MCSE/MCSA

[daztrouk]

I’m lost when it comes to trying to understand the new format. With the old MCSE/MCSA, it specifically told you what MCP modules you needed to pass, in order to get the overall MCSE/MCSA certification. However, I can’t find such info with the new MCSE/MCSA setup.

I’m currently working in a role in which we support Windows 7 desktops, so I’ll be going for the 70-680 and 70-685 exams. However, say for example, I wanted to achieve a MCSE/MCSA certification by this time next year, what other modules would I need to choose in order to attain this?

 

[daztrouk]

Those two exams will give you the Windows 7 MCSA.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcsa-windows-7-certification.aspx

So it's not like before where you need to pass 4 or 5 different courses in order to get an MCSA, and i believe 7 to get the MCSE? How does this work with employers then, as i've seen a few asking for job seekers who have MCSA/MCSE certs. I'm guessing their talking about the old system, otherwise i could say i have an MCSA, due to only passing the 2 windows 7 exams?

 

[daztrouk]

There are various MCSA certifications, including ones for the Windows client as well as the server. MCSA: Server 2008 is roughly analogous to the old Microsoft Certified System Administrator certification, as is the Server 2012 version. MCSA: Windows 7 is like the old Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification.

In answer to your question, yes, passing the two Windows 7 exams will get you an MCSA. I imagine the employers will want specific MCSA/MCSEs depending on the role - a 3rd line support role will probably require an MCSE in Server 2008, for example.

The new style certifications are modular like the old ones. For example, passing 70-410, 70-411 and 70-412 earns you MCSA: Server 2012. You can then take 70-413 and 70-414 to get your MCSE: Server 2012. This was like the old MCSA for Server 2003 (though I can't remember the exam numbers now).

I don't know why Microsoft chose to change their certifications yet again; it was bad enough when they introduced MCTS and MCITP for Server 2008!

Ahhh, thanks for the explanation, appreciated