In-Depth
MCSA Specializations
Sysadmin titles for those whose jobs focus on messaging, security.
Microsoft introduced two new specializations for its Microsoft Certified
Systems Administrator title, developed as a result of job skill surveys
it conducts frequently with customers. The specializations have similar
requirements to the MCSA, but Microsoft offers a recommended (what it
calls "prescribed") path to achieving these titles based on
job role.
Currently Microsoft offers two specializations, Security and Messaging,
for both Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 versions of the title as shown
in the following tables:
| Windows
2000 |
Windows
2003 |
|
Core: Client (Pass 1)
|
|
70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering
Windows 2000 Professional
|
|
70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows
XP Professional
|
|
Core: Networking (Pass 2)
|
|
70-215: Installing, Configuring, Administering
Windows 2000 Server
|
70–290: Managing, Maintaining Windows
Server 2003
|
|
70–218: Managing a Windows 2000 Network
Environment
|
70–291: Implementing, Managing, Maintaining
a Windows Server 2003 Network
|
|
Security Specialization (Pass 2)
|
|
70-214: Implementing Windows 2000 Security
|
70-299: Implementing, Administering Security
in a Windows Server 2003 Network |
|
70-227: Internet and Security Acceleration
Server 2000
or
SY0-101: CompTIA Security+
|
|
| Windows
2000 |
Windows
2003 |
|
Core: Client (Pass 1)
|
|
70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering
Windows 2000 Professional
|
|
70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows
XP Professional
|
|
Core: Networking (Pass 2)
|
|
70-215: Installing, Configuring, Administering
Windows 2000 Server
|
70–290: Managing, Maintaining Windows
Server 2003
|
|
70–218: Managing a Windows 2000 Network
Environment
|
70–291: Implementing, Managing, Maintaining
a Windows Server 2003 Network
|
|
Messaging Specialization (Pass 1)
|
|
70-224: Installing, Configuring, and Administering
Exchange 2000 Server
|
|
|
70-284: Implementing and Managing Exchange
Server 2003
|
|
The paths are closely interchangeable, except for the Core: Networking
portion of the tracks. Nonetheless, when plotting your path, consider
whether you plan to go further by achieving the MCSE versions of these
titles, as the paths are distinctly different.
For more about specializations, see "" and "New
MCP Titles Highlight Exchange Expertise" and "Microsoft
Announces New Version of Security Specialist Titles" in the News
archive.
For the official guides: