MCSA Certifications

mcsa 2012 certification logoMCSA certifications validate the skills to implement cloud-optimized technology solutions using a single Microsoft product.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications are the foundation of Microsoft’s new generation of cloud-optimized credentials. Each MCSA certificate demonstrates your ability to design and create technology solutions in one of Microsoft’s core business platforms, e.g., Windows, Office, SQL Server and Azure.

The next step after MCSA certification is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), which validates your abiliity to build more complex, cross-platform technology solutions.

If you are completely new to IT, you may want to begin with Microsoft’s entry-level MTA certifications.

MCSA Training

Popular MCSA Certifications

Here are the most marketable MCSA certificates, including exam requirements, key skill sets and career paths that align with each credential:

MCSA: Windows 10

Demonstrates the ability to install, migrate, manage and support Windows 10 desktops and mobile devices at the enterprise level. Leverage this certificate to secure employment as a technical support specialist.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-697 | Configuring Windows Devices
  • Exam 70-698 | Installing and Configuring Windows 10

MCSA: Windows Server 2016

Proves you have the expertise to wield the Windows Server network platform to improve performance and increase IT ROI. This certificate also covers virtualization in Microsoft Hyper-V. Leverage this credential for job roles like network administrator and systems administrator.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-740 | Installation, Storage & Compute with Windows Server 2016
  • Exam 70-741 | Networking with Windows Server 2016
  • Exam 70-742 | Identity with Windows Server 2016

MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration

Validates your skills in the installation, configuration, provisioning and support of modern SQL databases. Certified professionals can pursue such job roles as database administrator, database developer and infrastructure specialist.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-764 | Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
  • Exam 70-765 | Provisioning SQL Databases

MCSA: Office 365

Demonstrates knowledge in migrating to and managing the widely-used, cloud-based productivity apps in Microsoft Office 365. Leverage this certification to secure sought-after positions like Software as a Service (SaaS) Admin and Cloud Applications Manager.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-346 | Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
  • Exam 70-347 | Enabling Office 365 Services

MCSA: Cloud Platform

Validates the skills to increase efficiency, reduce IT spend, and deliver greater business value using Microsoft's latest cloud computing and data processing software, featuring Microsoft Azure.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-532 | Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
  • Exam 70-533 | Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
  • Exam 70-534 | Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
  • Exam 70-473 | Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions
  • Exam 70-475 | Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions

MCSA: Linux on Azure

Demonstrates the skills to design, setup and manage a variety of cloud computing solutions using Linux that integrate with Microsoft's Azure platform.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-533 | Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
  • Exam LFCS | Linux Foundation Certified System Administrators

MCSA: Machine Learning

Demonstrates the knowledge to use machine learning to process and analyze big data using Microsoft Azure, R Server and SQL R. Typical job roles for certification holders include data scientist and business intelligence analyst.

Exam Requirements:

  • Exam 70-773 | Analyzing Big Data with Microsoft R
  • Exam 70-774 | Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning

Microsoft continuously revamps its career certification program, and this page will continue to be updated to reflect the latest changes. For further information, including a complete list of MCSA certifications, testing fees and exam blueprints, visit Microsoft's official MCSA certifications page.

Insider Tip: The latest MCSA certifications (in Windows Server 2016, SQL Server 2016 and Windows 10) do a good job of covering key tools and techniques from previous software versions, so unless your employer specifically requests an old version, always train and certify in the latest iteration, even if the new software isn't widely adopted yet. You're getting certified for your future career, not your past!

MCSA Certification Salary

Global Knowledge's IT Skills & Salary Report offers the best wage data for Microsoft’s next-gen certifications (MCSE, MCSA and MCSD) but keep in mind some of these credentials are relatively new, so the lower the respondent count the less reliable the data.

Microsoft Certification

Salary

Respondents
MCSA: Linux on Azure
$90,707
56
MCSA: Office 365
$83,036
106
MCSA: SQL Server
$90,303
188
MCSA: Windows 10
$79,109
99
MCSA: Windows 8
$82,037
103
MCSA: Windows Server
$89,952
627
MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect
$119,128
23
MCSD: SharePoint Applications
$92,326
28
MCSD: Universal Windows Platform
$95,647
35
MCSD: Web Applications
$98,643
62
MCSE: Business Intelligence
$92,502
21
MCSE: Communication
$95,329
29
MCSE: Data Platform
$105,519
24
MCSE: Enterprise Devices & Apps
$93,604
29
MCSE: Messaging
$98,565
78
MCSE: Private Cloud
$99,729
51
MCSE: Server Infrastructure
$94,921
329
MCSE: SharePoint
$95,020
35
MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (prev. gen)
$94,231
727
MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (prev. gen)
$87,667
301
Average salary by Microsoft certification (U.S. and Canada)
Source: 2017 IT Skills & Salary Report by Global Knowledge

Microsoft Courses & Degrees

Compare accredited college degrees, IT certification prep programs, and self-paced online courses in the latest Microsoft enterprise technologies and related skill sets.

Admissions advisors can provide more info about Microsoft programs and start dates, certification tracks, career placement, tuition costs and personalized financial aid options.
Got targeted learning objectives? Many schools offer individual courses from degree programs.

School

Microsoft Training Program

Course Highlights & Certifications

AAS in Information Technology - Networking

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Associate
  • Accredited School: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Includes Certification Preparation for:
    • MCSA: Windows Solutions Associate
    • MOS: Word, Outlook, PowerPoint & Excel
    • CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+
    • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Prepare for Entry-Level Roles in Network and Systems Administration
  • MS Windows Desktop/Server Administration
  • Setup and Manage Cisco Computer Networks
  • Network Security Tools and Best Practices

BS - Cybersecurity

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited School: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Includes Certification Preparation for:
    • CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+
    • TestOut Network Pro, Security Pro & Pro PC
  • Gain the Skills and Credentials for Jobs in Cyber Security, Network Management and Engineering
  • Information Security Tools and Techniques
  • Design, Build & Manage Secure IT Networks
  • Cyber Security Policy and Risk Management
  • IT Service & Process Management/Improvement

MS - Network Defense

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Master
  • Accredited School: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Includes Certification Preparation for:
    • EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) & Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)
    • (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Assess, Develop and Implement Cyber Security Solutions & Infrastructure
  • Advanced Training in Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing & System Hardening
  • National Security Agency (NSA) & Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Approved

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