Absolutely everyone who uses a computer today knows the name of Microsoft. Every time we start our PCs, the majority of us are faced with a 'Microsoft' Operating System, and most of the 'software' that we use originates from their stable. Throughout schools worldwide, Microsoft educational packages are plentiful. The corporation was established in 1975, by the onetime 'college drop-out' Bill Gates. Microsoft's very first version of the home operating-system 'Windows' was produced in the nineteen eighties. Many 'generations' of the software have been developed as time has passed, bringing us up to the present Windows 2008. Over the years MS have produced 'parallel' Server systems - one to be used in the home-market, and another Professional version for commercial use. In network terms, Windows '2000' replaced 'Windows' 'NT'. Then we were given 'Windows' 'Server 2003', with 'Windows' Server '2008' being the most recent version. From the time 'Microsoft' got into developing accreditation paths, there have been programs in place for candidates to study how to professionally manage their operating-systems.

For you to attain the whole MCSA you must pass 4 specific 'MCP' exams ('MCP' stands for Microsoft Certified Professional). Of these, three examinations are core subjects & so must be sat, but the 4th can be picked from a range of electives. A very important & fully recognised 'elective' is the CompTIA-Security+ , which for obvious reasons is becoming progressively more popular with students. To successfully obtain your overall MCSE there are seven MCP exams to gain. These particularly emphasise network-design, security and systems planning.

There are in addition two specialist areas on the 'MCSE' path - Security and Messaging. This sometimes necessitates a further two MCP's, or an additional 1 dependent upon which ones were elected in the first seven. If you are thinking about either of these specialisations then it makes sense to consider this at the beginning - as it means just eight exams are needed, rather than nine. Up-grade exams have also been brought in by Microsoft, (exam 70-648 for 'MCSA' and exam 70-649 for 'MCSE') for Server 2008 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist'). We'd advise that you should consider including one of the above into your training-package. This will not only future-proof you to a certain degree, but will open up more job opportunities.

Training time is generally seen as about 300-350 hrs for the MCSA and 500 to 550 hours for the MCSE, presuming quality multimedia study materials, 24 hour entry to student support, and some very good exam preparation software. This makes it possible, when you have experience, to complete them all through part-time study in 8 to 12 months. However, if you are coming to the market without current certification, then your standard starting place will be the 'Comptia' 'A+' and 'Network+'. There are plenty of particulars of these training tracks on the CompTIA pages of this site. Add-on somewhere around 200 hours of training time, which will probably take a minimum of 6 months part-time.

As can be seen here, the MCSA and 'MCSE' qualification paths aren't very simple to comprehend. It's usually a good idea to explore all of your plans with an industry expert, before you spend any money & purchase what might look like a bargain course. Several high priced courses are not necessarily of the best standard, and conversely some cost effective ones are particularly good. Price itself isn't a good way of judging a training course. Far more relevant is the calibre of the training method (for instance is it multimedia?), the extent of support (is it truly 24 hr?) and how good is the exam prep software?

These days, there are very few Windows 'NT' server installations left, yet there are even now quite a number remaining at Server '2000'. The most prolific is Server '2003', with Server '2008' still in its early days. This being so, the leading 'Microsoft' accreditations remain largely centred on 'Windows' Server 2003. MS's certifications 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' have supported the different server 'evolutions' over time. In accordance with business usage, the 2003 versions of these network qualifications remain the most frequently requested. Because up-grade training for Server 08 is also available however, its beneficial to cover this at the same time.

Though commonly grouped collectively, the 'MCSA' & MCSE are actually geared to fulfil 2 different functions. The accreditation 'MCSA' (which means 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') will prepare you for server administration & careers in networking and senior support. People looking for technical-systems work, managing the functions of a medium sized or small office-network might opt for the 'MCSA'. The job is perfect for somebody who loves the nitty gritty of technical challenges, because there is certainly a good deal of problem-solving with this profession. It is quite a people-oriented job with lots of variety, because the work largely consists of support and interaction with other network users.

The 'Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer' ('MCSE') will prepare you for a more responsible management position in project-work, design & planning. If you should like to get into network-management, senior-administration, technical-consulting or project-management, or you would like to proceed in the direction of a higher-level IT security job, then this is the route to look at. A few less apparent characteristics of a successful MCSE would be both leadership and creative abilities, since the job can frequently include large-scale problem solving and personnel in addition to resource-management.

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