The Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 family takes the best of Windows 2000 Server technology and makes it easier to deploy, manage, and use. For more information, see the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Web site .

Microsoft has developed independent certification requirements for Windows Server 2003. The certification requirements for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 differ from those for MCSE on Microsoft Windows® 2000. However, if you complete your MCSE or MCSA certification in Windows 2000, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of an upgrade path that will enable you to update your certification to Windows Server 2003 in a time- and cost-effective manner. See MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Certification Requirements for exam details.

No. You can begin your training and experience with Windows Server 2003. However, any skills you acquire with Windows 2000—either through hands-on experience or training—will be highly relevant to and provide a solid foundation for an upgrade to Windows Server 2003. See MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Certification Requirements for training details.

Yes. Although your Windows 2000 skills are highly relevant and provide a solid foundation for a migration to Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 has significant new or changed technologies. The skills you acquire while working with Windows 2000 will be highly relevant to and provide a solid foundation for an upgrade to Windows Server 2003. Additional study may be necessary to be fully prepared.

The Windows Server 2003 core and upgrade exams are available now. View the New and Upcoming Exams page for more information about elective and specialization exam availability.

The Windows Server 2003 upgrade exam for MCSAs covers a direct subset of the job tasks that are included in typical MCSE skills. The skills tested by the MCSA upgrade exam are expected to be part of an MCSE's job tasks.

Yes, Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000, part of the upgrade path for an MCSE on Windows 2000, includes objectives that validate the skills set of an MCSA on Windows Server 2003.

Each upgrade exam will cost the same as all other MCP exams. For example, each upgrade exam will cost $125 US.

The Windows Server 2003 exams will not include labs or a practicum. However, the exams may include various innovative testing technologies to present a more realistic visual representation of the products you are being tested on so that your exam experience more consistently reflects the types of tasks you might perform on the job. For more information about innovative exam questions types that may be included in Windows Server 2003 exams, see Testing Innovations .