| The next section describes an ideal MCSA candidate, but keep in mind that only a few real candidates will meet every aspect of this ideal. However, be keenly aware that it will take time, some expense, and experience with the various products, and it will also require real effort on your part to get through the process. Increasing numbers of people are attaining Microsoft certifications, so the goal is within reach. You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before, so you'll be able to follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to obtain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can take ”and pass ”all the certification tests involved in obtaining an MCSA or MCSE. Besides the MCSA, other Microsoft certifications include the following: -
MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) ” Passing one of the major Microsoft exams qualifies you for the MCP credential. An individual can demonstrate proficiency with additional Microsoft products by passing additional certification exams. -
MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) ” Anyone who has a current MCSE is warranted to possess a high level of networking expertise with Microsoft operating systems and products. This credential is designed to prepare individuals to plan, implement, maintain, and support information systems, networks, and internetworks built around Microsoft Windows Server 2000/2003 and its BackOffice Server families of products. To obtain an MCSE, you must pass five core exams and two elective exams. -
MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) ” These individuals are qualified to design and develop custom business solutions by using Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. The new track includes certification exams that test users' abilities to build Web-based, distributed, and XML-based applications by using Microsoft products such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Microsoft Component Services. To become an MCSD, you must pass a total of four exams: one Web application exam, one Windows application exam, one XML Web Services and Server Components exam, and one Solution Architecture exam. -
MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) ” This certification is aimed at software developers functioning at a departmental level with one to two years of applications-development experience. The MCAD certification requires two core exams, plus a third elective exam drawn from a limited pool of options. -
MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) ” This is aimed at database administrators and developers who work with Microsoft SQL Server. The MCDBA certification requires three core exams and one elective exam. -
Other Microsoft certifications ” The requirements for these certifictions range from external training certificates (MCT) to blended multi-vendor certifications, including those provided by CompTIA (http://www.comptia.com). Microsoft has also added new certification concentrations, such as security-focused versions of the MCSE and MCSA. For more details about these and other certifications, take a look at Microsoft's training and certification Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/. |
