Microsoft Server Certifications
As a major vendor of server technology, Microsoft offers numerous certifications for those who implement and administer its server products. Windows Server, Exchange Server and their SQL Server are the three primary server products offered by Microsoft and each has its own series of certifications.
These certifications are highly valued by employers as they ensure that certified employees will be productive contributors to their organization. Many hiring managers require or strongly prefer job candidates who have the relevant certification for the job.
Microsoft Server Certifications Available
Microsoft offers certifications for each of its server products including the various versions of Windows Server, Exchange Server and SQL Server. For the most current versions of each server product, there are a number of certifications available as shown below.
Windows Server
The Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) level has three different certifications. IT professionals can choose to pursue any or all of these certifications depending on their current role and career goals.
- Active Directory Configuration
- Network Infrastructure Configuration
- Applications Infrastructure Configuration
The Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) level has two options:
- Server Administrator
- Enterprise Administrator
Two advanced certifications for Windows Server are also available:
- Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)
- Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
The MCSA and MCSE certifications for Windows Server 2003 are still being given for those who work with this version.
Exchange Server
The following certifications are available for the Exchange Server product:
- Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) – Configuration
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)- Enterprise Messaging Administrator
- Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)
- Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
SQL Server
For the current version of the SQL Server product, Microsoft offers three certifications at the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) level:
- Implementation and Maintenance
- Database Development
- Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
At the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) level, there are also three certifications:
- Database Administrator
- Database Developer
- Business Intelligence Developer
There are two additional advanced certifications for SQL Server:
- Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)
- Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
Similar certifications are available for SQL Server 2005 for those who work with this version.
Preparing for Exams
Courses are offered at independent training centers, colleges, career schools and Microsoft certified training centers where courses can be taken in traditional classrooms, online classrooms or in a boot-camp format. The most expensive option, multi-day boot-camps, tend to run from about $2000 to $8000, which includes lodging and meals.
Microsoft also sells self-paced “e-learning” video courses ranging in price from $40 - $400 per topic for those who need the flexibility and have the discipline to study on their own. Class locations and dates for all types of training can be found using Microsoft’s class locator webpage.
Exam Content
The Microsoft certification exams validate an IT professional’s knowledge of a specific product. The exams typically take two to three hours to complete and contain between 45 and 90 questions each. Detailed descriptions of each exam’s content can be found at Microsoft’s Learning Manager wepage. Click on the exam of interest and the Skills Measured tab.
Taking Exams
Exams must be taken at one of 3000 worldwide Prometric locations. Go to the Prometric website to find the closest location and exam dates. Unlike some other certification exams, it is not possible to take an exam as part of a training class. Exam fees have been about $125 recently but are subject to change.
Maintaining Certifications
There are no maintenance requirements for Microsoft server certifications. However, they are considered "retired" when the relevant product is no longer supported by Microsoft. Typically there is an upgrade path available so that retired certificate holders can take an exam to become certified for the newer version of the technology.
Who should get Microsoft Server Certifications?
- MTCS Certifications - Those who have at least one year experience implementing and administering the relevant Microsoft product are good candidates for the MTCS certifications.
- MCITP Certifications - Candidates for the MCITP certifications should have at least two years experience in the design, deployment, administration and optimization of the relevant product. They must also have passed one or more MCTS certification exams as required by the specific MCITP certification.
- MCM Certifications - These are appropriate for highly skilled, technical experts who have substantial hands-on experience in every aspect of the product they are seeking certification for. They must have already earned the relevant MCITP certification.
- MCA Certifications - These certifications are for architects who have proven experience using Microsoft technologies to provide expert solutions. The MCM certification is a prerequisite for this certification.
Evaluating Training Options
There are many options available when it comes to choosing training for any of these certificates. Before making a selection, the below factors should be considered:
- Training Method Fit - Ideally, a person’s learning style should be the driving factor in making a choice. Traditional classroom training, boot-camps, online class training and self-paced videos all work well for different individuals with various styles of learning.
- Cost– If the price of training is the primary factor, then video-based training is best choice. However, if the student is not disciplined and committed, it may be better to spend the extra money to take a scheduled course.
- Location & Schedule– For traditional classroom training to be a feasible option, the location must be reasonably close and the dates and times must fit into the person’s schedule. For a boot-camp, finding the right time to take off from work and family responsiblities is likely to be the most important factor.
- Exam Guarantee – Training options that provide free re-training if a person fails the exam can end up saving a lot of money.
About Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is a publicly traded, multi-national computer technology corporation that develops and sells software products for personal computers and servers as well as other software and hardware products. Its Windows operating system, Office suite of products and Internet Explorer internet browser dominate the personal computer software market for these types of products. Revenue in 2008 was over $60 billion.
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