Microsoft MCSA Certification

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is a certification track for those who wish to have a career in information technology. A step up from MTA pathways, which are intended for introductory-level IT professionals, MCSA is designed to give certification in key areas of information technology and help professionals maintain a stable career.

There are a total of twelve different pathways in the MCSA certification program, including MCSA: Cloud Platform, MSCA: Web Applications, MCSA: Universal Windows Platform, MCSA: Windows Server 2016, MCSA Windows Server 2012, MCSA: Windows Server 2008, MCSA: Windows 10, MCSA: Windows 8, MCSA: SQL 2016, MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014, MCSA: Office 365, and MCSA Linux on Azure.

Each pathway is designed to target specific information technology concepts. MCSA: Cloud Platform consists of five different exams, including exams 532, 533, 534, 473, and 475.

The exams are $165 and offered in multiple languages through Microsoft’s site. Two of the exams must be passed in order to receive MCSA: Cloud Platform certification.

MCSA: Web Applications has two exams, exams 580 and 486, and is used to certify one as a web developer or administrator. The exams are listed as $165 through Microsoft’s site.

MCSA: Universal Windows Platform requires one to pass exams 483 and 357 in order to receive certification, and they are intended to qualify one as a software developer.

MCSA: Windows Server 2016 includes exams 740, 741, and 742, and the certification serves as the first step to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). Likewise, MCSA Windows Server 2013, which requires exams 410-412, can also serve as the first step to becoming an MCSE.

MCSA: Windows Server 2008 is intended to show that one has the ability to work with Active Directory in a business context. Certification requires passing exams 640, 642, and 646.

MCSA: Windows 10 certification qualifies one as a computer support specialist and requires exams 697 and 698. Likewise, MCSA: Windows 8 can qualify you for the same position and requires exams 687 and 688.

MCSA: SQL 2016 certification qualifies one as a database developer and requires several exams, including: exams 762, 765, and 768. MCSA: SQL certification and qualify one as a database developer and requires exams 461-463.

MCSA: Office 365 certification certifies one as a software as a service administrator or a cloud applications administrator. This certification requires passing exams 346 and 347.

MCSA: Linux on Azure certification shows your ability to work with cloud networking, and requires exam 533 and exam LFCS.