CTE Solutions chair
Quick Search:  
Savings
Got A Question?
Talk to an Educational Consultant and get the answers you need.

By Phone
Ottawa: 613-798-5353
Toronto: 416-284-2700
Toll Free: 866-635-5353

right arrow Ask your question online

MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credential recognizes IT professionals who implement, manage, and maintain network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows Server operating system. Whether you are new to the IT industry or a seasoned professional, you can pursue a training path and achieve MCSA certification with a focus on the latest technology—Microsoft Windows Server 2003.


The value of MCSA certification to IT professionals:

  • Improves proficiency with Windows Server 2003, reliably transferring and validating systems administrator skills.
  • Applies to relevant systems administrator job roles and lays the foundation for the premier Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential on Windows Server 2003.
  • Provides a learning framework with training opportunities that fit most schedules, locations, and learning needs.

The value of MCSA certification to hiring managers and organizations:

  • Strengthens organizations with top-quality talent proficient on Windows Server 2003.
  • Serves as a reliable benchmark for hiring and promotions.
  • Provides assurance of vendor qualifications.

 

Typical job titles for MCSA:

 

  • Network Administrator Systems Administrator
  • Information Technology Engineer
  • Information Systems Administrator
  • Network Technician

An MCSA candidate should have sufficient, hands-on experience with:


  • Implementing, managing, and maintaining a desktop operating system
  • Implementing, managing, and maintaining a network operating system
  • Managing and maintaining a network infrastructure

Technology that combines functionality, reliability, and seamless integration

Windows Server 2003 is Microsoft’s most scalable, reliable, and high-performing server operating system to date, built to handle the most complex business applications. It is designed to simplify migration from previous versions of Windows, manage mission-critical data with enhanced security technology, and provide maximum server uptime for sophisticated business needs.

MCSA meets industry needs

Demand for qualified professionals who can perform the network administration job function has grown significantly, and the IT industry has indicated that a certification for this job function is needed. Studies show that systems and network administrators at IT companies have significant advancement opportunities—more than most other job categories.

The MCSA credential offers IT professionals a competitive edge in today’s constantly changing business environment. This Microsoft credential validates the specific skills required for the network and systems administrator job role. The certification provides employers with a means to identify those qualified individuals who have the appropriate skills to do the job successfully.

Choose your certification path

There are multiple ways to chart your path to MCSA on Windows Server 2003. Those individuals with the MCSA on Windows 2000 credential may efficiently update their credential, and those skilled in Windows NT 4.0 have opportunities to accelerate learning on the new technology. Upgrade paths are presented on the inside of this document.

Demonstrate your specific expertise by earning a certification specialization

To recognize those systems administrators whose job role focuses on managing, maintaining, and implementing server security, Microsoft offers the new MCSA: Security certification specialization. Systems administrators with expertise in the management of a Microsoft Exchange messaging infrastructure can pursue the new MCSA: Messaging certification specialization.

Exam requirements:

Core Exams (2 Exams Required)

To fulfill the core certification requirements, pass one of the two exams focused on the Networking System:

  • Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
  • Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Then, pass one of the two exams focused on the Client Operating System:

  • Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Elective Exams (1 Exams Required)


You must also pass one elective exam that provides proof of expertise of server management:

  • Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
  • Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
  • Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server™ 2000 Enterprise Edition
  • Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
  • Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

As an alternative to the electives listed above, these Microsoft certifications may substitute for an MCSA elective:

  • MCDST: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
  • MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Microsoft Windows 2000
  • MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows 2000
  • MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

As an alternative to the electives listed above, these third-party certification combinations may substitute for an MCSA elective:

  • CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+
  • CompTIA Security+