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Frequently Asked Questions about MCSE: Private Cloud

Alex Bennett
27 August, 2014


The MCSE: Private Cloud certification demonstrates your skills in deploying and managing Microsoft private cloud computing technologies. But what exactly is covered in this certification and what are the benefits of attaining MCSE: Private Cloud? In this post you’ll get all the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about the MCSE: Private Cloud certification.

What’s covered in MCSE: Private Cloud?
Microsoft’s private cloud solutions are built and managed through Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Centre 2012 R2, allowing you to maximise the flexibility of your IT infrastructure.
The MCSE: Private Cloud teaches you the following skills:
  • Configuring and deploying the cloud fabric.
  • Building the core components necessary for delivering services on the fabric.
  • Configuring data centre process automation.
  • Allocating resources to a cloud and grant access to a cloud.
  • Configuring a PXE server, an update server as well as a software update baseline.
  • Configuring Microsoft Server Application Virtualization (App-V).
  • Understanding how to monitor clouds using Operations Manager.
  • Understanding the tools necessary to extend and customize Operations Manager for cloud environments.
  • Setting up, configuring, and integrating the core components of Service Manager into a cloud fabric.
  • Configuring a service catalogue, and publishing it to the Self-Service Portal

Who is the MCSE: Private Cloud certification for?

The MCSE: Private Cloud is ideal for server administrators, network administrators and data centre administrators working with Microsoft technologies. This certification validates their skills in designing, installing and configuring private cloud infrastructures.

Are there any other cloud certifications from Microsoft?
Currently the MCSE: Private Cloud certification is the only strictly cloud-related credential available from Microsoft, however it would not be surprising if there were new ones coming in the next year or two.
How can I get MCSE: Private Cloud certified?
Building your private cloud requires an in-depth understanding of Windows Server 2012 and System Centre 2012. Therefore, as a prerequisite to getting this certification, you need to already hold your MCSA: Windows Server 2012.
Once you have completed the prerequisite certification, you can work towards the MCSE> Private Cloud. This involves passing the following exams:
  • Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012 Exam 70-246
  • Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012 Exam 70-247

How can I prepare for the MCSE: Private Cloud?


There’s a great set of resources that will help you with your preparation.  If you need exam help, visit the Microsoft Virtual Academy and/or watch the following preparation session from TechEd North America 2014:

If you’re after something more thorough, check out Keith Mayer’s comprehensive guide to building a private cloud in just one month. You’ll find loads of great articles, videos and ebooks here. 
 
What are you waiting for? Leave the world of public clouds behind and build your very own private cloud to ensure that your data stays safe.