Microsoft Certified Systems Admnistrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows 2000

Microsoft® Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credential ensures that you are equipped with the in-demand skills for managing and troubleshooting system environments running Microsoft Windows 2000.
The need for qualified system administrators is very real in today's business market and the excitement for MCSA is growing daily. In the first two months, since Microsoft® released MCSA, over 5,000 people were certified. The numbers continue to climb. In fact, CertCities calls MCSA the most exciting certification for 2002.

Microsoft's Windows 2000 MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification is for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Operating Systems. These individuals typically do not deploy new networks and systems as part of their job function, as is expected of individuals holding the MCSE credential. Unlike MCSEs, MCSAs are not expected to have design skills.

MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Certification Requirements

The Windows 2000 MCSA got its start back in the fall of 2001. This certification does not retire but newer versions of it are released every few years as Microsoft upgrades their core server technologies. There are no specific prerequisites for the MCSA, although Microsoft says that a: "candidate should have 12 months of experience working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure." As soon as candidates pass their first qualifying exam for the MCSA program, they achieve a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification.

Job roles of those pursuing this certification typically include: systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist.

To achieve the Windows 2000 MCSA, a candidate must pass a total of four exams. There are three core exams and one elective exam. CompTIA's Security+ certification, or a CompTIA A+ and Network+ combination, or a CompTIA A+ and Server+ combination, may count towards one elective. Also, If you take one of the following two exams as an elective in order to complete the requirements for your Windows 2000 MCSA and then follow up and take the other one, you will achieve an MSCA:Security certification: 70-214 and 70-227.

For more information:
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/default.asp

MCSE vs MCSA

MCSA is a basic level certification as compared to the MCSE certification. As an MCSA you must know every thing about implementing, managing, and troubleshooting the existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows® Operating Systems. But you will not be responsible to deploy new networks and systems as part of your job function. While MCSEs need to know about designing and deploying new networks and systems also.

If you are planning to pursue MCSE Certification in future, MCSA also provides you with a credential that represents a subset of skills required by MCSE. After earning MCSA you will have option to use these credentials and acquire MCSE through Upgrade path to MCSE.