Microsoft Certifications Guide
Overview
Microsoft Certifications are becoming increasingly more important to have when trying to secure a new job, or a promotion. In addition, taking the Microsoft exams will qualify to yourself and your employer that you have correctly learned how to operate Microsoft's products.
Below is my guide to perusing Microsoft Certifications. It contains summaries and links to content. It also contains a some advice on taking the exams. Best of luck.
Understanding Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft offers a lot of certifications. The complete list can be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certifications.mspx
The important ones for network administration are:
In addition, with the MCSA and the MCSE certifications you can specialize in either Messaging or Security. In other words you can achieve a:
- MCSA+M and/or MCSA+S
- MCSE+M and/or MCSE+S
Lastly, the MCSA and MCSE designations are based on the server operating system version. In order words, the full titles would be:
- MCSA/MCSE for Windows for Windows NT Server
- MCSA/MCSE for Windows 2000 Server
- MCSA/MCSE for Windows Server 2003
- (and in the near future) MCSA/MCSE for Windows Sever 2008
The operating system version is played down by Microsoft. All the logos are the same for all the different operating systems.
Certification Requirements
Microsoft Certified Professional
In order to be a Microsoft Certified Professional you must pass one current Microsoft exam. Here is the official page:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcp/requirements.mspx
Microsoft Technology Specialist
MCTS is basically the new MCP designation. You get the MCTS title by passing one of the new exams. After that you can further specialize in a specific Microsoft technology. A full discussion of MCTS is beyond the scope of this document but here is the official page
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/default.mspx
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
In order to be a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator you must pass four Microsoft exams. Here is the official page:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx
Here is a break down of the requirements:
Core Networking Systems Exams (you pass ALL of these)
| Number |
Name |
| 70-290 |
Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment |
| 70-291 |
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure |
Core Exams Client Operating Systems Exams (you pass ONE of these)
| Number |
Name |
| 70-620 |
Microsoft Windows Vista Client, Configuring |
| 70-270 |
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
| 70-210 |
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional |
Elective Exam (you must pass ONE elective exam)
The are many elective exams to choose from (see the official document). I personally would recommend you take one of the following:
| Number |
Name |
| 70-620 |
Microsoft Windows Vista Client, Configuring |
| 70-284 |
Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 |
If you took the two server cores, and 2000 or XP as your client OS, and then took both of the above exams (70-620 and 70-284) you would have the following titles:
your name
MCP, MCTS, MCSA+M
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
In order to be a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer you must pass seven Microsoft exams. Here is the official page:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/default.mspx
Here is a break down of the requirements:
Core Networking Systems Exams (you pass ALL of these)
| Number |
Name |
| 70-290 |
Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment |
| 70-291 |
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure |
| 70-293 |
Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure |
| 70-294 |
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure |
Core Exams Client Operating Systems Exams (you pass ONE of these)
| Number |
Name |
| 70-620 |
Microsoft Windows Vista Client, Configuring |
| 70-270 |
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
| 70-210 |
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional |
Core Exams Design (you pass ONE of these)
| Number |
Name |
| 70-297 |
Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure |
| 70-298 |
Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network |
Elective Exam (you must pass ONE elective exam)
The are many elective exams to choose from (see the official document). I personally would recommend you take one of the following:
| Number |
Name |
| 70-620 |
Microsoft Windows Vista Client, Configuring |
| 70-282 |
Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business |
| 70-284 |
Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 |
| 70-285 |
Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization |
If you took the four server cores, and 2000 or XP as your client OS, and passed the design core, and then took the Vista and Exchange exams (70-620, 70-284, 70-285) you would have the following titles:
your name
MCP, MCTS, MCSA+M, MCSE+M
Testing Centers
Before booking your test, you should check the Microsoft web site for test promotions. Previously, Microsoft offered Exam Insurance, which gave you two attempts to write the exam. Unfortunately, the promotion has expired but hopefully it will return. Here is the official link for all details:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/insurance/default.mspx
There are two official testing providers, they are:
I personally prefer the Prometric Testing Centers.
Study Material
The exams cover a lot of material, I suggest you check the official on-line Preparation Guide before you start studying. In edition, there are lots and lots of different study guides out there. The Microsoft Press series books are excellent for beginners. Here is the link to the official site:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/books/default.mspx
If you are already a hardened professional and are just looking to brush up for the exam, I personally recommend the Exam Cram 2 series. Here is a link to the Exam Cram 2 official web site.
http://www.examcram2.com
Conclusion
The most important thing when preparing to take the exams is took BOOK THE EXAM. I've met a lot of people who tell me that they are pursuing Microsoft Certifications and whenever I ask them when is there exam they tell me that they haven't booked it yet. You not going to get any titles unless you book and write the exams.
Don't get discouraged. Everyone, including me, has set backs. The higher Microsoft Certifications take commitment to get. Don't give up!
Practice actually writing the exams, don't just read the answers to practice tests.
Good luck!