got stuck in and bonded with the enviroment so as to maximize the oportunities this centre offers. All staff were very generous and extreemly helpfull. My instructor was extreemly knowledgeable in the Microsoft arena will real world knowledge and cold hard facts to back it up. His history is very impressive. I found that he was easy to relate to, talk to and approach. His ability to deliver the course work in a relaxed, contious stream was extreemly impressive to watch. A generally nice guy and someone to look upto and aspire to, even if he is younger than me (git !). Many thanks, much appreciated."
Darren Monksfield, MTV Networks Europe (Music Channel).
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (19/11/2007 to 2/12/2007)

"A good course with an excellent and highly capable trainer. Allow lots of time for the pre-reading. Spend some extra time reading up on network security, and also plenty on DNS, since the make up large and very important parts of the course that relate highly to ALL the modules. Dont be mislead into thinking that you will walk away from it just ticking all the boxes to get the MCSE, it is a lot of very hard work. It has provided me with a very good foundation upon which to complete my certification. My Thanks go to all the staff and of course to the trainer, who went through plenty of hoops and midnight oil to give us the best possible chances of coming away with the most we could. "
DO, The Medical Research Council Of Great Britain.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"The standard of teaching was excellent. The hospitality of all Firebrand employees was impeccable. An entirely productive and enjoyable experience."
Stephen Joy, Peavey Electronics UK LTD.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"I found the instructor on my course an inspiration, he explained all issues in a very easy to understand way, but also to a good depth. The training centre is the perfect place to learn, all you need to be concerned with is focusing at the task at hand. The food was excellent and the kitchen staff were always happy to accomodate your needs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the experience to anyone and will be returning."
Ryan Chittock, N/A.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (28/4/2008 to 11/5/2008)

"Ive trained with other providers before but Firebrand* put them to shame. The instructor was excellent and the center provide the just the right enviroment for me to study. Im still suprised be the volume of knowledge gained! The food was outstanding and my accomodation was cleaned every day. Ill always Train with Firebrand* in the future and its just a same I hadnt found them sooner! Its really hard work but well worth the effort."
John, Wiltshire College.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (16/7/2007 to 29/7/2007)

"You might not think it is possible to cram the whole MCSE into 14 days but believe me at Firebrand they manage it. Every day is 12-14 hours and after an exam is done you get very little time to recover before getting back into studying for the next one. This is not an easy course and is not for the faint-hearted. You need conviction and determination if you want to succeed. That said, the surroundings at Heythrop Park are beautiful, the staff are all very helpful and the food is amazing. If it wasnt for the all the learning and exams it would probably make for a nice holiday! I would definitely consider using Firebrand for my future training and development needs."
N.B., self-employed.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (28/4/2008 to 11/5/2008)

"All the help and resources are here to give you the best possible chance of earning your certification."
Iain Worsfold, Hannover Re.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (18/2/2008 to 2/3/2008)

"If you are looking for a company that knows how to deliver quality training in an enviroment condusive to learning then Firebrand would be the one I would recommend every time."
Tim Power, Power IT Solutions Ltd.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (3/3/2008 to 16/3/2008)

"The course was extremely difficult! Please ensure that you know what you are doing before you embark on this training! It is a roller-coaster of highs and lows, constant study and "red" eyes. Please, please understand that you simply must have experienced the subject matter for a while before you go on this course. I did not know what the course entailed and left Firebrand very disappointed! The training is 1st class, there is NO better place to do MCSE BUT - Dont be under the illusion that you can come with little or no experience and pass. You will be in for a shock!"
Gary Parker, Self Employed.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (18/8/2008 to 31/8/2008)

"Although this course is extremely intense and mentally draining it was still well worth coming. Before I came here I knew nothing about the topics we covered and now I am leaving as a qualified MCSA. "
Philip Sleep, Acer.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (27/8/2007 to 9/9/2007)

"As long as you go into this with an open mind the instructors will be only too glad to fill it. I have what most people would probably consider the wrong background for this course although I have managed to get through it with the help of the staff and purely because of the training methods given. Words that describe a 2 week MCSE training course at Firebrand??.....Mind-blowing, overwhelming, unforgettable, intense, and not forgetting of course invaluable! Will be back there quite soon for another, I hope this doesn't become an addiction."
Jason Kent, jk solutions.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (28/4/2008 to 11/5/2008)

"Although this course is extremely intense and mentally draining it was still well worth coming. Before I came here I knew nothing about the topics we covered and now I am leaving as a qualified MCSA. "
Philip Sleep, Acer.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (27/8/2007 to 9/9/2007)

