Microsoft MCSE XP & Vista Certification | 14 day | Firebrand Training

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

"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 & XP (14 Days) (26/5/2008 to 8/6/2008)

"The facilities and instructors at Firebrand Training were nothing short of exceptional. This is now the only way that I would consider carrying out future training. The course was certainly tough and the days were long, but at the end of the two weeks the feeling of satisfaction and achievement were worth the hours. "
Ben Hughes, Aston Science Park.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (19/11/2007 to 2/12/2007)

"I cannot thank my lecturer enough for his assistance and overall ability to try and help me along in what was a very tough week. As mentioned I can only hope he will be available when I return for me second week."
John Painter, Plan-Net (contracted to NM Rothschild).
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (19/11/2007 to 2/12/2007)

"As I could not be out of the office for two consecutive weeks, I was able to split the training course in two parts. I have completed the first week and passed all three exams - an excellent way to achieve the qualifications I sought. You do need real world experience though as this course is too intense for beginners."
CM, Edenbrook Ltd.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"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 & XP (14 Days) (19/11/2007 to 2/12/2007)

"This was my second time at Firebrand Training as I came back to upgrade my MCSA to a MCSE. I did 6 weeks pre-reading beforehand which helped me stay on top of the workload. My instructor was excellent - always staying behind after class to answer any questions. He has a real good teaching technique, making the most complex concepts make sense. And whats more he is a real friendly down-to-earth chap, who deserves a pint! The accommodation and facilities are really comfortable and the environment is excellent for accelerated learning as there are no distractions. If I can get the boss to stump up for the CCNA course or Server 2008 Upgrade, I will return (but not before a few months to relax first)."
Matt Courtman, Cromwell Community College.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"Training at Firebrand is an intense but extremely rewarding experience. Come prepared and you will not be disappointed!"
Gary Robinson, Cable and Wireless South Atlantic Ltd..
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (12/5/2008 to 25/5/2008)

"My experience with Firebrand exceeds other training companies I would been to in the past. I am so glad to have attended here and wished I had known Firebrand before now. Everything is excellent - from Instructor and the staff, traning course itself, food and accomodation all helped made my experience really that positive. "
Ester Phillips, Engineering Employers Federation.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"I would certainly come back again and recommend the range of courses to others. I learnt a lot about myself whilst I was here and I went away with a much higher level of knowledge and much more competent in my subject."
Trevor Forrest, Colstons Girls School.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (17/3/2008 to 30/3/2008)

"I found the whole experience very positive. The task ahead, 7 exams in 14 days, almost seemed too good to be true, but the amount and depth of knowledge transferred in that short space of time is nothing short of incredible. Definately the only way I would want to learn anything in the future."
Neil Hamshaw, Norfolk County Council.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (21/1/2008 to 3/2/2008)

"My 2 week MCSE course was well extrememly well run. Our trainer was knowledgeable and made sure that we all had a good understanding of the topics covered. The centre facilities were clean and comfortable and the food was out of this world! I would thoroughly recommend Firebrand to other professionals seeking to expand their skills and gain certifications."
Steve Middlemiss, Powergate.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (5/11/2007 to 18/11/2007)

"Intense right from the word go, but extremely rewarding. Come prepared, and you won't be disappointed."
Gary Robinson, Cable and Wireless.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (12/5/2008 to 25/5/2008)

"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 & XP (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"The facilities and instructors at Firebrand Training were nothing short of exceptional. This is now the only way that I would consider carrying out future training. The course was certainly tough and the days were long, but at the end of the two weeks the feeling of satisfaction and achievement were worth the hours. "
Ben Hughes, Aston Science Park.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (19/11/2007 to 2/12/2007)

"Intense right from the word go, but extremely rewarding. Come prepared, and you won't be disappointed."
Gary Robinson, Cable and Wireless.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (12/5/2008 to 25/5/2008)

