Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator – MCSA
Microsoft has announced its newest certification as of January 1st, 2002, the “Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator.” In just the short time it’s been out, this certification is quickly becoming the hottest IT certification on the planet. For the individual who cannot decide whether to take the highly regarded “A+ Certified PC Technician” or go for the more advanced “Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer,” this certification bridges the gap between the two certifications by having material from both certifications.

The MCSA certification includes the following in its curriculum:
1 - The A+ Certification Exam / Technical Support
2 - The Network+ Certification Exam
3 - Exam 70-270 - Windows XP Professional 
4 - Exam 70-290 - Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Environment
5 –Exam 70-291 - Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Taking the MCSA Certification gives the student the ability to come into the course as entry level and obtain the A+ Certification, Network+ Certification, Microsoft Certified Professional, and of course, the one Certification that encompasses all of these, the MCSA Certification. The student can come into this course without prior knowledge, start with the A+ Certified PC Technician course to obtain the A+ Certification, then continue on to more advanced and in-depth training by doing the Network+ Certification, Cisco CCNA, and then some of the material from the MCSE course, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2003 Server, and Managing a Windows 2003 Network Environment. Also, you could always apply the MCSE material in this course to your MCSE if you wanted to further your education to achieve the MCSE Certification. The real difference between the MCSA and the MCSE is with the MCSA you are qualified to manage an existing Windows 2003 network that is already in place while the MCSE gives you the same ability as the MCSA and in addition the MCSE has the design ability for a network that is not in place as of yet. In most cases upon going for employment, you will be handling a network that is already in place. Keep in mind, you can still continue to achieve the MCSE and already be working in a Windows 2003 environment. This makes the MCSA an easy choice for the student who wants entry level and advanced level training, which would make the student more marketable to the potential employer. So if your undecided in your decision on whether to take the A+ Certification or the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and don’t feel your ready for the MCSE but want more than the A+ Certification, and you want to achieve as much as possible upon entering the highly lucrative computer support industry, then this should make your decision easy: The MCSA – Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator.

How is the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows 2003 credential different from the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification?

Demand for individuals performing network and systems administration tasks has seen significant growth this past year, and candidates as well as the industry have indicated that a certification is needed. The new MCSA credential is in response to this growth. The MCSA credential is for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows® 2003 and Microsoft Windows® .NET Server operating systems. These individuals typically do not deploy new networks and systems as part of their job function, as is expected of individuals holding the MCSE credential. In addition, unlike MCSEs, MCSAs are not expected to have design skills.

MCSA on Windows 2003 Certification Benefits

• Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.
• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through a secured area of the MCP Web site.
• Access to exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Current MCPs can gain access to these benefits by visiting the MCP secured Web site and selecting "Other Benefits."
• MCSA on Windows 2003, certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional to colleagues or clients. Electronic files of logos and transcript may be downloaded from the MCP secured Web site upon certification.
• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
• Free access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online, a career and professional development magazine. Secured content on the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online Web site includes the current issue (available only to MCPs), additional online-only content and columns, an MCP-only database, and regular chats with Microsoft and other technical experts. Additional online benefits are available to individuals with the MCSE+Internet, MCSE, MCSD, and MCDBA certifications. Enter the MCP secured Web site for access to the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online. (All MCPs are eligible for the online magazine's secured content. Some MCPs may also be eligible to receive the print version of the magazine free; eligibility is determined by the magazine.)
  

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Curriculum

A+ Certification - CompTIA

This program is designed to prepare the student for employment in areas such as Personal Computer Repair, Technical Support, Help Desk, and Lan Administration. The student can walk into the program with no knowledge of computers and leave with an impressive knowledge of the following: Personal Computer operation and architecture, basic and advanced troubleshooting skills, service repair techniques and procedures, and PC maintenance. The student will learn how to network computers and troubleshoot a network environment. The A+ Certified PC Technician program offers training in PC configuration, upgrading computer hardware, installation of software and hardware, and troubleshooting fundamentals. The student will learn and work with DOS, Windows 95/98, Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP Professional and learn how to network to Windows NT Server 4.0, Windows 2000/2003 Server, and Novell Netware. The A+ Certification covers all aspects of hardware, software, and troubleshooting and the student will get to examine each component of a Personal Computer while they go through a step by step process of assembling and customizing a Personal Computer. The student will also learn Hewlett Packard Laserjet printer repair and learn about laptop computers. The student will also work with Microsoft Office 2003. Our A+ program is designed to give the student complete hands-on in the class so the student has the confidence and ability when working at the first job they encounter. When finished with the class, the student can call Prometric at 1-800-77-MICRO to register for the Computing Technology Industry Association’s A+ Certification exams 220-301 and 220-302. The student needs to pass both exams to receive the A+ Certification. Each exam costs $139 and you are allowed 90 minutes per exam with 72 questions on each exam. ServFast Computers has a testing center located at the school for the student’s convenience.

