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.
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.
