Microsoft Certifications > Windows Server 2008

Transition your MCSA and MCSE on Windows Server 2003 skills to Windows Server 2008

Published: January 14, 2008

Capitalize on your MCSA or MCSE on Windows Server 2003 with an expedited path to Windows Server 2008 certification.

If you are a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003, you can transfer your skills to achieve multiple Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications or Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credentials on Windows Server 2008.

For the first time, the transition path is available before the product release. If you have a Windows Server 2008 certification on your resumé, you have an excellent opportunity to catch the eye of early adopter organizations. Microsoft Learning developed this transition path to recognize the investment and expertise you have demonstrated throughout your certification history—don’t miss your chance to take advantage of these new certifications.

Your path consists of one exam, which allows you to earn multiple Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications on Windows Server 2008.

From there, you can complete the remaining requirements for one or both of the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications for Windows Server 2008.

Because there is a significant technology gap between Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2008, only IT professionals with specific Microsoft Certifications on Windows Server 2003 can utilize these transition or upgrade paths. In addition, there is no upgrade path from messaging or security specializations to Windows Server 2008 certifications.

First step: Take one exam to earn MCTS certification on Windows Server 2008

The transition exams focus exclusively on the technology that is new or changed in Windows Server 2008; these exams do not test job skills.

If you have this certification Take this required transition examEarn these MCTS certifications

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

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

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration
and
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

MCSE on Windows Server 2003

Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
and
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
and
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration

Your transition path from MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP

When you earn the MCTS certifications by following the transition path described earlier, you complete several requirements toward the MCITP certifications on Windows Server 2008. For your convenience, we have consolidated and summarized the requirements from a transition perspective in the table below. This page is not meant to provide details on the MCITP certifications, target audience, or requirements.

From MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Server Administrator (two exams total)
Transition exam 

Exam 70-648

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Professional Series exam 

Exam 70-646

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

From MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator (four exams total)
Transition exam 

Exam 70-648

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Prerequisite exams 

Exam 70-643

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-643 TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

Exam 70-620
Or
Exam 70-624

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

Professional Series exam 

Exam 70-647

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

Your transition path from MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP

When you earn the MCTS certifications by following the transition path described earlier, you complete several requirements toward the MCITP certifications on Windows Server 2008. For your convenience, we have consolidated and summarized the requirements from a transition perspective in the table below. This page is not meant to provide details on the MCITP certifications, target audience, or requirements.

From MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Server Administrator (two exams total)
Transition exam 

Exam 70-649

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Professional Series exam 

Exam 70-646

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

From MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator (three exams total)
Transition exam 

Exam 70-649

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Prerequisite exam 

Exam 70-620
Or
Exam 70-624

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

Professional Series exam 

Exam 70-647

Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

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Windows Server 2008 Transition Paths

Curriculum Roadmap

See the full-sized exam roadmap

Download XPS file (2082 KB)

Download PDF file (517 KB)

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Top FAQs

I am an MCSE. Should I take both upgrade exams?

Can I retake Exam 70-648 or Exam 70-649?

Is there a transition path from Windows 2000 Server?

Does my MCSA or MCSE expire?

Find the answers to these questions and more

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