how to prepare Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

The Microsoft certified systems administrator or MCSA certification from Microsoft verifies an IT professional's skills in the system administration of Windows OS. It can be considered a part of Microsoft's high level professional certification MCSE. Windows server 2003 MCSA certification can be attained by clearing two network system exams, a client OS exam and an elective exam. The certification is granted after the candidate has taken three of the core exams along with the elective exam. If you are eligible to appear for MCSE certification, then you automatically get eligible to appear for an MCSA certification. The criterion for this certification is; the candidate must have one to twelve months of experience in dealing with a network OS, desktop OS and a network infrastructure.

After gaining an MCSA certification one gets impressive job opportunities like system administrator, network administrator, network operations analyst, information systems administrator or a technical support specialist. This credential also ensures that you get your skill set enhanced by being successfully able to manage and troubleshoot network environments on Windows server and thus advancing your career by displaying your expertise and knowledge to the employers and customers.

Though MCSA has been designed as one stand alone certification to fulfill the job requirements of a network or system administrator; it, at the same time covers the necessary skills of IT engineers, network technicians and technical support specialists. Moreover, if you are thinking of going for MCSE sometime later in the future, then you can attain this certification by clearing just four more exams.

One of the areas, where MCSA certification differentiates itself from MCSE is that a Microsoft certified systems admin or MCSA is not expected to have designing skills. So in a way, it can be considered that it isn't really that tough to clear it, if you have proper knowledge and understanding of the subject. But right approach towards the certification exams is quite necessary. Getting a good exam simulator which will replicate the certification environment is one good approach to prepare, as those are especially designed to help you acquire the momentum for your preparation.