Computers and 'Microsoft' are virtually one and the same to a lot of individuals! Few of us haven't been influenced by Microsoft 'software' and operating systems, & with the MS world-wide educational and school-programs, it seems that nobody in the future will be able to avoid them if they tried. Founded in 1975, by the now infamous Bill Gates, it quickly outclassed the domestic operating system marketplace through the nineteen eighties, delivering the very first versions of Windows. This software has evolved into all the various 'flavours' of Windows operating systems that people use these days. MS have effectively always produced a home & a professional version of their Operating Systems, with their server Operating Systems working somewhat in parallel. Windows server 2000 superseded the initial 'Windows' 'NT' Server. This was up-dated to Windows 2003, and more recently to Windows '2008'. Ever since the beginning of Microsoft professional certification, there have been training-tracks dedicated to Professional administration of the 'Windows' Server Operating systems.

There aren't many Windows 'NT' servers still about, although server '2000' remain fairly common. It's still early-days yet for Windows Server 08, with '2003' continuing to be dominant. This being the case, the main 'Microsoft' certifications remain largely centred around 'Windows' Server 2003. Whilst the MCSA and 'MCSE' certifications have been in existence for some yrs now, (following 'Windows' Server through its evolution,) the 'MCSA' 2003 & 'MCSE' 2003 are the mainstay of present day 'Microsoft' network accreditation. It really should though be borne in mind that up-grade training to server 08 is coming, & sensible where feasible.

Even though they're often talked about alongside one another, the MCSA & MCSE are actually tailored to carry out 2 distinct functions. The MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is a qualification designed for those who would like to get into server administration, networks & senior-support careers. Predominantly this qualification is an excellent basis for a Technical Systems Administrator, who'll work with all the inner workings of operating a small to medium business network. You should get a great deal out of this kind of work if you are a highly organised problem solver that loves a proper technical-challenge. It's an extremely people-oriented role with lots of variety, since the job intrinsically demands support and interaction with fellow network users.

The 'MCSE', alternatively, is based around planning, design & project management; i.e. a rather more senior degree of responsibility. So if senior administration, network management, senior security work or technical/project management is your intention, then this is the direction you should look at taking. The 'MCSE' is perhaps not so well known for it's teaching on leadership and creative problem solving skillsets, that are also crucial for people employed in Senior technical jobs.

For you to attain the whole 'MCSA' you need to take four individual MCP exams ('MCP' stands for Microsoft Certified Professional). Of these, three exams are compulsory elements and therefore have to be sat, but the fourth is selected from a range of so called 'electives'. An alternative 'elective' within the group is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which is now preferred by lots of trainees instead of a fourth MCP. To successfully achieve your complete 'MCSE' you have seven MCP examinations to gain. These particularly place importance upon network design, security & systems planning.

It is pretty much accepted that it should take about three hundred to three hundred and fifty hours to train for the 'MCSA', & approximately two hundred hours more for the 'MCSE', assuming you have access to exceptional multimedia training, plus excellent support facilities and exam preparation. Assuming you have any experience you might realistically study part-time & achieve your qualifications within a year. When you a new comer to the IT industry though, you should look at starting with 'Comptia' 'A+' and 'N+' first. These will probably take about 200 hours to achieve, which for the brand new part time trainee will most likely equate to 6-8 months. Particulars of 'A+' & 'Network+' accreditations are within the 'Comptia' pages on this site.

Two specialities are also available on the MCSE training track; they are messaging and security. These necessitate either 2 extra 'MCP' exams, or a single extra examination where one of the main 7 has been appropriately picked. If you are considering one of these specialities then it is a good idea to think about this at the beginning - as it means just 8 examinations are needed, instead of nine. The Server 2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' ('MCTS') update examination has also been introduced by 'Microsoft' - the 'MCSA' is exam 70-648 and the MCSE is exam 70-649. One of these updates (or a comparable qualification) should be thought about at the start of your decision-process. This won't only future-proof you to some degree, but will also offer further job possibilities.

Without doubt you'll have already worked out that an appreciation of these accreditation paths is not so very straightforward. It is normally sensible to examine all of your plans with an IT professional, before you part with any money & purchase what may possibly seem like a bargain course. Some very expensive courses aren't really the best standard, & yet some low-priced ones are very good. You just cannot evaluate a training course on cost alone. Multi-media training quality, twenty four hour direct help & support, & exam practice materials are all very important aspects - & need to be regarded equally.

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