MCSA on Windows Server 2003 Certification Requirements

Related Links • Windows Server 2008 certification • MCSA: Security on Windows Server 2003 • MCSA: Messaging on Windows Server 2003 • MCSE on Windows Server 2003

The strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market today indicates that demand for related IT expertise will continue for years to come. The best way to demonstrate your expert skills on Windows Server 2003—and to inspire confidence in a hiring manager, your team, and yourself—is by earning the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credentials.

In addition, if you are certified on Windows Server 2003, you have an efficient path to the Windows Server 2008 certifications.

The MCSA certification verifies your knowledge in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems. MCSA certification can help advance your career by confirming that you have the skills necessary to successfully manage and troubleshoot system environments.

Candidate profile

Candidates for the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification typically have 6 to 12 months of experience administering client and network operating systems. They are knowledgeable about implementing, managing, and maintaining the typically complex computing environment of mid-sized to large companies.

Related job titles: systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist

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How to earn your MCSA on Windows Server 2003

To earn your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass four exams:

The MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification will not retire.

If you have an MCSA credential on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, you can transition your skills to Windows Server 2003 by taking one exam.

Transition path for an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server to an MCSA on Windows Server 2003

As an alternative to choosing an elective exam listed in the preceding table, you can choose the following certifications or certification combinations.

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Transition path for an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server to an MCSA on Windows Server 2003

The transition exam for an MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification retired in March 2008.

If you hold an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, you can earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification by passing one transition exam.

Transition exam for an MCSA
Exam 70-2921	Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

¹ This exam retired in March 2008.

² Exams on Windows Server 2008 cannot be used as credit toward an MCSA certification.

•	Learn more about Windows Server 2008 certification

³ Exam 70-620 can count one time toward a core client exam or an elective exam, but not toward both.

⁴ Exam 70-227 and Exam 70-350 satisfy both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security specialization requirement.

⁵ Exam 70-284 satisfies both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Messaging specialization requirement.

⁶ This exam will retire in March 2009.

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