MCSA is an acronym for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. This certification is typically pursued by information technology professionals seeking to advance their career in the field of network systems and environments. MCSA certification to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator demonstrates that you have the skills required to successfully implement, manage and troubleshoot systems running on the Microsoft Windows operating system like Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Small Business Server, or Microsoft Exchange Server. MCSA certification is helpful for professionals who have entry-level certification such as CompTIA's A+ or Net+ certifications in related technologies to upgrade their credentials and get recognition from the industry. Also, more and more employers are looking at professional certifications of candidates that they wish to hire.
Currently, Microsoft offers two MCSA certification programs, one on Windows Server 2003 and the other on Windows 2000. Messaging and security specializations are available with both options. The specializations give students an opportunity to distinguish themselves from other job applicants and also help IT managers identify key personnel who may be useful in security or messaging.
MCSA candidates are required to pass three core operating system exams (one of the which must be exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment or 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure;) and one elective exam, and is designed to test your ability to manage and troubleshoot a Windows 2003 network.
In recent years, the MCSA certification has become a global standard for many successful IT companies. Whereas the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) is supposed to certify a person's ability to "plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures in medium- to large-sized companies", the MCSA certifies a holder's ability to "implement, manage, and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium-to large-sized companies". With the release of Windows 2008 due soon, presumably Microsoft will introduce an upgrade path to allow MCSA or MCSE holders to upgrade to the Windows 2008 variants of the MCITP certification the same way they have for MCAD or MCSD to MCPD developers.
MCSA certification is the fastest-growing Microsoft certification. MCSA certification is a testimony to your experience, knowledge and dedication to the information technology field. MCSA certification is valuable in many ways and will help you obtain a job or get a much needed promotion.
