The Ideal MCSA Candidate


The MCSA program is designed for individuals who have experience in implementing and administering Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 networks. This credential is designed to prepare individuals to plan, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain networks and inter-networks built around Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 technologies within network environments of up to 26,000 users and 100 physical locations. To obtain an MCSA, an individual must pass three core exams and one elective exam.

The 70-292 exam covered within this self-assessment is intended to enable existing Windows 2000 MCSAs to upgrade their certification to include the new Windows Server 2003 family of servers and services ”a significant improvement in functionality and ease of use for those familiar with both platforms.

Just to give you some idea of what an ideal MCSA candidate is like, here are some relevant statistics about the background and experience such an individual might have:

  • Academic or professional training in network theory, concepts, and operations. That includes everything from networking media and transmission techniques through network operating systems, services, and applications.

  • Three-plus years of professional networking experience, including experience with ethernet, token ring, modems, and other networking media. This should include installation, configuration, upgrade, and troubleshooting experience.

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    The Windows Server 2003 platform is somewhat different from previous versions of the Microsoft server platform, improving the functionality introduced with the Windows 2000 Server Active Directory platform. Therefore, you'll really need some hands-on experience with Active Directory to make the most of your skills.


  • Two-plus years in a networked environment that includes hands-on experience with Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

  • A thorough understanding of key networking protocols, addressing, and name resolution, including TCP/IP and NetBEUI.

  • A thorough understanding of NetBIOS naming, browsing, and file and print services.

  • Familiarity with key Windows 2000 TCP/IP-based services, including Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), Domain Name Service (DNS), and the Internet Information Server (IIS).

  • An understanding of how to implement security and auditing for key network data in a Windows Server 2003 environment.

  • A good working understanding of Active Directory concepts is critical to your success on this exam.

  • A solid understanding of each system's architecture, installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting is also essential. The time you take practicing these skills will be time very well spent!

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Don't worry if you don't meet these qualifications or don't even come that close ”this is a far-from-ideal world, and where you fall short is simply where you have more work to do.


Fundamentally, this boils down to a bachelor's degree in computer science (or equivalent experience on the job), three years' experience working in a position involving network design, installation, configuration, and maintenance. We believe that well under half of all certification candidates meet these requirements and that, in fact, most meet less than half of these requirements ”at least, when they begin the certification process. But because all the people who already have been certified have survived this ordeal, you can survive it too ” especially if you heed what this self-assessment can tell you about what you already know and what you need to learn.



MCSA.MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment Exam Cram 2
MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram 70-292)
ISBN: 0789730111
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 132

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