Microsoft mcsa certification - mcsa training - mcsa exams

Microsoft Certification - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Certification

(Please note that this certification is part of a series launched by Microsoft primary for Information Technology professionals or as Microsoft classifies it – IT Professionals – for those who are Information Technology (IT) specialists in that this is there career (there are also additional certifications for Developers and Trainers). Please do also not that people whose careers lie in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems are also classified as IT Professionals in this manner.)

What is this Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) all about?

This certification or group of certifications evaluates whether, you as an Information Technology Professional, have the necessary skills required for you to perform your job as a networks specialist in terms of Windows Server 2003 although such other job roles as Systems Administrator, Information Systems Administrator, Network Analysts, Technician and Technical Support are covered in this certification. Technically, this certification deals with Microsoft technologies revolving around Windows Server 2003 which is used in corporate networks and intranets. .

Please do also keep in mind that Windows XP and 7 certifications as per the configuration and maintenance is included here. Additionally, this certifications lays a special emphasis on Windows Server 2003 and also includes a third party, CompTIA, certification.

Additionally, this certification can be thought of as the second level after the Microsoft Technology Specialist certifications that are covered in a previous articles – and are like ‘the basics’ of various Microsoft Technologies (apart from the Microsoft Business Cortication which deals with Microsoft Office and Windows Vista). Therefore a person may earn a Microsoft Technology Specialist Certification on his/her way to earning a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification.

What are the Pre-requisites of Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification?

As Microsoft puts it quite clearly, “One to twelve months of experience in working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure.”

Also you should have sufficient preparation for the exams.

Additionally depending upon the exam and location, several pre-requisites may be required. Since this certification is divided into two further sub-certifications for Windows Server 2000 and 2003 respectively, requirements may vary. It is essential that you check the exams of each certification carefully.

Who is the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification for?

This certification is for ‘IT Professionals’ – for those who use software and technologies other than Microsoft Office or Windows Vista/XP/7 in their work. This covers nearly all fields in information technology, computer science, software engineering and information systems.

To further explain this, the following job roles concern this certification:

Networks Administrator
Systems Administrator
Information Systems Administrator
Network Analysts
Technician
Technical Support

Why should I get certified? What benefits are there?

The quote below, taken from the Microsoft website should be more than enough.
"Forty-three percent of survey respondents report salary increases as a result of Microsoft Certification."
– Redmond magazine 2006 survey of Microsoft IT professional’s compensation

These certifications allow an IT professional to keep up with a dynamic marketplace and gain an ‘edge’ – which will at times be the only thing that will differentiate you from a number of candidates. It also provides you technical problem-solving skills and experience that is useful in real world problems one encounters in the workplace.

Additionally, and as is the case in many jobs, Microsoft technologies are being used. And example is the usage of Microsoft SQL Server technologies that are used in databases. Having certification in this may be a requirement or an added advantage for you. In terms of jobs, the above job roles and the individuals who would like to perform such jobs may be required to take this certification.

This also provides access to several online resources on the Microsoft website that are specifically for Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP’s)

Individuals who are certified with the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) are generally capable of any job roles that are related to the Windows Server 2003 suite of technologies and software developed by Microsoft

How do I take the exams?

Exams are conducted by Prometric (www.prometric.com) and are conducted in various locations – and possibly online. However, you have to check the website since this depends on your location and time of registration.

How do I prepare for the exams?

There are several options in terms of preparing yourself. Please note that some such as the books and practice tests can be used together whereas the practice tests cannot be used alone to prepare yourself. These are:

Practice tests: Provided by several websites, which are Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers, these allow you to get a feel of your current level and in the case where you are pursuing independent study, these tests will prove useful. These cannot be used alone as preparation methods.
Instructor-led training in centers worldwide: various centers worldwide have Microsoft Certified Trainers who provide a superior learning experience by using in-depth knowledge that they possess as well as by using Microsoft Learning Products. However, please check that your trainer or training centre is certified by Microsoft or not before starting preparation. This is the recommended method.
E-Learning Self-paced training: another option provided by Microsoft; this allows those who use Microsoft technologies in the workplace and want to enhance their skills,. “Microsoft E-Learning self-paced training offers you the flexibility to learn at a time and place that is convenient for you” – ideal for those whose schedule cannot allow fixed classes. However please note that this is for those who have the ability to grasp concepts easily and have experience in independent study, in for example, university during the time when they were preparing for their degree.
Microsoft Official Distance Learning: Distance learning is a sort of system whereby the classroom is ‘virtualized’ – in essence you learn exactly as though you were in a classroom. This is also a recommended method since it is conducted by Microsoft Professionals and is also cost effective. Additionally, it can also fit into your busy schedule easily. It is also a combination, sort of, of the E-Learning Self Paced Training and Instructor led training – the best combination by far.
Microsoft Press books: Microsoft has published various books on nearly all of its certifications. Using these hand in hand with several other options and as a reference is suitable. Studying through these alone is not recommended – although it depends on the person.
Self-paced training kits: these are complete, DIY type, kits that combine a number of items that allow you to study independently. These have been developed by Microsoft specialists and are also a suitable mode of learning. These kits include the following items (as per Microsoft’s website):