"The best training I have ever received."
M.B., Self.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (31/3/2008 to 13/4/2008)

"I found the whole experience very positive. The task ahead, 7 exams in 14 days, almost seemed too good to be true, but the amount and depth of knowledge transferred in that short space of time is nothing short of incredible. Definately the only way I would want to learn anything in the future."
Neil Hamshaw, Norfolk County Council.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (21/1/2008 to 3/2/2008)

"Hard work, but if you put the effort in you get the right result! Will be returning hopefully soon to upgrade my MCSE."
KA, A company.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (18/2/2008 to 2/3/2008)

"Firebrand* was a lot more than i expected from accelerated learning, there was a hell of a lot of information we had to learn but somehow the trainers help cram it all in with extra real life experiences they have had, i am so pleased i chose Firebrand* and WILL use them all the time. "
Mathew Sealy, Help 3000 Limited.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (27/8/2007 to 9/9/2007)

"Firebrand is an excellant place to fast track to an MCSE Vista if you are prepared to eat, sleep and drink studying for two weeks. But make sure you do the pre-course reading. The Staff are very friendly. "
David Irwin, Decora Blinds Systems.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (7/1/2008 to 20/1/2008)

"The facilities and staff at Heythrop Park were nothing short of exceptional. The 14 days course was very hard work, but also very rewarding. I dont think that I will train in any other way in the future."
Ben Hughes, Aston Science Park.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (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 & XP (14 Days) (8/10/2007 to 21/10/2007)

"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 & XP (14 Days) (26/5/2008 to 8/6/2008)

"Training at Firebrand is an intense but extremely rewarding experience. Come prepared and you will not be disappointed!"
Gary Robinson, Cable and Wireless South Atlantic Ltd..
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (12/5/2008 to 25/5/2008)

"You get out what you put in with firebrand. I came to achieve my MCSE and was nearly successful 1 retake and it's in the bag. Our instructor was both good at communicating to us at our level and getting the class to get to the standard to complete this course."
Chris Smith, Structis UK.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (17/3/2008 to 30/3/2008)

"It is very intense. Make sure you have a good background with the software before starting an intensive course. You will not have time to learn everything from scratch."
Rajinder Gill, Anandtech.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (23/6/2008 to 6/7/2008)

"I came very sceptical about what could be achieved in 14 days but had an amazing experience that exceeded my expectations. I am leaving today with my MCSE - nuff said! It's all down to a great instructor who left us with far more that just a piece of paper at the end of it and a great bunch of lads in my course who all pulled together to get through the collective highs and lows. Do your prereading and don't kid yourself this is easy - 8am till midnight in the labs every day is required - but put the effort in and it can be done. It's certainly not for beginners but if you have a good understanding of the concepts before you come you can do it. I wish you luck!"
Chris Dodge, Penta Consulting Ltd..
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (17/3/2008 to 30/3/2008)

"The course was of a very high standard, not for the feint hearted. It is very Intensive. "
Tim Searle, Myself.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (18/2/2008 to 2/3/2008)

"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 & XP (14 Days) (3/3/2008 to 16/3/2008)

"Make sure you are prepared....fully prepared. Be prepared to leave home/work at home/work and concentrate fully on the course. Do that, and you will not be disappointed."
Nick Payne, n-a.
Microsoft MCSE Vista & XP (14 Days) (17/3/2008 to 30/3/2008)

MCSE XP & Vista Certification Course Dates

Start	End	Availability	Register
10/11/2008	23/11/2008	Finished
24/11/2008	7/12/2008	Finished
8/12/2008	21/12/2008	Finished
5/1/2009	18/1/2009	Running
26/1/2009	8/2/2009	Limited availability	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
11/5/2009	24/5/2009	Seats open	Register
1/6/2009	14/6/2009	Seats open	Register
22/6/2009	5/7/2009	Seats open	Register

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Microsoft - MCSE XP & Vista Certification