The brand Microsoft has grown to be virtually interchangeable with PC's today. Very few of us haven't been influenced by Microsoft software & operating-systems, and with the MS international educational and school-programs, it would seem that no-one in the future will manage to avoid them even if they wanted to. Now thirty five years old, Microsoft really became noticed in the nineteen eighties by leading the home marketplace for PC Operating Systems with their first versions of 'Windows'. This software has developed in to all the various 'flavours' of 'Windows' Operating Systems that we now use these days. We have always been given the option of the Windows home-version & the 'Windows' professional version, with every update being relevant to both operating-systems. From a Networking perspective, 'Windows' 'NT' server was superseded by 'Windows' server 2000. Then we had Windows 'Server 2003', with Windows Server '2008' being the latest edition. From the time Microsoft began generating certification tracks, we have had programs in place for trainees to discover how to professionally administer their Operating Systems.

There aren't so many Windows 'NT' Servers still about, though Server 2000 remain fairly common. The most abundant is server 2003, with Server 2008 still in it's early-days. Because Server 2003 is still the most prevalent in the commercial environment, Microsoft's major accreditations are still based around 2003. MS's qualifications MCSA & 'MCSE' have supported the various Server 'evolutions' over time. In line with the marketplace, the '2003' versions of these networking accreditations are still the most frequently asked for. Nonetheless it wouldn't be sensible to disregard 08 training, as to include this too will future proof yourself.

Two specialist subjects also exist in the 'MCSE' track; that of messaging and security. This can mean taking an extra two MCP's, or an additional one based upon which were chosen in the 1st seven. This implies you should consider which seven you choose very carefully if you are probably going to specialise in messaging or security - good selections will mean eight rather than nine exams. The Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) up-grade examination has also been released by MS - the 'MCSA' is exam 70/648 & the MCSE is exam 70/649. It would be wise to think of including one of these (or perhaps their equivalent) asap. Not only will this future proof you to some degree, it will also make you qualified to apply for extra positions.

For you to accomplish the complete MCSA you are required to take 4 individual 'MCP' exams (MCP stands for Microsoft Certified Professional). There are 3 compulsory core exams, and a fourth elective examination. A more and more useful and fully acknowledged 'elective' is the 'Comptia' Security+ , which for understandable purposes is starting to become more and more favoured by candidates. With the MCSE there is currently greater relevance placed on security from an 'organisational' perspective, systems planning, & design of networks. There are seven 'MCP' exams in total.

Its pretty much accepted that it should take approximately 300-350 hrs to train for an MCSA, & approximately two hundred hours more for the 'MCSE', providing you have use of exceptional multimedia training, plus superb support facilities & exam preparation. And so with experience you could successfully complete them in approximately 8-12 months studying part time. If you're a new comer to the I.T. industry though, think about getting started on CompTIA A+ & 'N+' first. You can find particulars of these training-tracks on the 'CompTIA' pages of this website. Add-on something like two hundred hrs of studying time, which is likely to take a minimum of 6 months part-time.