PCs & 'Microsoft' are more or less the same thing to scores of individuals! Each time we start our PCs, almost all of us are greeted with a Microsoft operating system, & virtually all of the 'software' in use originates from the same stable. At schools everywhere, MS educational packages are plentiful. The business was formed back in 1975, by the then 'college drop-out' Bill Gates. Microsoft's first version of the Home operating-system 'Windows' was produced in the 80's. The operating systems that we use nowadays are as a result of several evolutions of Windows between now and then. MS have basically always manufactured a home and a professional version of their Operating Systems, with their Server operating systems performing in parallel. Windows server '2000' replaced the original 'Windows' 'NT' server. We then were given 'Windows' Server '2003', with Windows Server 2008 being the most recent release. Since the dawn of 'Microsoft' Professional certification, we have had training-tracks devoted to professional administration of the 'Windows' Server Operating systems.

There are also 2 specialities within the 'MCSE' route - Security & Messaging. These require either 2 additional 'MCP' exams, or a single extra exam if one of the main seven has been suitably chosen. If you are focused on one of these specialities then it makes sense to consider this from the start - as it means just eight examinations are required, instead of 9. 'Microsoft' have also brought out a Server-2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) up-date examination for the MCSA (exam 70-648) and the 'MCSE' (exam 70-649.) We would suggest that you seriously consider adding one of the above into your training-package. This won't only future proof you to a certain degree, but will also open up more job alternatives.

With the appropriate quality of training materials and 24/7 help and support, plus authorised examination simulation software, an MCSA should take approximately 300 to 350 hours to complete, and an MCSE approximately 500 - 550 hours. So with experience you might complete all of them in something like 8 to 12 months learning part time. Should you be new to the I.T. community though, you should consider beginning on CompTIA 'A+' & 'N+' first. Details of these accreditations are available on their respective pages on this website, but this should add 200 hrs or 6 months of part-time study into the mix, possibly longer.

In order to attain the complete 'MCSA' you need to take 4 specific 'MCP' exams (MCP is short for Microsoft Certified Professional). Of these, three exams are 'core' subjects & so must be sat, but the 4th can be selected from a choice of electives. The 'Comptia' Security+ is approved as an elective exam, & has grown to be more and more popular with all candidates for various reasons. With the MCSE there's now more emphasis placed on security from an 'organisational' perspective, systems planning, and network design. There are 7 'MCP' examinations in all.

Though quite often talked about in unison, the 'MCSA' and MCSE are in reality meant to fulfil 2 different functions. The accreditation MCSA (that means 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') will get you into server-administration & work in networking & senior-support. Mainly this qualification is an excellent basis for a technical systems-administrator, who will cope with the ins and outs of operating a fairly small to mid-level commercial network. The job is actually ideal for somebody who enjoys working on technical-challenges, since there is a good deal of problem-solving in this role. Its a very people-oriented job with a great deal of variety, since the work effectively calls for support and interaction with all the network-users.

On the other hand, the 'MCSE' ('Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer') function provides a career with greater accountability, where the job centres much more around design, planning & project management. If you should like to get into network-management, senior-administration, technical consulting or project-management, or you wish to move in the direction of a higher-level I.T. Security job, then this is the path to think about. Some less obvious qualities of a successful 'MCSE' would be good creative & leadership skill-sets, as the role can frequently require large scale problem solving & personnel as well as resource management.

There are not many Windows NT servers still around, though server 2000 continue to be quite prevalent. It is still early days yet for Windows server 2008, with 2003 continuing it's dominance. Since this is the case within the world of commerce, the bulk of MS's certifications continue to be centred around the 2003 Operating System. The Microsoft MCSE & Microsoft MCSA training programs have evolved over time consistent with the Servers. At the moment, both 'MCSE' '2003' and 'MCSA' 2003 are MS's key Network accreditations. It must however be borne in mind that up-grade training to server '2008' is imminent, and desirable where possible.