Microsoft’s new MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) certification track, which isn’t to be confused with its older MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification, is the starting point for IT professionals who want to enter the IT industry with a solid foundation in Microsoft technology.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate vs. Microsoft Certified Systems Administer
Microsoft reinvented its certification program due to changing technologies and a move toward cloud-based solutions. The names of its certifications were changed as well. While the MCSA acronym remains, it has new requirements and a different meaning. The new MCSA, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, certification focuses on designing and building cloud-based or on-premises solutions while the old MCSA focused on specific job roles such as Windows Server 2003 system administrator or network operations analyst.
Current MCSA Certifications
Microsoft currently offers five MCSA certifications:
MCSA Windows Server 2012– In order to earn this certification, you must pass three certification exams:
- Exam 410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
- Exam 411: Administering Windows Server 2012
- Exam 412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
An upgrade path (Exam 417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012) is available for some MCSA and MCITP certifications.
MCSA Windows Server 2008– In order to earn this certification, you must pass three certification exams:
- Exam 640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- Exam 642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
- Exam 646: Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator
An upgrade path (Exam 417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012) is available for some MCSA and MCITP certifications.
MCSA SQL Server 2012– In order to earn this certification, you must pass three certification exams:
- Exam 461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- Exam 462: Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database
- Exam 463: Implementing Data Warehouses With Microsoft SQL Server 2012
An upgrade path (Exam 457: Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012 – Part 1) is available for any MCTS on SQL Server 2008 certification.
MCSA Windows 8– In order to earn this certification, you must pass two certification exams:
- Exam 687: Configuring Windows 8
- Exam 688: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8
An upgrade path (Exam 689:Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8) is available for MCSA: Windows 7, MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician, and MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator certifications.
MCSA Windows 7– In order to earn this certification, you must pass three certification exams:
- Exam 680: Configuring Windows 7
- Exam 685: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
- Exam 686: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator
Why Earn an MCSA Certification?
The MCSA certification validates your foundational technical skills in the Microsoft technology upon which the certification is based. These are considered the minimum set of skills required for working with Microsoft technologies. The MCSA certification is a prerequisite to the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) certification – and an excellent first step as you start your IT career.
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