Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate and Expert

Discussion in 'Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2012 / 2016' started by Theprof, May 25, 2012.

  1. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Recently, Microsoft announced a new certification credential known as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. As today's technology is slowly moving towards cloud based computing, Microsoft released a track of certifications, the new MCSA/MCSE to help IT professionals transition their IT skills to the "Cloud".

    With the new certifications, comes new changes, these changes are as follows:

    1. Certifications need to be earned in order, so the MCSA needs to be earned before the MCSE
    2. The MCSE certification needs to be renewed every 3 years
    3. Because these certifications are a lot more in depth, by earning these credentials, the individuals skills/specialization will be easily identified

    The following exams will earn you the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate on Windows Server 2008:

    70-640 - Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (Objectives)
    70-642 - Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring (Obectives)
    70-646 - Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator (Objectives)

    The following exams will earn you the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate on Windows Server 2012:

    70-410 - Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 (Objectives)
    70-411 - Administering Windows Server 2012 (Objectives)
    70-412 - Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services (Objectives)

    **For those that have already completed the MCITP:SA or MCITP:EA, automatically earned the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate certification on Windows Server 2008.**

    If you want to upgrade to MCSA: Windows Server 2012 you'll need to have obtained one of the following certifications:

    MCSA: Windows Server 2008
    MCITP: Virtualization Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
    MCITP: Lync Server Administrator
    MCITP: SharePoint Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

    Plus

    70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 (Objectives)


    The following exams will earn you the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Private Cloud:

    MCSA: Windows Server 2012
    70-247 - Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012 (Objectives)
    70-246 - Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012 (Objectives)

    The following exams will earn you the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert on Windows Server 2012:

    MCSA Windows Server 2012
    70-413 - Designing and implementing a Server Infrastructure (Objectives)
    70-414 - Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure (Objectives)

    If you want to upgrade to MCSE: Windows Server 2012 you'll need to have obtained one of the following certifications:

    MCSA: Windows Server 2008
    MCITP: Virtualization Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
    MCITP: Lync Server Administrator
    MCITP: SharePoint Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

    Plus

    70-417 - Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012
    70-413 - Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
    70-414 - Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure

    The following exams will earn you the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Desktops Infrastructure:

    MCSA: Windows Server 2012
    70-415 - Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure
    70-416 - Implementing Desktop Application Environments

    If you want to upgrade to MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure you'll need to pass the following:

    MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator 7
    70-417 - Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012
    70-415 - Implementing Desktop Infrastructure
    70-416 - Implementing Desktop Application Environments

    Some more information can be found here on MCSA, MCSE, Explore Microsoft Windows Server Certifications

    Those that currently hold the MCITP certifications, need not to be worried as these certifications are still valid until Microsoft no longer supports the technology that the MCITP certification was earned on.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2013
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  2. Kitkatninja
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    Just want to add the following picture as to what the new MCSA cert looks like:

    MCSA2008.JPG
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
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  3. Makaveli

    Makaveli Byte Poster

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    What about those people who are already working towards the MCITP:SA, can you still take the exams to achieve this cert? If so, once you do complete the relevant MCITP:SA exams do you still automatically achieve the new MCSA or is it only for those that already have the MCITP:SA cert.
     
  4. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Yes you can still achieve the MCITP and if you do achieve either MCITP:SA/EA you'll also earn the MCSA.
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA
  5. Makaveli

    Makaveli Byte Poster

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    Thanks for confirming Theprof, thats good to know.
     
  6. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Hey guys, just updated this post to include the new Windows Server 2012 exams. Thanks!

    Edit: Also just added an objectives link for the exams that are available.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2012
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA
  7. GSteer

    GSteer Megabyte Poster

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    Hey Theprof.... it looks like your details are a bit misleading for the 2012 upgrade details... that's a lot of required MCITPs :)

    Source: MCSE: Server Infrastructure

    MCSA(s)

    If you want to upgrade to MCSA: Windows Server 2012 you'll need to have/pass the following certification(s):


    MCSA: Windows Server 2008

    OR one of the following:

    MCITP: Virtualization Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
    MCITP: Lync Server Administrator
    MCITP: SharePoint Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

    THEN take the upgrade exam

    70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

    MCSE(s)

    If you want to upgrade to MCSE: Windows Server 2012 you'll need to have/pass the following certification(s):


    MCSA: Windows Server 2008

    OR one of the following:

    MCITP: Virtualization Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
    MCITP: Lync Server Administrator
    MCITP: SharePoint Administrator
    MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

    THEN take the upgrade exam

    70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

    THEN pass

    70-413 - Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
    70-414 - Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure

    Which gives the MCSE: Windows Server 2012.

