Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Help prove your expertise in systems administration on Windows Server 2003 and earlier operating systems by earning a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification. For newer technologies, such as Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Windows Server 2008, or Microsoft SQL Server 2008, the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) is the appropriate certification to pursue.

Level:

One to twelve months of experience in working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure

Audience:

IT professional

Type:

Microsoft Certification

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.

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.

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

  • 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

Journey
Helps build your career

  • 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

Community
Relationship with Microsoft and IT peers

  • 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

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

Note You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

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. You may apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

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

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.

Exam 70-0891

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.

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 count it toward both the MCSA and the MCSE elective exam requirements.

Exam 70-228

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.

Exam 70-2352

TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-2363

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.

Exam 70-2621

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.

Exam 70-2844

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 is retired, but if you already passed it, you can count toward both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security Specialization requirement.

Exam 70-3501

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 70-3514

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

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-4312

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-432

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.

Exam 70-4452

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.

Exam 70-5004

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.

Exam 70-5011

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.

Exam 70-5574

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

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement—not both.

Exam 70-270

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 requirement—not both.

Exam 70-210

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.

Exam 70-6241

TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-6303

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.

Exam 70-6314

TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-6383

TS: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-639

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)

MCDST5

MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

MCSE6

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 A+ and CompTIA Server+

or

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA

1This exam retired on October 31, 2010.

2This exam retired on June 30, 2011.

3This exam retires on September 30, 2012.

4This exam retired on March 31, 2011.

5Exams for this certification retired on June 30, 2011.

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.

MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

This certification is for administrators who want to demonstrate their ability to successfully implement, manage, and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows 2000 Server environments.

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

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

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-0891

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

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-2352

TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-2363

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

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-2621

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 70-2844

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 is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-3501

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 70-3514

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.

Exam 70-4312

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.

Exam 70-4452

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.

Exam 70-5004

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.

Exam 70-5574

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

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-6241

TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-6303

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.

Exam 70-6314

TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-6383

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

Note The exams for this certification are retired.

MCDST5

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications:

CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+

or

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA

1This exam retired on October 31, 2010.

2This exam retired on June 30, 2011.

3This exam will retire on September 30, 2012.

4This exam retired on March 31, 2011.

5The 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.

MCSA Messaging on Windows Server 2003

To earn the MCSA Messaging 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 exam on messaging specialization

Exams on networking systems: Both required

Exam number

Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Note This requirement is waived for candidates who have passed Exam 70-292 and who hold an MCSA or an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification. Exam 70-292 is now retired.

Exam 70-290

Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Note This requirement is waived for candidates who have passed Exam 70-292 and who hold an MCSA or an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification. Exam 70-292 is now retired.

Exam 70-291

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Windows 7, Configuring

Exam 70-680

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

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

Exam on messaging: Required

Exam number

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 exam retired on March 31, 2011.

MCSA Security on Windows Server 2003

To earn the MCSA Security on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass five exams (in any order):

  • Two exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • Two exams on security specialization

MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification for Windows Server 2003

A growing number of organizations require employees to recertify to demonstrate continued competence as stipulated by the American National Standards Institute or equivalent authorization bodies. In the case of this certification, recertification demonstrates that you are up to date on the latest security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003. To earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification for Windows Server 2003, you must hold the MCSA Security on Windows Server 2003 and pass one additional exam—Exam 70-699.

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

Exam number

Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Note This requirement is waived for candidates who have passed Exam 70-292 and who hold an MCSA or an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification. Exam 70-292 is now retired.

Exam 70-290

Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Note This requirement is waived for candidates who have passed Exam 70-292 and who hold an MCSA or an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification. Exam 70-292 is now retired.

Exam 70-291

Exams on client operating systems: Choose one

Exam number

TS: Windows 7, Configuring

Exam 70-680

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

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

Exams on security: Choose two

Exam number

Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-299

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

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.

Exam 70-3501

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 70-3512

Third-party certifications

CompTIA Security+

or

SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)

or

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

or

CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor)

or

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

 

CompTIA

 

(ISC)2

 

 

 

ISACA

 

 

1This exam retired on October 31, 2010.

2This exam retired on March 31, 2011.

Recertification exam

Exam number

Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Security Specialization Skills Update

Exam 70-699

MCSA Messaging on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

To earn the MCSA Messaging 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 exam on messaging specialization

Note Many 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

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

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

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

Exams on messaging: Choose one

Exam number

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

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 exam retired on March 31, 2011.

MCSA Security on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

To earn the MCSA Security on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, you must pass five exams (in any order):

  • Two exams on networking systems

  • One exam on client operating systems

  • Two exams on security specialization

Note Many 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

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

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

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

Exams on security: Choose two

Exam number

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 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 70-227

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.