Network+ Certification - CompTIA

Earning the Network+ certification means that the candidate possesses the knowledge needed to configure and operate a variety of networking products. This exam covers a wide range of vendor and product neutral networking technologies that can also serve as a prerequisite for vendor-specific IT certifications.
The objectives are in two distinct groups: Knowledge of Networking Technology and Knowledge of Networking Practices.

• The exam consists of 65 questions and a maximum allowable time of 90 minutes.

Exam 70-270 - Microsoft
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
This course provides students with the knowledge and ability to install, configure, and administer Microsoft Windows XP Professional in a networked environment. Students will learn how to create and manage users and groups, share folders, and control access to files and folders by using permissions. They will also learn how to create and manage partitions, connect to local and networked print devices, optimize and trouble-shoot system performance, and monitor network resources.

Exam 70-290 - Microsoft
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Environment
This course provides students with the knowledge and ability to install, configure, and administer Microsoft Windows 2003 Server. Students will learn how to create and administer users and groups, configure and manage disks and volumes, and add workstations to their domains. Students will also learn how to manage and implement local and system policies, perform system backups, and trouble-shoot hardware, device drivers, and network connectivity.

Exam 70-291 – Microsoft
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
This course provides students with the knowledge and ability to manage a Windows 2003 network. Students will learn managing Active Directory organization units and Group Policies, implementing and troubleshooting remote access, and managing various clients on the network.

Curriculum:
Published by Course Technology, a Division of Thomson Learning, and is A+ CompTIA Certified and Microsoft Certified Professional Approved Study Guides and Microsoft Press

1- A+ Certification Second Edition Volume One and Volume Two
2-Network + Certification
3-MCSA Guide to Microsoft Windows XP Professional
4-MCSA Guide to Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
7-MCSA Guide to Managing a Windows 2003 Network Environment
8-Tool Kit

Program length: 400 to 500 Hours
Days: Program runs 5 hours a day Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for 16 weeks and also the hours are customized around the student's availability.

Evenings: Please call for schedule or check our website

Program Focus: The main focus of this program is to prepare the student to become a Windows 2003 Microsoft Certified System Engineer. As always, our training is a complete hands-on environment. Upon completing our program and passing the Microsoft tests required for the MCSE Certification, the student is recognized as a technical expert with the Microsoft Windows 2003
operating System and Microsoft BackOffice products.

Vocational Goals
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators are in demand! There is an increasing demand for qualified individual’s to manage and maintain Window’s 2003 networks. Our MCSA program will give you the hands-on training and confidence you need to support Microsoft’s Windows 2000 operating system and in addition give you the entry level training you need to start out. Upon completion of this program, students will be qualified for the following Job Titles: Network Administrator, Technical Support Specialist, PC Service Technician, and PC Help Desk. (Individual experiences and backgrounds will be a major factor in the levels of entry)

Apply Your CompTIA Credentials to MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2003 Certification
Microsoft has selected the following CompTIA certifications to serve as an alternative to passing an elective exam toward the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2000 certification. CompTIA credentials are widely recognized across the industry and are developed and maintained through a robust and tested process.
To receive an elective credit toward the MCSA on Windows 2000 certification, candidates must earn the CompTIA A+ credential plus either the CompTIA Network+ credential or the CompTIA Server+ credential.

To apply CompTIA credentials toward MCSA certification, follow these steps:
Take at least one Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exam and obtain an MCP ID number. Candidates will not be allowed to apply their CompTIA credentials to the MCSA certification until they have taken (passing is not necessary) at least one MCSA core exam (70-270, 70-290, 70-291) and obtained an MCP ID number. The MCP ID number is provided by e-mail after passing an exam or by contacting a Microsoft Regional Education Service Center for assistance.
Starting February 1, 2002, visit the CompTIA Web site to register your CompTIA A+ credential plus your CompTIA Network+, and your MCP ID number.
CompTIA will verify your certifications and forward your information to Microsoft.