The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification is currently the hottest certification in the computer industry. Designed for computer industry professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot computer networks, it is the ideal first credential for demonstrating proficiency with Windows 2000.
The MCSA is part of Microsoft's Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program. This is the premier certification program for computer industry professionals. Covering the core technologies around which Microsoft's future will be built, the MCP program provides powerful credentials for career advancement.
The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully implement, manage, and troubleshoot the ongoing needs of Microsoft Windows® 2000based operating environments.
An MCSA candidate should have 12 months of experience working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure.
Note: Microsoft has developed independent certification requirements for Microsoft Windows Server 2003. See MCSA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Certification Requirements for exam details.
MCSA candidates are required to pass three core exams and one elective exam. Additional exams may be required for MCSA specializations. The following tables list Official Microsoft Learning Products and Microsoft Press books designed to help you prepare for these exams. See individual Exam Preparation Guides for exam availability.
Core Exams: Client Operating System |
Courses |
LearnKey Course |
Exam 70210 1 : Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional |
Course 2151 : Microsoft Windows 2000 Network and Operating System Essentials (3 days)
|
600158 |
Exam 70270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
Course 2272 : Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 days) |
680078 |
Core Exams: Networking System |
Courses |
LearnKey Course |
Exam 70215 1 : Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server |
Course 2151 : Microsoft Windows 2000 Network and Operating System Essentials (3 days)
|
600518 |
Exam 70218 : Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment |
Course 2126 : Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment (5 days) |
602338 |
Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)
|
Courses |
LearnKey Course |
Exam 70028 2 : Administering Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Discontinued |
Course 832 : System Administration for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 (5 days) |
410158 |
Exam 70081 3 : Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
Discontinued |
Course 1026 : Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 Series-Concepts and Administration (4 days) |
510078 |
Exam 70086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 |
Course 828 Deploying and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 (5 days) |
260718 |
Exam 70088 3 : Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0 Discontinued |
Course 836 : Security-Enhanced Web Access Using Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0 (2 days) |
260338 |
Exam 70214 4 : Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network |
Course 2150 : Designing a Secure Microsoft Windows 2000 Network (5 days)
|
N/A |
Exam 70216 1 : Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure |
Course 2153 : Implementing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure (5 days)
|
600278 |
Exam 70224: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server |
Course 1572 : Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange 2000 (5 days)
|
510218 |
Exam 70227 4 : Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
Course 2159 : Deploying and Managing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000 (3 days) |
601958 |
Exam 70228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition |
Course 2072 : Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Database (5 days)
|
411258 |
Exam 70244: Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network |
Currently, corresponding Official Microsoft Learning Products are not available.
|
602078
|
Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 |
Course 2400 : Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 |
510468
N/A |
As an alternative to the electives listed above, the following certifications may substitute for an MCSA elective:
Certification |
Courses |
LearnKey Course |
CompTIA Security+ 5 |
Course 2810 : Fundamentals of Network Security (4 days)
|
See Comptia Security + Requirements |
CompTIA A+ |
Currently, corresponding Official Microsoft Learning Products are not available. |
See CompTIA A+ and |
CompTIA A+ |
Currently, corresponding Official Microsoft Learning Products are not available.
|
See above |
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) |
Course 2261 : Supporting Users Running the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System (3 days) |
See MCDST Requirements |
1. Candidates who passed Windows NT 4.0 Exams 70-067, 70-068, and 70-073 had the option to take the comprehensive Exam 70-240: Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.
By passing this exam, candidates met the following MCSA exam requirements: 70-210, 70-215, and 70-216. Candidates who pass Exam 70-240 will receive credit for it as both a core exam and an elective exam in the MCSA track.
Generally, an exam that can be used as either a core or an elective counts only once toward a certification. Exam 70-240 in the MCSA track is an exception. This exam is no longer available.
2. This exam is scheduled to be discontinued.
3. This exam is no longer available.
4. Exams 70-214 and 70-227 satisfy both the MCSA elective requirement and the MCSA: Security specialization requirement.
5. CompTIA Security+ certification satisfies both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security specialization requirement.