Anyone who has a computer nowadays knows the name of Microsoft. Each and every time we turn on our computers, most of us meet with a Microsoft Operating System, and virtually all of the 'software' in use arises from the same stable. At schools and colleges everywhere, Microsoft educational programs are readily available. Launched in 1975, by Bill Gates, it very quickly outclassed the home operating system sector throughout the 1980's, producing the very first versions of 'Windows'. Many 'generations' of the 'software' have evolved over time, bringing us up to the modern day 'Windows' 2008. We've always been given the choice of the 'Windows' home version & the 'Windows' Professional version, with each upgrade applying to both Operating Systems. From the Networking point of view, Windows 'NT' server was superseded by 'Windows' server '2000'. This was updated to 'Windows' '2003', & more recently to 'Windows' '08. Instruction on the 'Windows' server Operating-systems has consistently been on offer for the same time that MS have offered Professional certifications.

Two specialities are also available on the 'MCSE' track; that of messaging and security. This can mean taking an additional 2 MCPs, or just one based upon which were chosen in the initial seven. If you are interested in one of these specialities then it is sensible to consider this from the start - as it means only 8 examinations are required, instead of 9. The Server-2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS') upgrade examination has also been introduced by 'Microsoft' - the MCSA is exam 70/648 and the MCSE is exam 70/649. It's a good idea to consider including one of these updates (or perhaps their equivalent) as soon as possible. If you do, you will increase your eligibility to get more jobs, and be future proofed to a certain degree.

Without doubt you'll already have worked out that understanding these qualification paths is not especially straightforward. Before you decide to spend any money on what may seem like a great MCSA or 'MCSE' offer, it's usually a good idea to discuss all the details with a training advisor. There are a number of outstanding reasonably priced courses available, and at the same time a lot of expensive poor quality courses. You simply can't determine a training program on the price tag alone. Multi-media tutorial quality, 24 hr student support, & exam prep software are all extremely important facets - & need to be regarded equally.

There aren't very many 'Windows' 'NT' servers still to be found, but server 2000 continue to be fairly common. The most prolific is Server '2003', with Server 2008 still in its early-days. Because Server 2003 remains the dominant in commerce, the company's most important accreditations still centre around this. While the 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' accreditations have been in existence for some yrs now, (following Windows Server through its progressions,) the MCSA 2003 & MCSE '2003' are the mainstay of present day MS network certification. It really should though be noted that up-grade training to Server 2008 is coming, & desirable where possible.

It's generally acknowledged that it takes roughly three hundred to three hundred and fifty hours to study for an MCSA, and about 200 hours extra for the MCSE, assuming you have use of top-quality multimedia training, plus outstanding help and support facilities and examination preparation. So with experience you can actually successfully complete them in around 8-12 months learning part-time. Without any experience it would be unwise to jump straight in. The CompTIA A+ and 'N+' really should be regarded as the starting place. You'll find particulars of these training tracks on the 'Comptia' pages of this site. Add on approximately two hundred hours of training time, which will probably take no less than six months part time.

Despite the fact that the MCSA and the 'MCSE' are frequently discussed within the same career-track, they are actually very different. The MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is a qualification meant for people who plan to get a job in server-administration, networks and senior support careers. Fundamentally, its for people who want to become technical systems-administrators, managing the everyday issues & activities included in the functioning of a small to medium sized corporate network. Well-disciplined men and women who enjoy problem solving & a strong technical challenge should get a great deal from this work. It's a very people-oriented job with a lot of variety, because the work intrinsically consists of support and interaction with all the network users.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer ('MCSE') will train you to get a more responsible management position in project work, planning and design. So if senior-administration, network management, Senior security work or technical/project management is your aim, then this is the direction you should think of taking. Several less obvious characteristics associated with a successful 'MCSE' are both leadership & creative skills, since the role can frequently involve large-scale problem solving & personnel in addition to resource management.

There are 4 Microsoft Certified Professional ('MCP') examinations to sit to qualify at the 'MCSA' grade. Of these, 3 exams are compulsory subjects and so must be taken, but the fourth is actually picked from a range of electives. The 'Comptia' Security+ is actually accepted as an 'elective' examination, & has become increasingly common with all trainees for obvious reasons. With the 'MCSE' there's currently greater emphasis placed on Security from an organisational perspective, the planning of systems, & network design. There are actually 7 MCP exams in total.

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