Exam 70-3501

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 70-3512

Third-party certifications

CompTIA Security+

or

SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)

or

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

or

CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor)

or

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

 

CompTIA

 

(ISC)2

 

 

 

ISACA

 

 

1This exam retired on October 31, 2010.

2This exam retired on March 31, 2011.

MCSA Upgrade Paths

If you have an MCSA on Windows Server 2003, you can upgrade to MCITP by passing as few as two exams.
Earn the two required MCTS on Windows Server 2008 certifications by successfully completing the following upgrade exam:

Complete your MCITP: Server Administrator certification by passing the following exam:

After completing Exam 70-648, you only need to pass the following three exams to earn the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification:

Refer to the following upgrade paths for additional details.

Figure 1. Upgrade path from MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Figure 1. Upgrade path from MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Figure 2. Upgrade path from MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Figure 2. Upgrade path from MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Upgrade to MCTS on Windows Server 2008

If you have an MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification, you only need to pass one exam to earn the two Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications on Windows Server 2008.

Current certification

Certification goal

Required exam

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

and

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Upgrade to MCITP on Windows Server 2008

When you earn the MCTS certifications shown in the following table, you earn credit toward two Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications on Windows Server 2008. For more details, see the path shown in the preceding table.

Current certifications

Certification goal

Required exam

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

and

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

Current certifications

Certification goal

Required exams

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

and

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

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 exam retired on October 31, 2010.

Upgrade to MCSA on Windows Server 2003

If you have an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification, use the following upgrade path to earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification.

Current certification

Certification goal

Required exam

MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

View all answers

Q.  As a hiring manager, why would I hire an MCSA over an MCSE? Will MCSAs have difficulty finding jobs in competition with MCSEs?

A.

MCSE and MCSA job roles are distinct. The two certifications—one for systems engineers and one for systems administrators—provide hiring managers with an accurate means to identify qualified individuals for specific job roles in an organization's IT structure.

Q.  If I earn the MCSA certification, will it help me earn the MCSE certification?

A.

The MCSA certification covers the job functions of a network administrator. The MCSA certification contains a subset of the skills represented in the MCSE certification. After earning the MCSA certification, you must pass several other exams to earn the MCSE certification.

Q.  What is the difference between a certification and a specialization?

A.

A certification validates competency in a specific job role. A specialization validates job-role competency in a specific technical area. Specializations enable individuals who currently have or who are seeking certifications to highlight their focus in a specific field.

Q.  Are MCSA specializations more advanced than the MCSA certification?

A.

No. A specialization provides a way for candidates to show a hiring manager that they focus on a specific technical area.

Q.  Can an exam satisfy both the MCSA elective requirement and a specialization requirement?

A.

Yes. If you have already taken a specialization requirement to satisfy your MCSA elective requirement, you are one step closer to achieving your specialization.

Q.  What is MCSA recertification? Is it required?

A.

MCSA recertification is for professionals who want to maintain their skills with the latest Windows Server 2003 security-related functions and tools. Microsoft does not require recertification; however, many organizations elect to follow accreditation requirements from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Organization for Standardization (IS0), among other standards bodies. ANSI and ISO stipulate that individuals demonstrate continued competence through re-certification. In the case of the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification certification, recertification is required every three years.

Q.  What happens if I earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification and do not recertify in three years?

A.

Microsoft does not require recertification; however, becoming recertified every three years helps ensure that you have the knowledge and skills to work with the latest Windows Server 2003 security-related functions and tools. If you hold the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification certification and do not recertify, this certification will become inactive and will revert to the MCSA Security Specialization without the recertification designator. You will continue to hold the MCSA Security Specialization without recertification if you do not recertify.

Q.  Is there an MCSA certification on Windows Server 2008?

A.

No. In response to customer requests for certifications that are more targeted and up-to-date, we offer Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Server Administrator and MCITP Enterprise Administrator.

Q.  Does MCSA equate to MCITP: Server Administrator?

A.

No, not exactly. The MCITP on Windows Server 2008 requires a new skill set—in some cases, a more robust one—that differs from the skill sets needed for MCSA certifications. The MCITP: Server Administrator certification covers more operations-related job skills than the MCSA certification.

Q.  Are the MCTS and MCITP certifications replacing the MCSA and MCSE certifications?

A.

No. The MCSA and MCSE certifications are not being replaced. There is no change to the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 tracks and certifications. The MCTS and MCITP certifications are for Windows Server 2008.

Q.  Does my MCSA certification expire?

A.

Your MCSA certifications and specializations currently do not have an expiration date or what we call an inactive date. To find out more about the expiration and inactivation policies, read the Certification Lifespan – FAQ.

To maintain the relevance and value of your certification and to ensure that candidates possess up-to-date skills on technologies that are constantly changing, we review and may update our policies as necessary.

Still have questions? Try one of the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) pages:

Please tell us why you rated the content this way. (optional)
 

News and Special Offers

Certification Resources

Your Community