TechSchoolReview.com: What is Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Certification?

What is Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Certification?

The MCSA certification is among the Top 10 Hottest Certifications for 2003, according to CertCities, an online magazine for IT professionals, who based their assessment on its rapid growth. The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, or MCSA, was introduced in October 2001 to better reflect the job duties and training requirements for systems administrators and help-desk professionals. MCSA's have the training and expertise required to implement, troubleshoot and manage a Windows 2000 operating environment.

The MCSA is a mid-level certification program, above the Microsoft Certified Professional and just below the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE. Unlike the MCSE, the MCSA does not require expertise in designing IT systems. If you are currently looking to advance your career to the ranks of systems administrator, network administrator, network engineer or IT engineer, the MCSA will give you confidence in your skills and credibility with employers.

Applicants for the MCSA certification exam should have a year or more of experience working with a desktop or network operating system. Candidates should also have experience with network infrastructure. The MCSA certification consists of three core exams:

Installing, Configuring and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Professional or Windows XP Professional Environment
Installing, Configuring and Administering a Windows 2000 Server
Installing, Configuring and Administering a Windows 2000 Network Environment

One elective exam from the following list is also required to earn the MCSA certification:

Administering Microsoft SQL Server 7.0
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0
Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows 2000 Network
Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
Configuring and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network
Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Specific certifications already earned may substitute for an elective exam. These include:

CompTIA Security +
CompTIA A+ combined with CompTIA Network +
CompTIA A+ combined with CompTIA Server +
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician

Although the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a better-than-average increase for most jobs in technical support, these jobs are highly competitive. Being certified in the latest technology and having practical experience are essential for all IT professionals, especially if you are without a college degree.

The MCSA can also be specialized, which will make your resume more attractive to prospective employers looking for specific skills. The MCSA with Security on Microsoft Windows 2000 specialty certification was announced in June 2003 in response to the high demand for security experts in IT departments.

Certification in the IT field is one of the best ways to build an up-to-date skill set in the IT field, and continue building it. The MCSA certification is fast becoming the gold standard for systems administrators. If you are a systems administrator, or would like to be one, earning an MCSA certification will give you the confidence and credibility you need to compete in today's IT job market.

Get the certification you need to advance your career! Check our list of schools and colleges offering computer certification programs.