Microsoft IT Certification Programs (MCSA, MCSE and MCSD)
Microsoft is very well known to all of us because of its windows operating system and Microsoft Office softwares.
Microsoft is offering a wide range of IT certification programs in Server, Desktop, Applications, Database and Developer domains.
Microsoft Certification Benefits
With Microsoft Certification, you have huge benefits over other peoples who do not have Microsoft Certificates.
1. Microsoft certifications shows your competence in a specific Microsoft technology
2. Your chances of getting hired increases 5 times.
3. You have high priority in job recruitment. (86% of hiring managers say that they prefer job applicants having an IT certificate)
4. 64% of IT managers prefer Microsoft certificates to other certificates for promotions and incentives.
5. Holding Microsoft certifications can help you gain an edge over your peers, colleagues, and fellow students in the long term as well as for short terms because they are accepted worldwide.
Microsoft IT Certifications Programs
Microsoft offers the following certification courses.
I. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
II. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA),
III. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
IV. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
V. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
I. MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate)
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is an introductory Microsoft certification for individuals considering a career in technology.
MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental, technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
Note: MTA exams do not qualify for MCP certification, nor are they a prerequisite for MCSA or MCSD certification.
To become a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), you must pass an exam in one of the following
1. IT Infrastructure: For those intending to build a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing. It includes Windows Server Administration Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, Mobility and Device Fundamentals, Cloud Fundamentals
2. Database: For those intending to build a career in data platform administration or business intelligence. It includes Database Fundamentals
3. Developer: For those intending to build a career as a software developer. Start with MTA Software Development Fundamentals and then select the additional topics. It includes Software Development Fundamentals, HTML5 App Development Fundamentals, Software Testing Fundamentals.
II. MCSA ( Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)
Earn your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification, which is a prerequisite to the MCSE and MCSD expert-level certifications.
1) MCSA: Cloud Platform
MCSA: Cloud Platform shows your expertise in Microsoft cloud-related technologies to reduce IT costs and deliver more value for the modern business and provides the foundation for a position as a cloud administrator or architect.
To earn the MCSA: Cloud Platform, you must pass 2 of the following exams.
a). Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
b). Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
c). Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
d). Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions
e). Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions
2. MCSA: Web Applications
MCSA: Web Applications certicate shows your expertise at implementing modern web apps and you can get jobs like web developer or web administrator.
To get MCSA: Web Applications certicate you must pass
1. Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3
2. Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications
3. MCSA: Web Applications certicate
MCSA: Web Applications certicate shows your expertise at implementing Universal Windows Platform apps that offer a compelling user experience across a wide range of Windows devices and get jobs like software developer and quality engineer.
To earn this certificate you must pass
1. Programming in C#
2. Developing Mobile Apps
4). MCSA: Windows Server 2016
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification qualifies you for a position as a network or computer systems administrator or as a computer network specialist, and it is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
To get MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification you have to qualify the following exams.
a). Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
b). Networking with Windows Server 2016
c). Identity with Windows Server 2016
5). MCSA: Windows Server 2012
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification qualifies you for a position as a network or computer systems administrator or as a computer network specialist, and it is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
You have to complete the following exams.
a). Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
b). Administering Windows Server 2012
c). Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
6). MCSA: Windows Server 2008
MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification shows your skills needed to work with Active Directory in a real-world business context. To get this certification, you have complete the following exams.
a). Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
b). Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
c). Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
7. MCSA: Windows 10
MCSA: Windows 10 shows your skills in configure, manage, and maintain a Windows 10 enterprise system and you can get jobs like a computer support specialist.
To get this certificate you have to complete the following courses.
1. Installing and Configuring Windows 10
2. Configuring Windows Devices
8. MCSA: Windows 8
MCSA: Windows 8 shows your skills in configure, manage, and maintain a Windows 8 enterprise system and you can get jobs like a computer support specialist.
