The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification helps validate your ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments based on the Windows Server 2003 operating system. It reflects a unique set of skills required to succeed in a variety of job roles, such as systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, and technical support specialist.

The enduring strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market suggests that demand for related IT expertise will continue for many years. Earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to help demonstrate your expertise to customers and employers. Prove your skills in Windows administration, including system environment management and troubleshooting.
To earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass four exams (in any order):

• Two exams on networking systems
• One exam on client operating systems
• One elective exam

Note : Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The certification will not expire.

Note Mainstream support for Windows Server 2003 ended on July 13, 2010, and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server reached the end of its product lifecycle on July 13, 2010.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification shows clients and employers that you are skilled in designing, implementing, and administering infrastructures for business solutions based on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

If you want to be certified on newer Microsoft technologies, such as Exchange Server 2010, Windows Server 2008, or SQL Server 2008, you should pursue the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification. And if you have the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you can upgrade to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) on Windows Server 2008 certifications.

Note Mainstream support for Windows Server 2003 ends on July 13, 2010.
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server will reach the end of its product lifecycle on July 13, 2010.

The enduring strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market suggests that demand for related expertise will continue for many years. The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification enables you to demonstrate your expertise with Windows Server 2003 and inspire confidence in clients and employers. Prove your ability to analyze business requirements for information systems solutions and validate your expertise in designing and implementing infrastructures based on Windows Server 2003.
To earn the MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass seven exams (in any order):

• Four exams on networking systems
• One exam on client operating systems
• One exam on design
• One elective exam

Note: Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The certification will not expire.