Everybody who uses a computer these days has heard of the name Microsoft. Whenever we start our PCs, most of us are faced with a Microsoft operating-system, and the majority of software that we use originates from their stable. Throughout schools around the globe, MS education packages are readily available. Now 35 years of age, Microsoft came to prominence in the 1980's by taking over the Home marketplace for Computer operating systems with early versions of Windows. The Operating Systems that people use these days are a result of several 'evolutions' of Windows betwixt now & then. Over the years 'Microsoft' have produced 'parallel' Server systems - one to be used in the home-market, and another professional edition for commercial use. Windows server 2000 took over from the first Windows 'NT' server. After that came Server 2003 and the most recent offering: Server '2008'. Training on the Windows Server Operating systems has consistently been accessible for the same time that MS have offered professional accreditations.

As is probably becoming apparent, the 'MCSA' & MCSE accreditation paths are not very simple to understand. Getting good career and training guidance really should always be adhered to before simply deciding on the cheapest priced or bargain offer. There are some very good low priced courses available, & similarly quite a few high-priced but dreadful courses. You simply are not able to determine a training course on the price tag alone. Considerably more relevant is the quality of the training method (i.e. is it multi-media?), the extent of help and support (is it genuinely 24/7?) & how good is the exam practice material?

For you to accomplish your complete 'MCSA' you are required to sit four specific MCP exams ('MCP' is short for 'Microsoft Certified Professional'). Of these, 3 examinations are core elements and so have to be sat, but the fourth is selected from a choice of electives. A very important & completely recognised 'elective' is the CompTIA 'Security+' , which for obvious reasons is starting to become very favoured by trainees. The MCSE comprises of 7 MCP exams, that represent the expanded emphasis on organisational security, systems-planning & network design.

There are in addition 2 specialities on the MCSE route - security & messaging. These call for either 2 extra 'MCP' exams, or a single additional exam where one of the main seven has been appropriately determined. It's sensible to consider this from the beginning if you're interested in one or both of these subjects, since just a little forward-planning will mean you only have a maximum of eight MCP's to take. The Server 2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' (MCTS) update examination also has been brought out by MS - the MCSA is exam 70/648 & the 'MCSE' is exam 70-649. We would advise that you seriously consider adding one of the above into your training program. Not only will this future-proof you to some degree, it will make you qualified to apply for extra positions.

Studying time is generally accepted as around 300 to 350 hrs for the MCSA and 500-550 hrs for the MCSE, presuming high quality multimedia training materials, round the clock access to 'student support', and some effective examination preparation software. And so with some experience you could successfully complete them in approximately 8 - 12 months learning part-time. When you new to the IT sector though, think about starting with 'Comptia' 'A+' and Network+ first. Specifics of these accreditations are available on their respective pages on this site, however this will add 200 hrs or six months of part time study into the mix, possibly a little longer.

Right now, you'll find hardly any Windows 'NT' server installations remaining, but there are still a fair few around at server 2000. By far the most prolific is server '2003', with Server '08 still in it's early days. As this is actually the case in the commercial world, the majority of Microsoft's qualifications are still centred on the '2003' Operating System. While the Microsoft MCSA and MCSE accreditations have been about for a number of years now, (keeping up with 'Windows' server through it's development,) the 'MCSA' '2003' & MCSE '2003' are the mainstay of current MS network accreditation. Nonetheless it would not be a good idea to disregard '08 training, as to include this too will future-proof yourself.

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