Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

The foundation for your professional career

Prove that you have the core technical skills required to build a sustainable career in IT.

Earn your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification, which is a prerequisite to the MCSE expert-level certifications. (New to IT? Learn about MTA certification for new entrants.)

Choose a certification to view its details and required exams:

MCSA:
Windows Server 2012
MCSA:
Windows Server 2008
MCSA:
Windows 8
MCSA:
Windows 7
MCSA:
SQL Server 2012
MCSA:
SQL Server 2008

Frequently asked questions

The following questions specifically address the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications. Visit the Certification overview or Exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.

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A.

The new Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) credential focuses on the ability to design and build technology solutions. The previous Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certifications focused on a specific job role.

Note You can earn the MCSA: Windows 2003 certification until August 1, 2013. You can no longer earn the MCSA: Windows 2000 certification.

A.

Yes. If you are an experienced IT professional, the MCSA certification is a prerequisite to achieving an MCSE certification.

A.

The MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification is based on Windows Server 2008 R2 technology and is a prerequisite to the MCSE: Private Cloud certification. The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification is based on Windows Server 2012 technology and is a prerequisite to the MCSE: Private Cloud, MCSE: Server Infrastructure, MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure, MCSE: Messaging, MCSE: Communication, and MCSE: SharePoint certifications.

A.

No. Candidates who achieved a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification have demonstrated the ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments based on the Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server operating system.

Note You can no longer earn the MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, which may appear as a “legacy” certification on your transcript.