Understanding Microsoft Certification

Microsoft offers several levels of certification for anyone who has or is pursuing a career as a network professional working with Microsoft products. These certifications include:

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)

The one you choose depends on your area of expertise and your career goals.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

This certification is for individuals with expertise in one specific area of the Microsoft product line (for example, Windows XP Professional). MCP certification is often a steppingstone to MCSE certification and allows you some benefits of Microsoft certification after just one exam.

By passing one of the current core exams, you become an MCP.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

The MCSA program is for network administrators with at least a year's experience working with a desktop operating system, network operating system, and a network infrastructure. MCSAs must pass a total of four exams.

To become an MCSA in Windows XP/Windows Server 2003, you must pass the following exams:

• Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (70-290)

• Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291)

• Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (70-270) or Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (70-210)

• Any one of three electives, or a combination of either the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams or A+ and Server+ exams

Note 

Details of most of these exams have not been released as of this writing. Visit www.microsoft.com/traincert for more information on the MCSA requirements.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The MCSE certification for network professionals requires commitment. You need to complete all the steps required for certification. Passing the exams shows that you meet the high standards that Microsoft has set for MCSEs.

To become an MCSE in Windows Server 2003, you must pass these exams:

• Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (70-290)

• Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291)

• Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-293)

• Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory (70-294) Infrastructure

• Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (70-270) or Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (70-210)

• One of the following design exams:

  • Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (70-297)

  • Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (70-298)

• One of several elective exams

Note 

For more information, visit www.microsoft.com/traincert.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)

As an MCT, you can deliver Microsoft-certified courseware through official Microsoft channels.

You need to submit an application that Microsoft must approve and you must pass the exams for each course that you plan to teach. As of January 1, 2001, you must also be certified as an MCSE.

Tip 

For the most up-to-date certification information, visit Microsoft's website at www.microsoft.com/traincert.