The Microsoft MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) Certification is a globally acknowledged IT certification program. It is offered in the domain of information technology in the technical industry. The credentials of the MSCA certification are required to attain the higher level certifications of Microsoft, such as, MSCE. Though MSCA certification is a beginner or entry level certification course of Microsoft, it measures the level of skills and knowledge of the candidates that are essential for developing a sustainable and prosperous IT career through the application of apposite Microsoft technologies, tools, applications and platforms in diverse business environments.
The Microsoft MCSA certified professionals can perform in a range of high-paid job roles, such as: Specialist in technical support, System administrator, Database Backup Administrators, Network administrator, Network technician, Analyst in Network operations, etc.
The Microsoft MCSA Certification enables the certified professionals to install & configure the Professional Procedures of the windows XP. Moreover, it assists the professionals to administer & maintain the MS windows Environment of the server 2003. Additionally, MSCA certified IT professionals can execute, maintain & manage the Network infrastructure of the MS window’s version 2003. MSCA credentials also teach the professionals about how to design & manufacture the IT infrastructure through applying diverse Microsoft products like, Exchange server, Windows server, Microsoft dynamics, SQL server, etc.
The Microsoft MCSA Certification pathway is as follows:
- MCSA: Office 365 certification
- MCSA: SQL Server 2008 certification
- MCSA: SQL Server 2012 certification
- MCSA: Windows 7 certification
- MCSA: Windows 8 certification
- MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification
- MCSA: Windows Server 2012.
The Microsoft MCSA Certification has some pre-requisites. Those are:
- Microsoft MCSA Windows 2000 server certification and
- Microsoft MCSA Windows 2003 server certification.
After acquiring the Microsoft MCSA certification, the professionals can attain the following certifications offered by the Microsoft:
- Microsoft MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) certification
- Microsoft MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) certification
- Microsoft MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) certification
- Microsoft MCPS (Microsoft Certified product specialist) certification
Required Courses:
The Microsoft MCSA certification does not require the candidates to take any mandatory course. However, the candidates should have a fundamental knowledge about the Windows OS database Windows server.
Required Exams:
To obtain the Microsoft MCSA certification, the candidates are required to pass three mandatory exams along with one elective exam. And after successful completion of these four exams, the candidates will earn the Microsoft MCSA certification.
The mandatory four exams are as follows:
- Exam no. 70-270;
Exam Title: Configuration, Installation & Administration of the Microsoft Windows XP Professional
- Exam no. 70-290
Exam Title: Maintenance & Management of the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
- Exam no. 70-291
Exam Title: Management, Implementation & Maintenance Microsoft Windows server 2003 network infrastructure
Regarding the first elective exam, the candidates are allowed to either choose between the two exams of CompTIA A+ certification exams. And for the other elective exam, the candidates can choose between either the CompTIA server certification exam or the CompTIA Network+ certification exam or the MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support technician) certification exam. These exams are taken only through in two versions, such as, English & French. However, the foreign candidates, whose first language is not English, are permitted to carry their dictionaries.
Exam cost:
The cost of each Microsoft MCSA exam is $150 for the candidates participating from the United States. However, these fees are not fixed and these can be upgraded any time upon the decision of the authority. Another noticeable fact is that for some particular areas, extra charges or duties might be applied on the regular exam cost.
MCSA Study Material:
Web preparing & E-classes are the basic way to take the exam preparation. A candidate can use these materials as much as possible s/he wants. This method provides a great deal of assistance to the candidates, who cannot afford time or money to take the instructional courses. Diverse prep tests, practice labs and study materials are available in the ‘MS Press Store’ and other websites. Some of the companies charge fees for subscribing to their online service to download these materials. However, in the Internet a range of study materials and prep tests are also offered totally free of cost by some companies. Adding to these, ‘Microsoft Virtual Academy’ numerous online eBook downloading websites and libraries offer the popular books and study guides to the candidates.
The candidates can also attain the training courses – from ‘class locator’ – recommended for each particular exam to get a proper guideline from the erudite mentors. The duration of the training camp varies on the basis of the type of certification.