    Cheers, Greg
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2012
    Certifications: BSc. (Comp. Sci.), MBCS, MCP [70-290], Specialist [74-324], Security+, Network+, A+, Tea Lord: Beverage Brewmaster | Courses: LFS101x Introduction to Linux (edX)
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  8. Kitkatninja
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    Thanks guys, didn't know about this exam. As I'm cutting down on MS certs, this one would be a nice one to gain :)
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
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  9. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Updated the post for more clarity :) Let me know if it's still a little misleading.
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA
  10. GSteer

    GSteer Megabyte Poster

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    Excellent!

    You'll have to get them to update your Forum Leader title to include 2012 now as well :)
     
    Certifications: BSc. (Comp. Sci.), MBCS, MCP [70-290], Specialist [74-324], Security+, Network+, A+, Tea Lord: Beverage Brewmaster | Courses: LFS101x Introduction to Linux (edX)
    WIP: CCNA Routing & Switching
  11. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    I was just thinking the exact same thing! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA
  12. SimonV
    Honorary Member

    SimonV Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Done :)
    Great post BTW.
     
    Certifications: MOS Master 2003, CompTIA A+, MCSA:M, MCSE
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  13. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Thanks Si :)
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA
  14. AdamV

    AdamV Bit Poster

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    This does make sense since the exams 70-640, 642 and 646 are still available and are the same for new MCSA as for old MCITP.

    My understanding however is that there will come a point (soon) where you don't get an MCITP anymore, you only get credited with the MCSA when you pass the last of your exams for it (depending on the order you take them). If you already had an MCITP:SA/EA you get to keep that on your transcript, can use the badge etc, and get the 'free' upgrade to MCSA, but if you don't already have MCITP before the cut-off then you will never get it, you only get the new cert.
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCSA:Messaging 2003, MCTS:Dynamics CRM 4.0 and 2011; MOS: Master Instructor 2003, 2007
    WIP: Writing CRM 2013 Customization course. Planning to take all CRM 2013 exams ASAP
  15. JK2447
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    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

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    Shows what I know. I didn't realise the new MCSA would have any reference to 2008 in it. I thought the idea was for the MCSA to become more abstract than that.

    What would happen in this scenario I wonder..... I am one of the first to get a Server 2012 MCSA. The clock starts ticking. Under the new rules I have to recertify in 3 years time. In 3 years time Server 2015 has literally just come out. There is hardly any study material, books, CBT's etc for it and I have to recertify within the next month to keep my MCSA valid....

    Or perhaps Server 2015 hasn't yet come out. Would I then have to do another 2012 exam?
     
    Certifications: VCP4, 5, 6, 6.5, 6.7, 7, 8, VCAP DCV Design, VMConAWS Skill, Google Cloud Digital Leader, BSc (Hons), HND IT, HND Computing, ITIL-F, MBCS CITP, MCP (270,290,291,293,294,298,299,410,411,412) MCTS (401,620,624,652) MCSA:Security, MCSE: Security, Security+, CPTS, CCA (XenApp6.5), MCSA 2012, VSP, VTSP
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  16. AdamV

    AdamV Bit Poster

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    If I understand correctly (it is perfectly possible that I don't!)...

    If you are an MCITP:SA/EA on Server 2008 that will make you an MCSA:Windows Server 2008 automatically. Essentially "it's the same thing".

    If you then take exam 417 this is the 'upgrade' to MCSA:Server 2012. (the prefix two digits describe the language, so 20-417 would be the English version for example, but all languages will have the same last three digits for the courses and the exams to make it easier to figure out)

    (if you don't already have the MCITP you could take exams 410, 411, 412 to go straight in at MCSA:Server 2012)

    Then the clock starts ticking, as you say.
    You will need to recertify to keep your MCSA current, or, within the recertification time, step up to MCSE:Windows Server 2012 Infrastructure by passing 413 and 414 or to the Desktop 'branch' by passing 415, 416, or they equivalent at the time.
    (Note: a Desktop MCSE still has to have the same baseline understanding of windows fundamentals, network infrastructure and active directory - can you really be an 'expert' fit to design, architect, build, run and support an enterprise desktop environment without this?)

