Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Why did Microsoft create the MCSA for Windows 2000?

Microsoft created the MCSA on Windows 2000 as a certification track for systems administrators who implement, manage, and troubleshoot network environments that run Microsoft Windows 2000. To earn an MCSA on Windows 2000, you must pass four exams consisting of one client operating system exam, two networking system exams, and one elective credit.

See the MCSA on Windows 2000 Certification Requirements, for more details about the objectives and exams.

What type of network environment a typical MCSA on Windows 2000 manages?

Call the position what you want: systems administrator, network administrator, network technician, or technical support specialist. The titles may be different, but the MCSA on Windows 2000 tests the primary job skills for all of these information technology (IT) positions. Microsoft expects a typical MCSA on Windows 2000 to implement, manage, and troubleshoot networks containing messaging services, file and print servers, and firewalls. In addition, they are probably responsible for configuring Internet access, enabling remote access for users, and managing client computers. Microsoft expects MCSAs on Windows 2000 to work in a variety of computing environments. Microsoft typically sees a MCSA on Windows 2000 supporting at least 200 users in a multi-location environment.

What hands-on work experience you should have before embarking on the MCSA on Windows 2000?

You might wonder about the real-world experience you need before embarking on the MCSA on Windows 2000. Microsoft recommends that you have at least six to twelve months of experience administering and supporting Windows 2000 server and client operating systems. Keep in mind this is a minimum; the MCSA on Windows 2000 exams test a variety of skills, so the more hands-on experience you have, the better.

MCSE or MCSA?

Information technology is a broad industry requiring diverse skills, and Microsoft has several certification paths you can choose. The certification track you eventually select depends on your current job tasks and your future career objectives. For many people, the certification choices may boil down to the MCSE on Windows 2000 and the MCSA on Windows 2000 . Apart from the number of exams (the MCSA on Windows 2000 has four exams, while the MCSE requires seven), there are a few key differences between these certifications.

The MCSE on Windows 2000 has many of the same objectives as the MCSA on Windows 2000, but it includes objectives that are outside the range of a typical systems administrator's job tasks. The biggest difference is that Microsoft developed the MCSE on Windows 2000 for professionals who analyse business requirements, design infrastructure, and deploy new networks.

You might describe a typical MCSE on Windows 2000 as much more specialized than an MCSA on Windows 2000.  If the design tasks performed by a typical MCSE on Windows 2000 are beyond the scope of your job, you should consider the MCSA on Windows 2000.

If you think the MCSE on Windows 2000 might be part of your plans, you can use the MCSA on Windows 2000 as a stepping-stone because several of the MCSA on Windows 2000 core exams qualify as MCSE on Windows 2000 core exams. See the MCSE on Windows 2000 certification requirements page for details about the applicable exams.

Like all Microsoft's certifications, the MCSA on Windows 2000 is a way for you to show employers you have the skills to do your job successfully.