A 15 percent exam discount voucher from Microsoft
Official, self-paced study guide, including a fully searchable e-book version
Practice tests with multiple, customizable testing options and a learning roadmap based on your results
More than 200 practice and review questions
Case scenarios, practice exercises, and best practices
A 180-day evaluation version of the product that is covered by the kit

Microsoft online resources: Microsoft has included various resources on its own website that provide you with information, allow you to create your own study guides, interact with professionals and students alike and much more

How am I certified?

To be awarded the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass four of the exams given in the comprehensive table below in the next section. The exams will lie in the following categories:
:

Two exams on networking systems
One exam on client operating systems
One elective exam

For this certification no other requirements – such as interviews or experience proof is required.

Additionally, please note that this is a difficult certification – as seen from the aforementioned table – you are required to pass four exams. That is why having experience, as mentioned earlier, is essential.

What certifications and exams come under Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Certification?

Here is a complete list of the certifications and various exams that come under this specific certification category – since as mentioned above, even this certification is divided into further certifications. The certifications are also divided into two; Microsoft Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003 – therefore you should sit for whatever certification is suitable for your career pathway.

An important point to be noted is that some of the required exams have been finished. Thus, if you didn’t give these exams before they finished, you can’t be certified. However, please do also note that there are several choices of exams as well.

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

Exams on networking systems: Both required	Exam number
Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment	Exam 70-290
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	Exam 70-291
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one	Exam number
TS: Windows 7, Configuring Note You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.	Exam 70-680
TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.	Exam 70-620
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional	Exam 70-270
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-210

Elective exam: Choose one	Exam number
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-086
Planning, Deploying, and Managing Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements.	Exam 70-089
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement.	Exam 70-227
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. This exam can count toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements.	Exam 70-228
TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server	Exam 70-235
TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-236
TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 – Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting	Exam 70-262
Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Messaging Specialization requirement.	Exam 70-284
Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network	Exam 70-299
Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 Note This exam can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement.	Exam 70-350
TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring	Exam 70-351
TS: Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-400
TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-401
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance	Exam 70-431
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance	Exam 70-445
TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing	Exam 70-500
TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration	Exam 70-557
TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.	Exam 70-620
TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops	Exam 70-624
TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-630
TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring	Exam 70-631
TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-638
TS: Windows 7, Configuring Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.	Exam 70-680
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)	MCDST
MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server	MCSE
MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server	See the requirements in the next section
MCSE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Note This certification is discontinued, but if you already earned it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Discontinued
Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications: CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+	CompTIA

If you have the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification, you can upgrade to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) on Windows Server 2008 certifications.

View the upgrade paths

MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is for administrators who want to demonstrate their ability to “successfully implement, manage, and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows 2000 Server environments.”

Two exams on networking systems
One exam on client operating systems
One elective exam

For this certification no other requirements – such as interviews or experience proof is required.

Exams on networking systems: Both required	Exam number
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-215
Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-218
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one	Exam number
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-210
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional	Exam 70-270
TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.	Exam 70-620

Elective exam: Choose one	Exam number
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-086
Planning, Deploying, and Managing Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003	Exam 70-089
Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-214
Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-216
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-224
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-227
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-228
TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server	Exam 70-235
TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-236
Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-244
TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 – Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting	Exam 70-262
Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003	Exam 70-284
Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network	Exam 70-299
Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004	Exam 70-350
TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring	Exam 70-351
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance	Exam 70-431
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance	Exam 70-445
TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing	Exam 70-500
TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration	Exam 70-557
TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.	Exam 70-620
TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops	Exam 70-624
TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-630
TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring	Exam 70-631
TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring	Exam 70-638
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)	MCDST
Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications: CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+	CompTIA