Everybody who uses a computer nowadays has heard of the name of 'Microsoft'. The vast majority of our Operating-systems and computer software come from Microsoft, so we're using it at home and on the job each day. Also in schools, our kids are benefiting from the company's worldwide education programs. Now thirty-five years of age, Microsoft came to our attention in the 80's by dominating the home marketplace for Computer Operating Systems with early versions of 'Windows'. This software has developed in to all the various flavours of 'Windows' operating systems that individuals now use today. MS have in essence always released a home & a Professional version of their operating-systems, with their Server operating-systems working in parallel. 'Windows' Server '2000' replaced the initial 'Windows' NT Server. This was up-graded to 'Windows' '2003', and more recently to 'Windows' 2008. Since the start of MS Professional accreditation, we have had training-tracks specialising in professional management of the 'Windows' Server operating systems.

Without doubt you will have already ascertained that understanding these accreditation tracks is not so very simple. It's generally sensible to talk about your alternatives with an experienced industry advisor, before you part with any money & pay for what might appear to be a bargain-course. In reality there are a number of good well priced training programs available, & literally a number of extremely bad costly ones. The price tag on it's own isn't an effective way of evaluating a training course. Multimedia training quality, 24 hr direct help & support, & exam preparation software are all very important aspects - and should really be thought about equally.

The 'MCSE' route also offers messaging & security as 2 specialisations. Dependent on exactly which original seven MCPs are chosen, this may require a further 1 or 2 additional 'MCP' exams. It seems sensible thinking about this from the beginning if you might be keen on one or both of these areas, since just a little forward-planning will mean you only have a maximum of 8 MCPs to sit. The Server-2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' (MCTS) update exam has also been brought out by Microsoft - the 'MCSA' is exam 70-648 & the 'MCSE' is exam 70/649. We'd suggest you seriously consider including the relevant update into your training package. This will not only future-proof you to some degree, but will also open up additional job possibilities.

'Windows' NT Operating-systems are now very rare, but quite a number of Windows '2000' are still around. Most companies still work on Windows '2003', although Windows 08 is building pace. While this is actually the case within the business world, most of MS's certifications remain centred on the 2003 Operating system. Whilst the 'MCSA' and MCSE accreditations have been available for some yrs now, (following 'Windows' server through it's evolution,) the 'MCSA' '2003' and MCSE '2003' remain the main-stay of current MS network certification. As up-grade coaching for Server 08 is actually out there though, it's a good idea to bolt this on too.

To successfully obtain your MCSA accreditation, there are 4 'MCP' ('Microsoft Certified Professional') examinations that you must pass. Of these, 3 examinations are core elements & so have to be taken, but the fourth is actually selected from a choice of so called 'electives'. The CompTIA Security+ is acknowledged as an 'elective' exam, & has become increasingly common with all candidates for various reasons. With the 'MCSE' there is now higher relevance placed upon security from an 'organisational' perspective, the planning of systems, and design of networks. There are seven MCP examinations in total.

It is pretty much acknowledged that it should take about 300-350 hrs to train for the 'MCSA', & approximately 200 hrs more for the 'MCSE', assuming you have access to outstanding multimedia training, plus superb support facilities and exam preparation. If you have experience you might realistically study part time & attain your certifications in under a year. When you a new comer to the I.T. sector though, you should think about getting started on 'Comptia' 'A+' & 'Network+' first. You will discover particulars of these training tracks on the 'CompTIA' pages of this site. Add on approximately two hundred hrs of training time, which will probably take at least six months part time.

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