This vendor-specific certification is offered by:
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, WA, USA
Phone: 800-636-7544
Email: MCPHelp@microsoft.com

Skill Level: Intermediate                            Status: Active

Certification Summary:
For individuals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 (a.k.a. .NET) Server platforms. You can also choose to specialize in messageing or security on for Windows 2000.

The Windows Server 2003 track requirements are:
You must pass three core exams ($375) and one elective ($125). The core exams include Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, AND 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 elective exam can be any of the following: 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; OR 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+. Or, hold CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft MCDST certification.

To upgrade from MCSA on Windows 2000 to MCSA on Windows Server 2003 requires passing a single exam: Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000.

The Windows 2000 track requirements are:
You must pass three core exams ($325) and one elective ($125). The core exams include one client operating system exam and two networking system exams. The client exam must be either 70-210—Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional OR 70-270—Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

The other two core exams are networking system exams: Exam 70-215—Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Exam 70-218—Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment.

The elective is chosen from a long list of exams covering Microsoft products and technologies. Choices include such topics as: Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition, and other topics. 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+.

Note: if you have passed the accelerated exam (70-240) for NT candidates upgrading to Windows 2000 you can use it in place of the client operating system exam, and in place of an elective.

To add a Windows 2000 specialty on messaging or security you must pass an additional core exam covering that topic. Or, for the security specialization, you can hold CompTIA Security+ certification.

Continuing requirements:
If one of the exams is retired, you will need to pass the replacement exam.

Low Cost: $500   High Cost: Not available

Perks:

logo	lapel pin	beta participation	product discounts
certificate	referral service	private forum	training discounts
plaque	directory listing	priority support

Other Perks:
wallet card

Online resources:
FAQ covering the MCSA title:
OSI Model practice quiz

Offline resources:

Find a Microsoft MCSA training school

Vendor's page for this certification

All certifications from Microsoft Corporation