    If in the year 2015 you have a 'current' (=non-expired) MCSA eg on Server 2012, then you could take newer exams for Server 2015 to step up to MCSE:2015, as far as I can see (but of course we are not there yet, that road is not yet built so nothing is certain).

    Likewise, if you have an MCSE you need to recertify or move up to Microsoft Certified Master (yes, that stratospheric and almost prohibitively expensive exclusive club).

    2015 may not be out by the time you need to do a recertification, but 2012 R2 or even R3 might be, so this is still validating that you have a) taken on board the new knowledge needed and b) not totally forgotten everything you once learned.

    Hope this helps a bit.
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCSA:Messaging 2003, MCTS:Dynamics CRM 4.0 and 2011; MOS: Master Instructor 2003, 2007
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  17. JK2447
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    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

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    Thanks Adam, it does help. I' just thinking it through and I'm not sure I'd do a further 2012 exam in that case. I realise Cisco do this. You can either do a CCNP exam or a CCNA or related exam to keep your CCNA, but I can't see me passing a 2012 exam now then sitting the same exam plus a few R2 type bits in. Obviously I'll have to or I won't have a current MCSA/MCSE but I don't know. If I've known enough to pass it once I'm inclined to move onto something else.

    I don't know, I'm just spewing out my thoughts. I do like studying for Microsoft exams and I'm sure I could pass a virtualisation exam say to keep my MCSA/MCSE in the future (assuming I get that far).

    Cheers
    James
     
    Certifications: VCP4, 5, 6, 6.5, 6.7, 7, 8, VCAP DCV Design, VMConAWS Skill, Google Cloud Digital Leader, BSc (Hons), HND IT, HND Computing, ITIL-F, MBCS CITP, MCP (270,290,291,293,294,298,299,410,411,412) MCTS (401,620,624,652) MCSA:Security, MCSE: Security, Security+, CPTS, CCA (XenApp6.5), MCSA 2012, VSP, VTSP
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  18. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Yes, from my understanding, once the MCITP credential can no longer be earned, if you do the exams afterwards, that is if they're still available, you'll be earning the MCSA 2008

    The re-certification is only on MCSE from what I've read mate :)

    My guess the options would either be do a Server 2015 exam to re-certify your MCSE or one of the Windows Server 2012 exams... but can't be certain. Usually with Microsoft there should be some books available by the time the exam becomes live. Although if you are in that situation, I am sure something can be worked out.
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
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  19. JK2447
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    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

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    You are right mate, I did know that actually, about the 3 year rule only applying to the MCSE :S I would like to go for the MCSE and I do think it's a great idea to bring in the 3 year rule for their top cert. Cheers for explaining it a bit better tho guys, Jim
     
    Certifications: VCP4, 5, 6, 6.5, 6.7, 7, 8, VCAP DCV Design, VMConAWS Skill, Google Cloud Digital Leader, BSc (Hons), HND IT, HND Computing, ITIL-F, MBCS CITP, MCP (270,290,291,293,294,298,299,410,411,412) MCTS (401,620,624,652) MCSA:Security, MCSE: Security, Security+, CPTS, CCA (XenApp6.5), MCSA 2012, VSP, VTSP
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  20. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    I agree, I think re-certification is a good idea, despite the costs.. Sure Microsoft will be profiting, but in a way, so will we, when we re-certify as it helps us stay on top of our game. Of course this goes to those that actually study and work with the technology and not braindump the exam.
     
    Certifications: A+ | CCA | CCAA | Network+ | MCDST | MCSA | MCP (270, 271, 272, 290, 291) | MCTS (70-662, 70-663) | MCITP:EMA | VCA-DCV/Cloud/WM | VTSP | VCP5-DT | VCP5-DCV
    WIP: VCAP5-DCA/DCD | EMCCA

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