MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification will advance your career by ensuring you have the skills to successfully manage and troubleshoot system environments running on the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSAs) receive these benefits, all accessible through the MCP Member Site:

* Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.

* Access to technical and product information — directly from Microsoft through the MCP Member Site.

* Access to exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Some offers are available only to MCSE+Is, MCSEs, MCDBAs, and MCSDs.

* MCSA certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional to colleagues or clients. Electronic files of logos and transcript may be downloaded from the MCP Member Site upon certification.

* Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.

* Free access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online, a career and professional development magazine. (All MCPs may access the online magazine's security-enhanced content. Some MCPs may also be eligible to receive the print version of the magazine free; eligibility is determined by the magazine.)

* A special deal on a subscription to Windows & .NET Magazine, a leading source of independent, how-to information for IT professionals working on a Microsoft Windows® platform. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) and MCSAs receive 50 percent off the retail subscription price. Visit the MCP Member Site for details.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) candidates on the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 track are required to satisfy the following requirements:

Core Exams (3 Exams Required)
* Two networking system exams
* One client operating system exam

Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)
Together with the core exams, the elective exams provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise to successfully manage and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium-to- large-sized companies. MCSA candidates should have 6–12 months of experience administering client and network operating systems.

Upgrade Exam (1 Exam Required)
Microsoft has designed an upgrade path that will enable a current MCSA on Windows® 2000 to earn the Windows Server 2003 credential in a time- and cost-effective manner.