Prove your expertise on Microsoft core platform skills by earning a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is for IT professionals and developers looking to get their first job in Microsoft technology. Whether in the cloud or on-premise, this certification validates the core platform skills needed in an IT environment. The MCSA certifications are a requirement to achieve our flagship Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications.
If you are a student new to IT who may not yet be ready for MCSA, the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is the optional starting point that may be available through your university.
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Q. Why are you changing the Microsoft Certification program and what are the key changes?
A.
We reinvented our certifications to maintain their market relevance as the industry shifts to the cloud. Microsoft Certifications now validate broader and deeper skills required to build solutions on-premise or in the cloud. We added recertification requirements to ensure that IT professionals and developers who hold our certifications are up to-date on our continually evolving technology.
Q. Why did you change the name of Microsoft Certifications?
The names—Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)—were changed to better reflect the experience, knowledge, and skills that IT professionals and developers need to build and manage technology solutions that may include multiple technologies, whether on-premise or in the cloud.
Q. What is the difference between the new Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications and the previous Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certifications?
The new Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) credential focuses on the ability to design and build technology solutions. The previous Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification focused on a specific job role and can no longer be earned.
Q. If I earn the MCSA certification, will it help me earn the MCSE certification?
Yes, MCSA certification is the starting point to our technical certifications. The MCSA certifications provide a clear starting point if you are a job seeker early in your technology career and are ready to prove that you have the minimum set of skills to hit the ground running. The MCSA is a prerequisite to achieving an MCSE certification.
Q. Will I be able to access the MCP member site by passing only one exam?
Yes, you will be able to access the MCP member site after passing one exam. You will be able to view and share your transcript, enabling you to show your progress towards your certification goals.
Q. Where do I go to get information about the retired Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification?
Candidates who achieved a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification have demonstrated the ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments based on the Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2000 operating system. This certification reflects the 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.
Note The MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification can no longer be earned, and may be deemed a “legacy” certification on your transcript.
See previous Microsoft Certified System Administrator certifications information
Q. Does my certification expire?
To find out more about the expiration and inactivation policies, go to the Certification Lifecycle page.