The MCSA: Windows 8 certification is retiring in December 2016.
9. MCSA: SQL 2016
MCSA: SQL 2016 shows that you have the skills as a database professional, for both on-premises and cloud-based databases with this you can get jobs like a database developer.
To get this certificate you must pass the following exams
1. Querying Data with Transact-SQL
2. Developing SQL Databases
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration shows your skills with database installation, maintenance, configuration, and provisioning tasks, and will qualify you for a position as a database administrator or infrastructure specialist.
To get this certificate you must pass the following exams
1. Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
2. Provisioning SQL Databases
MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development
It shows your knowledge in extract, transform, and load (ETL) and data warehouse skills, along with those for implementing BI solutions using multidimensional and tabular data models and online analytical processing (OLAP) cubes.
This certification will qualify you for a position as a BI developer.
To get this certificate you must pass the following exams
1. Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse
2. Developing SQL Data Models
10. MCSA: SQL Server
MCSA: SQL Server shows your essential skills and breakthrough insights in developing and maintaining the next wave of mission-critical environments and you can get jobs like database developer or database analyst.
To get this certificate you must pass the following exams
1. Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014
2. Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases
3. Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014
11. MCSA: Office 365
MCSA: Office 365 shows your skills in transitioning to and administering cloud-hosted business applications with Microsoft Office 365 and you can get jobs like as a software as a service (SaaS) administrator or cloud applications administrator focused on managing Office 365 business productivity products like Exchange, SharePoint, and Skype for Business.
To get this certificate you must pass the following exams
1. Part 1: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
2. Part 2: Enabling Office 365 Services
12). MCSA: Linux on Azure
MCSA: Linux on Azure certification demonstrates your ability to design, architect, implement, and maintain complex cloud-enabled Linux® solutions that leverage Microsoft Azure open source capabilities. It also validates your Linux system administration skills to show that you are fluent in today’s cloud-native world.
To get this certificate you have to complete the following courses.
a). Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
b). Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator
III. MCSE ( Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)
MCSE ( Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) shows your ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud.
1). MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification show that you have the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in cloud technologies, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.
For 2016, this MCSE certification can be earned as follows:
1. Earn one of the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification
MCSA: Windows Server 2016
MCSA: Cloud Platform
MCSA: Linux on Azure
MCSA: Windows Server 2012
2. Pass one of the following elective exams during the 2016 calendar year.
a). Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
b). Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
c). Securing Windows Server 2016
d). Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
e). Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
f). Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
g). Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
2). MCSE: Mobility
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Mobility certification validates that you have the skills needed to manage devices in today’s bring-your-own-device (BYOD) like laptops, tablets, and smart phones enterprise.
with this you can create your career as traditional desktop support technician to enterprise management of BYOD devices and apps.
For 2016, this MCSE certification can be earned as follows:
Step 1. Earn your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 10 certification.
Step 2. Pass one of the following elective exams during the 2016 calendar year.
a). Deploying Windows Desktops and Enterprise Applications
b). Administering System Center Configuration Manager and Intune
c). Planning for and Managing Devices in the Enterprise
This MCSE certification does not expire or require recertification.
3) MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
This certificate shows that you skills in SQL administration, building enterprise-scale data solutions, and leveraging business intelligence data—both on-premises and in cloud environments.
You can get jobs like database analyst, database designer, and business intelligence analyst.
This MCSE certification does not expire or require recertification
For 2016, this MCSE certification can be earned as follows:
Step 1. Earn one of the following Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications:
MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development
MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development
Step 2: Pass one of the following elective exams during the 2016 calendar year.
Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions
Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions
Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases
Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server
Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server
Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server
4). MCSE: Productivity
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Productivity certification shows that you have the skills needed to move your company to the cloud, increase user productivity and flexibility, reduce data loss, and improve data security for your organization.
It will help you to secure a position in network and computer systems administration.
