Everybody who uses a computer these days knows the name of 'Microsoft'. Every time we start our computers, the majority of us meet with a 'Microsoft' operating-system, & most of the 'software' that we use comes from the same stable. Throughout schools everywhere, MS education applications are plentiful. Now 35 years old, Microsoft came to our attention in the 80's by dominating the Home market for PC operating systems with their early versions of Windows. The Operating Systems that individuals use today are the result of several evolutions of Windows between now & then. Over time Microsoft have created parallel server-systems - the first to be used in the home market, and a corresponding professional edition for commercial use. Windows server 2000 took over from the original 'Windows' NT server. Next came 'Server 2003' and the most up-to-date offering: Server '2008'. Instruction on the Windows Server Operating-systems has consistently been accessible for as long as Microsoft have been producing Professional qualifications.

There are in addition 2 specialities within the MCSE track - Security and Messaging. Depending on which original seven MCP's are chosen, this could necessitate a further one or two additional MCP exams. If you are interested in either of these specialities then it is smart to consider this at the start - as it means only eight examinations are required, rather than nine. The Server 2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' (MCTS) up-grade examination also has been released by Microsoft - the 'MCSA' is exam 70-648 and the 'MCSE' is exam 70-649. It's a good idea to think of including one of these updates (or maybe an equivalent) as quickly as possible. This will not only future proof you to some extent, but will also open up more job possibilities.

To be able to achieve your full 'MCSA' you have to sit four individual 'MCP' exams ('MCP' stands for 'Microsoft Certified Professional'). Of these, 3 examinations are compulsory elements and therefore have to be taken, but the 4th is selected from a choice of 'electives'. An increasingly useful and fully accepted 'elective' is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which for understandable purposes is starting to become very favoured by candidates. With the 'MCSE' there's now greater importance placed upon Security from an organisational perspective, the planning of systems, & design of networks. There are seven MCP examinations in total.

Nowadays, you'll find hardly any Windows 'NT' server installations left, but there are still quite a lot remaining at server '2000'. The most abundant is server '2003', with server '08 still in it's early-days. Since Server 2003 continues to be the top dog in commercial environments, Microsoft's most important certifications are still based around 2003. Whilst the MCSA & 'MCSE' certifications have been available for some years now, (following Windows Server through it's development,) the MCSA 2003 and 'MCSE' '2003' remain the mainstay of present day MS network accreditation. As upgrade training for Server '08 is also readily available however, it's advantageous to bolt this on too.

With the correct high quality of training-materials & 24 hour support, and also an authorised examination preparation software, an 'MCSA' ought to take around three hundred to 350 hours to finish, & the MCSE approximately 500 to 550 hours. Therefore with some experience you can actually complete all of them in about 8 - 12 months training part-time. With no experience it could be foolish to leap straight in. The 'Comptia' A+ and Network+ ought to be regarded as the starting point. Aspects of these accreditations can be found on their individual pages on this website, but this should add 200 hours or six months of part time study into the mix, maybe even longer.

Even though the MCSA & the MCSE are often mentioned in the same career path, they are in fact actually rather different. The accreditation 'MCSA' (that stands for 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') will prepare you for server-administration and jobs in networks & senior support. Anybody looking for technical systems work, managing the functions of a medium sized or small company-network might opt for the 'MCSA'. You should really enjoy this kind of work if you are a well organised problem solver who loves a good technical-challenge. Its a really people-oriented role with a good deal of variety, as the work intrinsically consists of support and interaction with other network-users.

The 'Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer' ('MCSE') will train you for a rather more senior management position in project work, planning and design. This qualification should be considered if your goal is to be a network-manager, a project manager, a senior or technical administrator, or a Senior I.T. security expert. Creative, personal & leadership abilities can also be covered within this training program, as good 'MCSE' professionals typically manage many staff & resource management responsibilities.

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