In addition, if you are certified on Windows Server 2003, you have an efficient path to the Windows Server 2008 certifications.

The MCSA certification verifies your knowledge in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems. MCSA certification can help advance your career by confirming that you have the skills necessary to successfully manage and troubleshoot system environments.

Candidate profile

Candidates for the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification typically have 6 to 12 months of experience administering client and network operating systems. They are knowledgeable about implementing, managing, and maintaining the typically complex computing environment of mid-sized to large companies.

Related job titles: systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist.

How to earn your MCSA on Windows Server 2003

To earn your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass four exams:
• Two core exams on networking systems
• One core exam on client operating systems
• One elective exam

The MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification will not retire.

If you have an MCSA credential on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, you can transition your skills to Windows Server 2003 by taking one exam.

Transition path for an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server to an MCSA on Windows Server 2003

As an alternative to choosing an elective exam listed in the preceding table, you can choose the following certifications or certification combinations.

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Transition path for an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server to an MCSA on Windows Server 2003

The transition exam for an MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification retired in March 2008.

If you hold an MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, you can earn the MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification by passing one transition exam.

Transition exam for an MCSA
Exam 70-2921	Review the preparation guide for Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

¹ This exam retired in March 2008.

² Exams on Windows Server 2008 cannot be used as credit toward an MCSA certification.

•	Learn more about Windows Server 2008 certification

³ Exam 70-620 can count one time toward a core client exam or an elective exam, but not toward both.

⁴ Exam 70-227 and Exam 70-350 satisfy both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security specialization requirement.

⁵ Exam 70-284 satisfies both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Messaging specialization requirement.

⁶ This exam will retire in March 2009.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully implement, manage, and troubleshoot the ongoing needs of operating environments based on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.

Candidate profile

An MCSA candidate should have 12 months of experience working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure.

How to earn your MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

To earn your MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification, you must pass four exams:

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As an alternative to choosing an elective exam listed in the preceding table, you can choose the following certifications or certification combinations.

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¹This exam retired in March 2008.

²Candidates who passed Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Exams 70-067, 70-068, and 70-073 had the option of taking the comprehensive Exam 70-240: Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. By passing this exam, candidates met the following exam requirements: Exam 70-210, 70-215, 70-216, and 70-217. Exam 70-240 is no longer available.

³Exam 70-620 can count one time toward one core client exam or one elective exam. This exam cannot count toward both a core client exam and an elective exam.

⁴Exams on Windows Server 2008 cannot be used as credit toward the MCSA certification.

⁵This exam will retire in March 2009.