Certifications & exams > Windows Server certifications
Windows Server certifications
If you’re designing, implementing, configuring, or managing a Windows Server infrastructure or desktops and devices in your organization, consider making the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Windows Server 2012 your certification goal. This page also lists other certifications available for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008.
Choose a certification below:
The foundation for your professional career
The globally recognized standard for IT professionals
The pinnacle of professional distinction
Other certifications
- MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
Validates your ability to design, implement, and administer infrastructures on the Windows Server 2008 platform.
This certification will be retired on July 31, 2013. You must meet all of the requirements for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification prior to July 31, 2013, in order to earn it.
However, the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification will remain in market.
Required exam | Optional training |
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See a list of retired exams and legacy certifications.
- MCITP: Server Administrator 2008
Validates your ability to handle the day-to-day management of an installation using the Windows Server 2008 platform.
This certification will be retired on July 31, 2013. The MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification and corresponding exams will remain in market.
Required exam | Optional training |
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- MCTS certifications
Validates your troubleshooting and deployment skills on the Windows Server 2008 platform.
These certifications will be retired on July 31, 2013. You must take and pass the required exams prior to July 31, 2013, in order to earn these certifications.
Certification title | Required exam |
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MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration | |
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration | |
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration | |
*This exam also counts towards the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification. For more information, visit the MCSA page.
**This exam retires on July 31, 2013.
- MCM: Windows Server 2008 Directory
- MCA: Windows Server Directory
- Upgrade paths for Windows Server 2008 certifications
You can upgrade these certifications to a Windows Server 2012 certification by taking the exams listed in the tables below.
MCSA: Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2
MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator 2010
MCITP: Lync Server Administrator 2010
MCITP: SharePoint Administrator 2010
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7
Upgrade path for the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | | |
Upgrade path for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | | |
2 | Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure | | |
3 | Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure | | |
Upgrade path for the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | | |
2 | Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure | | |
3 | Implementing Desktop Application Environments | | |
- Upgrade paths for Windows Server 2003 certifications
Consult the tables below for upgrade path information.
Upgrade your Windows Server 2003 certification
Current certification | Certification goal | Required exam |
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Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server 2003 | MCSA: Windows Server 2008 and MCITP: Server Administrator | and |
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server 2003 | MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 | and and and either or or or 624* |
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration | |
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server 2003 | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration | |
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 | MCITP: Server Administrator | and |
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 | MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 | and and either or or |
*This exam has been retired, but if you’ve already passed this exam you can use it toward this certification.
Frequently asked questions
The following questions specifically address the Windows Server certifications. Visit the Certification overview or Exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.