MCSA 2000

Microsoft’s Windows 2000 MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification is for “professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Operating Systems. These individuals typically do not deploy new networks and systems as part of their job function, as is expected of individuals holding the MCSE credential. Unlike MCSEs, MCSAs are not expected to have design skills.â€‌

The Windows 2000 MCSA got its start back in the fall of 2001. This certification does not retire but newer versions of it are released every few years as Microsoft upgrades their core server technologies. There are no specific prerequisites for the MCSA, although Microsoft says that a: “candidate should have 12 months of experience working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure.“ As soon as candidates pass their first qualifying exam for the MCSA program, they achieve a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification.

Job roles of those pursuing this certification typically include: systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist.

To achieve the Windows 2000 MCSA, a candidate must pass a total of four exams. There are three core exams and one elective exam.

CompTIA’s Security+ certification, or a CompTIA A+ and Network+ combination, or a CompTIA A+ and Server+ combination, may count towards one elective. Also, If you take one of the following two exams as an elective in order to complete the requirements for your Windows 2000 MCSA and then follow up and take the other one, you will achieve an MSCA:Security certification: 70-214 and 70-227.

For more information:
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/default.asp

CORE EXAMS
(70-210) W2K Professional ^vs 
(70-215) W2K Server ^vs 
(70-218) W2K Network Environment ^vs 

ELECTIVES
(70-270) Windows XP Pro ^vs 
(70-284) Managing Exchange Server 2003