Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

MCSA Certificate

Course Details

Microsoft is one of the world’s most prolific companies of all time and are the creators of the world’s favourite operating system, Microsoft Windows.  The MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification is approved by Microsoft themselves and is substantial evidence of a person’s capability in managing and implementing computer systems.

The MCSA course provides you with the opportunity to be established as a certified Microsoft administrator.  The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Certificate will show employers that you have successfully completed training and examinations that put you head and shoulders above those who hold no approved certification.  The MSCA course has been designed by professionals to give you a step by step learning programme to follow.  Both the syllabus and exams are designed by Microsoft. 

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) course is ideal for people who already have an understanding of managing client and network operating systems.  This course also compliments progression from the CompTIA and MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) qualifications.

The Systems Administrator course covers a broad array of Windows Server 2003 skills such as implementing and maintenance of networks, managing and maintaining environments and implementing and administering security.

*You should have 6 - 12 months experience administering client and network operating systems prior to commencing this course.

Qualifications

Successful completion of the course will see you accredited with MCSA certification.  The MCSA qualification is recognised in the industry around the globe and demonstrates your ability to administer Windows Server 2003 systems.

In order to be accredited with the MCSA certification, you must pass three core exams and the elective exam as shown below:

• Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (Core networking systems exam)
• Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (Core networking systems exam)
• Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (Core Operating Systems exam)
• Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (Elective exam) 

For each individual exam you pass, you will also be awarded the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential. This is an industry recognised qualification that is accepted worldwide as proof that you have reached a standard skills level.

Study Plan

• An introduction to Windows Server 2003
• Windows Server 2003 security features
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Troubleshooting Windows Server 2003 networks
• Network configuration
• Windows XP Service Pack
• Managing and troubleshooting software updates
• Planning and deploying Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)
• Troubleshooting access problems

Study Details

Each new study topic adds to the knowledge you have already gained.  You should be able to complete the entire course within approximately 160 hours of study.

In order to assess the knowledge gained from each module there are 43 assignments to complete.  You should complete these as you progress through the course and then submit them to your tutor.  This will allow your tutor to assess your progress and provide you with important feedback.

Note: The minimum computer hardware requirements for this course are;

• DVD-ROM
• Your operating system must be Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows 2003, Windows XP Professional or higher
• 1GHz or faster processor with L2 cache
• 512MB RAM or higher
• 15GB of available hard disk space for installation

Careers

Successful completion of the MCSA course could see you apply for jobs such as IT Systems Administrator and earn a salary up to £38,760* per year.

*Source: IT Jobs Watch – 2009

Other example job roles include:

IT Support Analyst                              IT Trainer
£25,870                                                   £29,055
Source: IT Jobs Watch                           Source: IT Jobs Watch