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MCSA Overview
The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification helps validate your ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments based on the Windows Server 2003 operating system. It reflects a unique set of skills required to succeed in a variety of job roles, such as systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, and technical support specialist. If you want to be certified on newer Microsoft technologies, such as Exchange Server 2010, Windows Server 2008, or SQL Server 2008, you should pursue the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification. And, if you have the MCSE 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. Get more information on how to upgrade to the MCTS and MCITP on Windows Server 2008 certifications Note The MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification will no longer be available as of December 31, 2011. If you achieve the certification prior to December 31, 2011, the certification will remain active but may be deemed a "legacy" or "retired" certification on your transcript. View MCSA requirements Consider an MCSA specialization Get more information about the MCITP certification Get more information about the MCTS certification See upgrade path information MCSA candidate profile An MCSA candidate should have one to twelve months of experience in working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure. Why get certified? Earning a Microsoft Certification helps validate your proven experience and helps you build your career, whether you are new to technology or a seasoned professional. The benefits that you gain after achieving a Microsoft Certification provide you opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs). Research shows certification is a value to you and your organization: Relevance Helps validate real-world skills
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63% of hiring managers think that certified individuals are more productive on the job Training and certification are necessary to maintain a high level of performance
43% of office workers report salary increases as a result of Microsoft Certification 57% of Microsoft-certified professionals expected to receive pay bonuses this year
Certified teams are 28% more productive* Microsoft Certification provides access to unique Microsoft resources, including a community of certified professionals
*Source: IDC, "Impact of Training on Network Administration: Certification Leads to Operational Productivity," Doc. #220563, November 2009
MCSA Certifications
MCSA on Windows Server 2003
The enduring strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market suggests that demand for related IT expertise will continue for many years. Earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to help demonstrate your expertise to customers and employers. Prove your skills in Windows administration, including system environment management and troubleshooting. To earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass four exams (in any order): Two exams on networking systems One exam on client operating systems One elective exam
Note Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. Exams on networking systems: Both required Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Exam number Exam 70-290 Exam 70-291
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one TS: Windows 7, Configuring Note You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional Note You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. 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. You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both.
Exam 70-620
Exam 70-270
Exam 70-210
Elective exam: Choose one 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. Designing, Managing, and Maintaining Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can count it toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements. 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 count it toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement. Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can count it toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements. TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can count it toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Messaging Specialization requirement. Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement. TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Implementation and Maintenance
Exam 70-0891
Exam 70-227
Exam 70-228
Exam 70-2352
Exam 70-2844
Exam 70-3514
Exam 70-4452
Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration and Management Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can count it toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring TS: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Configuring TS: Windows 7, Configuring Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server 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. Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications: CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ CompTIA MCDST5 MCSE6 See the requirements in the next section Discontinued Exam 70-6383 Exam 70-639 Exam 70-680 Exam 70-6303 Exam 70-6314 Exam 70-6241 Exam 70-210 Exam 70-270 Exam 70-620 Exam 70-5574 Exam 70-5011 Exam 70-5004
or
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+
or
CompTIA Security+
exam retired on October 31, 2010. exam retired on June 30, 2011. exam retires on September 30, 2012. exam retired on March 31, 2011. for this certification retired on June 30, 2011.
5Exams 6This
certification will be discontinued on December 31, 2011. If you achieve the certification prior to December 31, 2011, it will still count as credit toward this certification. 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
To earn the MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification, you must pass four exams (in any order): Two exams on networking systems One exam on client operating systems One elective exam Note Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. Exams on networking systems: Both required 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. 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 Exam number Exam 70-215
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one 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. Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both.
Elective exam: Choose one 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. Planning, Deploying, and Managing Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring 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. TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.
Exam 70-0891
Exam 70-214
Exam 70-216
Exam 70-224
Exam 70-227
Exam 70-228
Exam 70-2352
Exam 70-2621
Exam 70-2844
Exam 70-3514
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Implementation and Maintenance Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirementnot both. TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) Note The exams for this certification are retired. Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications: CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+
Exam 70-4312
Exam 70-4452
Exam 70-5004
Exam 70-5574
Exam 70-620
Exam 70-6241
CompTIA
or
CompTIA Security+
exam retired on October 31, 2010. exam retired on June 30, 2011. exam will retire on September 30, 2012. exam retired on March 31, 2011. exams for this certification retired on June 30, 2011.
MCSA Specializations
With an increasing number of IT professionals pursuing certification and a significant demand for specialized expertise, MCSA specializations provide a valuable means of demonstrating your proficiency in a particular technical field. These specializations are not more advanced than the MCSA certifications; they are simply more focused.
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one TS: Windows 7, Configuring TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Exam number Exam 70-680 Exam 70-620 Exam 70-270 Exam 70-210
Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.
Exam on messaging: Required Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.
1This
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one TS: Windows 7, Configuring TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional 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 number Exam 70-680 Exam 70-620 Exam 70-270 Exam 70-210
Exams on security: Choose two Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network 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. Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. Third-party certifications CompTIA Security+
Exam 70-3501
Exam 70-3512
CompTIA
or
SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) (ISC)2
or
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
or
or
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
ISACA
1This 2This
exam retired on October 31, 2010. exam retired on March 31, 2011. Exam number Exam 70-699
Recertification exam Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Security Specialization Skills Update
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional 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.
Exams on messaging: Choose one 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. Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.
Exam 70-2841
1This
Exams on client operating systems: Choose one TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional 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.
Exams on security: Choose two 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. 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. Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification. Third-party certifications CompTIA Security+
Exam 70-227
Exam 70-3501
Exam 70-3512
CompTIA
or
SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) (ISC)2
or
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
or
CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor) ISACA
or
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
1This 2This
exam retired on October 31, 2010. exam retired on March 31, 2011.
Figure 2. Upgrade path from MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
and
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
and
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
Required exams Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
and
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
and
Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
and
Choose one of the following prerequisite exams: Exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring
or
Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client
or
Exam 70-6241: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.
1This
on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.
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