The Microsoft certifications for IT professionals provide a series of credentials
for individuals to demonstrate their levels of knowledge and proficiency for
using Microsoft technology in the realm of computer systems, networking infrastructure,
and database infrastructure. The following Microsoft certification
titles are available to IT professionals:
. MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional)—The MCITP credentials
offer technology professionals the opportunity to highlight their particular
skills in a specific area of expertise. The MCITP certification titles
include such specialized expertise as a database developer, a database
administrator, and a business intelligence developer. The current IT
Professional certifications include the following designations:
. IT Professional: Database Developer
. IT Professional: Database Administrator
. IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer
. MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)—This certification is for
anyone who possesses a high level of networking expertise with Microsoft
operating systems and software products. This credential is designed to
prepare individuals to manage, maintain, and support information systems,
networks, and internetworks built around the Microsoft Windows Server
System and Windows XP and Windows 2000 desktop computers. MCSA
candidates must pass four exams to become certified. Microsoft currently
offers two tracks for the MCSA credential—MCSA on Windows 2000 and
MCSA on Windows Server 2003. The exam requirements for attaining
each MCSA credential are detailed in Tables I.1 and I.2.
MCSA on Windows 2000 Specializations—After a candidate successfully passes the three
required core exams, he has the options to specialize in the areas of Messaging and/or
Security. A candidate earns the specialization title of MCSA on Windows 2000:Messaging
by passing one of the following elective exams as listed in Table I.1—Exam 70-680 covering
Exchange 2000 Server or Exam 70-680 covering Exchange Server 2003.
A candidate earns the specialization title of MCSA on Windows 2000:Security by passing
two of the following elective exams also listed in Table I.1—Exam 70-680 covering security
in a Windows 2000 network plus one of the following three exams: