Research what it takes to receive MCSA certification. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average wages and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.
What is a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)?
The former Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification has been retired, and Microsoft now offers a new MCSA credential: the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. This credential could be for you if you currently work or aspire to work in the information technology field. MCSA certification comes with a number of specializations, allowing students to focus on areas of professional or personal interest. Concentrations for the MCSA include Windows 10, Office 365, and SQL Server 2008 or 2012/2014.
A couple careers you could pursue with MCSA certification include database administrators and computer network architects. Database administrators' main duty is to make sure data on servers are secure and databases operate as they should. This involves making backups of data, testing databases, making modifications and updating user permissions. Sometimes they may be tasked with creating new databases or merging existing ones.
Computer network architects create local area networks and wide area networks. This involves researching network technology, drawing out layouts of networks and presenting those plans to managers with the intent to convince them of their effectiveness. When creating networks these professionals need to keep in mind information security, upcoming network technology and the needs of the company.
Take a look at the following chart for an overview of how to enter this field.
<table border="1"><tr><th></th><th>Database Administrator </th><th> Computer Network Architect</th></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's </td><td>Bachelor's</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Problem solving, attention to detail </td><td> Interpersonal communication, organization</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b></td><td> 8% </td><td> 5%</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $98,860 </td><td>$116,780</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIPrepareForCertification">How Can I Prepare for Certification?</h3><p>The MCSA doesn't require substantial professional experience for applicants, although Microsoft does recommend experience and familiarity with the software applications. Upon receiving this certification, students will also fulfill one of the prerequisites for expert-level MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) certification
</p><p>Community colleges, technical schools and continuing education departments of universities may offer programs that help prepare you for MCSA certification. These programs cover the material that the MCSA exam covers. You'll learn the installation and configuration procedures for your specialization. These prep programs themselves don't award the MCSA certification; they're just meant to prepare you for the exam.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIObtainCertification">How Do I Obtain Certification?</h3><p>In order to acquire your certification, you'll need to complete the examinations relevant to your specialization. Each specialization features unique exams related to the programs and applications that you'll be using on a constant basis. Possible topics for these exams include administering Windows Server 2012, configuring Windows devices, and enabling services.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Computer and information systems managers are put in charge of a companies' IT and computer related activities. They use their knowledge of a companies' IT needs to set goals and then start projects to meet those goals. These professionals may start a career with a bachelor's degree in a computer science or IT-related field. Computer programmers are hired to write the code computers use to run programs and applications. They usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, though some get by with an associate's degree.</p>
