MCSA 2008 & MCSA 2003 Certification Training
Essentially, MCSA certification via an MCSA 2003 or MCSA 2008 course is the ideal training route if you're looking to become a network administrator or get into a senior support role. This can be very interesting work - ideal for the person who likes dealing with people and can embrace a lot of different and varied working scenarios. You'll find yourself dealing with the day to day issues of corporate networks, which often involves user support as well as systems administration, and problem solving will be a key part of everyday life
The MCSA 2008 is now available as an upgrade course to the MCSA 2003. Either MCSA certification will prove an individual's worthiness and ability with regard to administering and implementing IT infrastructure solutions.
With Server 2003, the specialist knowledge is based around the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 platform, whereas 2008 will equip candidates for Windows latest Server 2008 platform.
The operating system of choice for Server 2003 is generally XP Professional. The 2008 operating system contains and supports a host of new features such as Vista, Web tools and security enhancements.
Becoming MCSA 2008 certified illustrates your capacity to use these new features competently.
There's now a growing demand in industry for MCSA 2008 certified professionals, although it will take a long while for the demand for MCSA 2003 to drop off (Microsoft is ending its mainstream support in 2010 but is continuing its extended support for Server 2003 until 2015.)
Commercially, it's wise practice to gain MCSA 2003 with the 2008 upgrade so you're in the best position to take advantage of either job.
To obtain your MCSA certification there are four Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams required altogether. Alternatively, the vendor-neutral CompTIA Security+ exam can be taken with three other MCP's. This is a popular choice with many students as it can open up many more job possibilities, especially as security is now rated as the number one business concern for large technology related companies.
There is one Client Operating System exam (usually Windows XP - Exam 70-270) followed by two core exams which cover Networking Systems:
Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
The final exam is an elective - but industry strongly favours the CompTIA Security+ as stated above.
Remember also to consider your pre-qualification route. The CompTIA A+ and Network+ are tried and tested, established accreditations which act as a superb starting point for the MCSA. Anyone with no experience or previous qualifications should seriously consider beginning with these qualifications.
Adding the CompTIA qualifications will not only ease your learning curve and help prepare you for the subject material, but will prove to employers that you have acquired a solid foundation in hardware, operating systems, networking technology and support processes.
Fundamentally, MCSA certified professionals must be able to demonstrate their ability to install and configure professional Microsoft desktop operating systems along with managing and maintaining a Windows Server environment and network infrastructure. Roles typically are to be found running a small-medium sized corporate network. Companies are increasingly required to employ IT professionals with commercial certifications to comply with insurance regulations and commercial best practices, strengthening the validity of both MCSA 2003 and MCSA 2008 in the marketplace.
Read on to investigate the best training routes for MCSA 2003 & MCSA 2008 certification with LearningLolly...
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