Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Prove your expertise in systems administration on Windows Server operating systems by earning a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credential. This credential helps you advance your career by showing customers and employers that you have the skills necessary to successfully manage and troubleshoot network environments running on Windows server systems.

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

Overview

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credential validates your ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments in the Windows 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.

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 validates your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today's rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you utilize evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, becoming certified demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

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 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

MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification for Windows Server 2003

A growing number of organizations require employees to re-certify to demonstrate continued competence as stipulated by the American National Standards Institute or equivalent authorization bodies. In the case of this credential, recertification demonstrates 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 pass one 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. The credential will not expire.

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 A+ and CompTIA Network+

or

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA

Recertification exam

Exam number

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

Exam 70-699

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. The credential will not expire.

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

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: 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

Exam 70-284

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

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. The credential will not expire.

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: 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

Exam 70-350

TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring

Exam 70-351

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications

CompTIA

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. The credential will not expire.

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

Exam 70-284

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. The credential will not expire.

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

Exam 70-350

TS: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, Configuring

Exam 70-351

Specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications

CompTIA

Upgrade Paths

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

After you have earned the MCTS certifications by following the path shown in the preceding table, you have completed several requirements for earning two Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications on Windows Server 2008.

Current certifications

Certification goal

Required exam

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

and

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

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

and

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

Choose one  of the following prerequisite exams:

Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

or

Exam 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

and

Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

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. Recent research indicates that a demand gap exists between the number of Windows systems administrators needed and the number of skilled IT professionals available to do the job. The MCSA credential will help employers easily identify qualified individuals to close the gap.

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

A.

The MCSA credential covers the job functions of a network administrator. The MCSA certification contains a subset of the skills represented in the MCSE credential. After earning the MCSA credential, 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. However, the job role proficiency that the certification validates is the same for an MCSA with or without a specialization.

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 credential, recertification is required every three years.

Q.  What happens if I earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential 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 credential and do not recertify, this credential will expire and will revert to the MCSA Security Specialization without the recertification designator. You will not lose the MCSA Security Specialization if you do not recertify.

Q.  Is there an MCSA credential 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 credentials?

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 credential expire?

A.

No. Your MCSA certifications and specializations will hold their value in the marketplace as long as there is a need for IT professionals with skills in working with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. The Windows Server 2008 certifications are intended for IT professionals who are using or will be using Windows Server 2008; there is no requirement to upgrade to them.

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

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