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MCSA/MCSE on Windows Server 2003

Written by Anne Martinez
Published: 26 February 2003
Page 1 of 2

Learn what it will take to earn MCSA or MCSE certification on Microsoft's Windows Server 2003. Upgrading is easier than ever.

Microsoft recently released details of the new MCSA and MCSE Windows Server 2003 tracks, and the best news is that individuals already certified on an earlier (Windows 2000) track will have a little less to complain about. A reasonable upgrade path has been created for both MCSAs and MCSEs on Windows 2000 to step up Windows Server 2003 without taking lots of additional exams. Windows 2000 MCSAs will need to pass just one, and Windows 2000 MCSEs will have two to conquer.

Whether upgrading a current certification or starting from scratch, everyone will have at least few months to study up before taking that first 2003 exam: the new MCSA core exams are slated to enter beta in June 2003, and the rest of the 2003 core exams are slated for July and August beta. That means general availability will be sometime in the fall. At the US price of $125 per exam, an MCSA title earned from scratch will set you back $500 in exam costs. If you go all the way to the MCSE, the total will hit $875.

The MCSA exams are a subset of the MCSE exams, so even if you're planning on the full hike to an MCSE, the MCSA is the place to start.

MCSA on Windows Server 2003

MCSA Core Exam Objectives
70-290 and 70-291
Plus 70-270 or 70-210
MCSA Upgrade Exam: 70-292

The MCSA on Windows Server 2003 will require 4 exams (3 core and 1 elective), as does MCSA on Windows 2000. The core exams are:

  • Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
  • Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

    Plus EITHER

     

  • Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • OR Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.
The MCSA elective can be chosen from a list of three already available exams:
  • Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
  • Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
  • Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition.

Alternatively, you can substitute a combination of CompTIA certifications in place of the elective. To do this you must hold CompTIA's A+ title, plus either Network+ or Server+.