"Comfy rooms, friendly staff, nice food and excellent instruction."
H.B., N/A.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (27/8/2007 to 9/9/2007)

"Very demanding, but the rewards are more than worth the effort."
Mike Sharp, FTCG.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (6/8/2007 to 19/8/2007)

"Firebrand* is a great environment for accelerated learning. The skills and knowledge learnt in a couple of weeks at Firebrand* would have taken many months to learn on my own."
Anthony Yau, The QSS Group Limited.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (27/8/2007 to 9/9/2007)

"The course was extremely difficult! Please ensure that you know what you are doing before you embark on this training! It is a roller-coaster of highs and lows, constant study and "red" eyes. Please, please understand that you simply must have experienced the subject matter for a while before you go on this course. I did not know what the course entailed and left Firebrand very disappointed! The training is 1st class, there is NO better place to do MCSE BUT - Dont be under the illusion that you can come with little or no experience and pass. You will be in for a shock!"
Gary Parker, Self Employed.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (18/8/2008 to 31/8/2008)

"Dedication to training, focused course training and objectives, great learning environment made everything attempted positive and productive. "
Daryl Joyce, No-one.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (15/9/2008 to 28/9/2008)

"We had problems with some of the exams on week two of the course which were Prometics fault (Not Firebrands), which meant I couldn't progress any further until they were fixed - which was not going to be during the remainder of my stay. However Firebrand have been excellent in allowing us to come back and re-do the parts of the course that were affected, even though this wasn't Firebrands fault - which I think is more than alot of companies would do - looking forward to going back now and finishing it all off!"
Mat Wase, not applicable - self funded ETC.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (26/5/2008 to 8/6/2008)

"There is not much time for learning new subjects and you will be exhausted by the second week. So come prepared and ask many questions before you start the course to get enough info otherwise everything else is provided."
Moji Shahrooz, Institute Of Education London University.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (26/5/2008 to 8/6/2008)

"Amazing course! Didnt think anyone could be taught so much so quickly, and with such real world relevance. The Firebrand team are all top notch, from cleaning, to catering, to support. The course requires real hard graft, but its excellently delivered by great instructors."
Richard Burley, Lerch Bates (Europe).
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (5/11/2007 to 18/11/2007)

"You might not think it is possible to cram the whole MCSE into 14 days but believe me at Firebrand they manage it. Every day is 12-14 hours and after an exam is done you get very little time to recover before getting back into studying for the next one. This is not an easy course and is not for the faint-hearted. You need conviction and determination if you want to succeed. That said, the surroundings at Heythrop Park are beautiful, the staff are all very helpful and the food is amazing. If it wasnt for the all the learning and exams it would probably make for a nice holiday! I would definitely consider using Firebrand for my future training and development needs."
N.B., self-employed.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (28/4/2008 to 11/5/2008)

"My expectations were wildly exceeded by the course, the experience was both highly rewarding and immensely challenging. Staff all around were pleasant and helpful, the trainer knew his subject inside out, and the food was absolutely fantastic."
James Bore, Fullbrook School.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (3/3/2008 to 16/3/2008)

"The isolation of the course starts off intense but by the end you are happy to be alone to conentrate on study for the exams. "
Chris McEwan, Morse.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (5/11/2007 to 18/11/2007)

"I did the MCSE Vista - 14 long, hard days, but put in the time, and the effort to suceed and you WILL do it. I passed all my exams, against my expectations. I did not fully expect to walk away with a full MCSE qualification. But all credit due to the Instructor & all the course materials, books etc. It IS accelerated learning, you learn hard & fast, and have to put in the study at night, we were in class at midnight most nights preparing for exams. You have an exam every 2nd day. It's rewarding, but tough. Go with this expectation and you will succeed."
Ted Thomas, IM Group Ltd.
Microsoft MCSE Vista Certification (14 Days) (8/10/2007 to 21/10/2007)

MCSE XP & Vista Certification Course Dates

Start	End	Availability	Register
29/9/2008	12/10/2008	Finished
13/10/2008	26/10/2008	Finished
27/10/2008	9/11/2008	Finished
10/11/2008	23/11/2008	Running
24/11/2008	7/12/2008	Limited availability	Register
8/12/2008	21/12/2008	Limited availability	Register
5/1/2009	18/1/2009	Seats open	Register
26/1/2009	8/2/2009	Seats open	Register
16/2/2009	1/3/2009	Seats open	Register
9/3/2009	22/3/2009	Seats open	Register
30/3/2009	12/4/2009	Seats open	Register
20/4/2009	3/5/2009	Seats open	Register

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