MCSA Certification (Microsoft Windows 2003)

About the MCSA Certification

The MCSA 2003 certification is for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Operating System. These individuals typically do not deploy new networks and systems as part of their job function as is expected of individuals holding the MCSE certification.
To earn the MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification, you must pass four exams (in any order):

• Two exams on networking systems
• One exam on client operating systems
• One elective exam

For the MCSA 2003 elective tests, you can choose from plenty of exam that suit your requirement. CompTIA’s Security certification, or a CompTIA A certification and Network certification combination, or a CompTIA A and Server combination, may count towards one elective for this certification exam. You may also take the MCDST certification exam as an elective.

Pass the following two required exams on networking systems

• 70-290 : Windows Server 2003 Environment
• 70-291 : Windows 2003 Network Infrastructure

Pass any one of these exams on client operating systems:

• 70-680 TS: Windows 7, Configuring (Note: You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement – not both.)
• 70-620 TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client (Note: You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement – not both.)
• 70-270 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional (Note: You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement – not both.)

Pass any one of these elective exams:

• 70-236 TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring
• 70-299 Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network
• 70-432 TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• 70-620 TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client (Note: You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement – not both.)
• 70-270 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional (Note: You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement “not both.)
• 70-630 TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring
• 70-638 TS: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuring
• 70-639 TS: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Configuring
• 70-680 TS: Windows 7, Configuring (Note: You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the client operating systems requirement – not both.)

OR

Pass any one of the specific third-party (CompTIA) certifications:

• CompTIA A-plus and CompTIA Network-plus
or
• CompTIA A-plus and CompTIA Server-plus
or
• CompTIA Security-plus

If you would like to know more about the Windows Server 2003 MCSA certification please visit: Microsoft MCSA 2003 certification exam page

Career Options with a Microsoft MCSA Certification

The job roles for MCSA certified professionals typically include: systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist.

Preparing for the MCSA certification

There is no quick mantra for success. Several studies have shown that the best way to learn is to take a test! Practice tests that is. Taking practice tests before a subsequent exam appear to be the most popular method of learning, even more favored that other popular methods such as repetition and concept mapping.

A high quality test preparation software such as uCertify Prepkits will not only help you learn the 70-236, 70-299, 70-432, 70-620, 70-270, 70-630, 70-638, 70-639, and 70-680 exams material and pass the certification exam in your first attempt.

Prepare and Pass the MCSA certification the uCertify way!

Passing exams required towards getting your Microsoft certification is easy, using uCertify’s top rated test Prepkits. Here’s how:

• Full coverage of exam objectives (updated 2011) including Managing and Maintaining Physical and Logical Devices, Managing Users, Computers, and Groups, Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining IP Addressing, Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining Name Resolution, Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista, etc.
• Practice questions that follow the exam pattern
• Comprehensive practice questions modeled on real world scenarios
• Detailed answer explanations for both correct and incorrect answer options
• Chapter by chapter study guide and study notes for exam 70-290, 70-291, 70-620, and 70-680 not only helps you pass the exam, you actually learn the stuff you are supposed to know!
• Interactive Quizzes

Benefits of the Microsoft MCSA certification

• Microsoft products are most widely used in business enterprises today and the MCSA certification proves expertise on the Microsoft products and technologies.
• Professionals holding the MCSA certification are preferred by the employers and they also get preference in promotions.
• MCSA certification is helpful for professionals who have entry-level certification in related technologies to upgrade their credentials and get recognition from the industry.
• MCSA Certified professional can find appropriate job easily and get paid more.
• And most importantly, on average, an MCSA certified person gets more salary than persons having the same job profile.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification helps you in elevating your career growth. You will work in organization as a team player or team member. You will be assigned projects including developing, managing, troubleshooting, administering, etc.