Use of MCSE

An MCSE is of little use without some relevant experience, and I would suggest over 1 year. Otherwise you will be branded a "paper MCSE" and I think we've all seen a few of those.

In terms of job prospects, yes it does help. I've seen surveys saying you'll get at least $4,000 per anuum more as an MCSE. That isn't my experience but I guess these numbers come from somewhere.

As to practice tests for free, there aren't any good ones that I've found. The best practice tests you can get (imho) are from transcender (www.transceder.com) and Measure Up (www.measureup.com), but you'll have to pay about $300 per exam for a set of three tests.

The other way to do it is train yourself, (Sybex are pretty good to start with) and then take an exam and if you fail it only by a little go back in an hour or so later and take it again.

All the best, I hope you go for it!

1) I obtained my MCSD. I know others who obtained their Microsoft certifications. The degree I have noticed earns your peer's respect. I personally have not known anyone who was compensated for receiving their degree.

2) I have not seen any free tests that were worth anything. You must shell out some $$$ for the books or testing software.