For 2016, this MCSE certification can be earned as follows:
Step 1. Earn one of the following Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications:
MCSA: Office 365
MCSA: Windows Server 2012
Step 2: Pass one of the following elective exams during the 2016 calendar year.
a). Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016
b). Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016
c). Deploying Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015
d). Core Solutions of Microsoft Skype for Business 2015
e). Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
f). Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
g). Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
h). Advanced Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
5). MCSE: Server Infrastructure
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure certification shows that you have the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.
It helps you to get jobs like computer support specialist and information security analyst.
To get this certificate
Step 1: Earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 certification.
Step 2: Complete the following exams.
a). Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
b). Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
This MCSE certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.
6). MCSE: Private Cloud certification
MCSE: Private Cloud certification shows that you can manage and implement Microsoft private cloud computing technologies.
With Windows Server and System Center, you will build your Microsoft private cloud solution to optimize IT service delivery and gain the automation and flexibility you need for your IT infrastructure, now and in the future.
It help you to get jobs like server administrator, systems programmer, and network manager.
To get this certificate
1. Earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 certification.
2. And complete the following exams.
a). Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
b). Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
Note: This Microsoft Private Cloud certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.
7). MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSE: Mobility.
8). MCSE: Data Platform
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics.
9). MCSE: Business Intelligence certification
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics.
10). MCSE: Messaging
MCSE: Messaging shows your ability to move your company to the cloud, increase user productivity and flexibility, reduce data loss, and improve data security for your organization.
It helps you to get a position in network and computer systems administration.
To get this certification
Step 1: Earn Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365 certification.
Step 2: Complete Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 exam.
Note: This MCSE certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.
11). MCSE: Communication
MCSE: Communication shows your expertise in creating a consistent communications experience for your organization and in connecting your colleagues to people around the world.
It helps you to get a position in network and computer systems administration.
To get MCSE: Communication certification
Step 1: Earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365 certification.
Step 2: Complete Deploying Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015 and Core Solutions of Microsoft Skype for Business 2015.
Note: This MCSE certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.
12). MCSE: SharePoint
MCSE: SharePoint shows your expertise in helping a company organize, sync, collaborate, and share information across the organization.
It helps you to get a job like systems or network analyst.
To get MCSE: SharePoint certification
Step 1: Earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365 certification.
Step 2: Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016
Note: This MCSE certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.
IV. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certication proves your ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud.
1. MCSD: App Builder
MCSD: App Builder certification that you have the skills needed to build modern mobile and/or web applications and services and you can get jobs like application developer.
This MCSD certification does not expire or require recertification.
For 2016, this MCSD certification can be earned as follows:
Step 1. Earn either your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Web Applications certification or your
MCSA: Universal Windows Platform certification.
Step 2. Pass one of the following elective exams during the 2016 calendar year.
Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services
Developing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions
Developing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Advanced Solutions
Universal Windows Platform – App Architecture and UX/UI
Universal Windows Platform – App Data, Services, and Coding Patterns
Administering Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server
Software Testing with Visual Studio
Delivering Continuous Value with Visual Studio Application Lifecycle Management
2. MCSD: Web Applications
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSD: App Builder.
3. MCSD: SharePoint Applications
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSD: App Builder.
4. MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSD: App Builder.
5. MCSD: Application Lifecycle Management
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSD: App Builder.
6. MCSD: Universal Windows Platform
This certification will retire on March 31, 2017. When the certification retires, all individuals whose transcripts list this certification as active on or after September 26, 2016, will retain the active status.
Find out about the replacement certification, MCSD: App Builder.
V. Microsoft Specialist
Microsoft Specialist shows your knowledge and skills in a specialized area of technology. Some Microsoft Specialist exams are included as requirements for Microsoft Partner Network competencies, which help distinguish your company from the rest in a particular technical discipline.
But Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exams and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams do not qualify for MCP certification.
There are several types of programming certifications options available to interested candidates from various software companies.
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