MCSA Certification

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi readers! In this post, we will deal with a Microsoft IT Certification training program. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of MCSA training program.

  MCSA stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. It is an IT Certification program.   In this post, you will find important details about this training program. Here, I’ve provided details such as – duration, eligibility criteria, certifications, fees and training institutes.   This training program is an ideal training program for Information Technology professionals. Those who want to acquire relevant IT skills may pursue this course.   As the name suggests, MCSA training program is a vendor issued program. This training program is designed and developed by none other than Microsoft!   MCSA exams too are developed and designed by Microsoft. Microsoft is a huge player when it comes to IT industry. Software, Servers, Cloud Technology, Networking – Microsoft caters to the needs of IT industry and its allied fields in multiple ways!   Since Microsoft is a trusted and big name in this sector, MS Certified programs command great value. These certifications can help give your career a boost!

What is MCSA Certification?

MCSA stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. It is an IT Certification program. It is an entry level certification program. Technically, it is an Associate Level training program.   It is like a stepping stone that will lead you towards other (higher) IT certifications. This training program is a vendor issued IT training program. The program is crafted and developed by Microsoft.   Since this is a vendor issued program, the course content revolves around the products owned by the vendor. In this case, the vendor is Microsoft. Thus, the entire program revolves around MS products and services that caters to the needs of IT and its allied fields.   These certifications revolves around aspects such as – Servers, Cloud Technology, Web Applications, Windows Software, Machine Learning, Data Engineering etc.   MCSA certification is a broad field. It consists of many areas of specializations. A candidate may choose an area/domain based on his/her interests. Here’s a list of MCSA Certifications –

List of MCSA Certifications –

1 MCSA: Windows Server 2016

This certification deals with servers, networks, computer systems etc. This program can help you don roles such as network administrator, system administrator and network specialist.

2 MCSA: Windows Server 2012

This certification deals with servers, networks, computer systems etc. This program can help you don roles such as network administrator, system administrator and network specialist.

3 MCSA: Windows 10

This program deals with technical aspects related to Windows 10. After completing this training program, you may don the role of support technician or support specialist.

4 MCSA: Web Applications

As the name suggests, this certification program deals with web applications. It will teach and train you about app development, maintenance and design. After completing this course, you may don roles such as app or web developer and system administrator.

5 MCSA: Universal Windows Platform

This program will train you in areas such as software development, testing and maintenance. After completing this training program, you may don roles such as software developer, quality engineer and testing specialist.

6 MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014

This is a Server Certification program. This program will train you in areas such as – database management, server maintenance, server architecture etc.

7 MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development

This certification program primarily focuses on database development. It will train you in areas such as – database architecture, database development and database administration.

8 MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration

This program primarily focuses on Database Administration. It will train you in aspects such as – database installation, maintenance, configuration and provisioning tasks.

9 MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development

This program will train you in areas such as – BI solutions, data warehouse skills, data processing, online analytical processing etc. After completing this program, you may become a BI Developer.

10 MCSA: Office 365

This program deals with Microsoft 365. This training program imparts skills related to business applications and MS Office 365.

11 MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations

This program primarily deals with development and technical aspects related to MS Dynamics 365 for Operations.

12 MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365

This program primarily deals with development and technical aspects related to MS Dynamics 365 for Operations.

13 MCSA: Machine Learning

This program deals with various aspects of Machine Learning. This course will train you in areas such as – SQL Servers, Machine Learning and Big Data.

14 MCSA: Linux on Azure

This program primarily focuses on Linux solutions that are related to Microsoft Azure Open Source Capabilities. This program will help you if you want to venture the Cloud Technology field.

15 MCSA: Data Engineering with Azure

This program deals with aspects such as – Big Data Management, Analytics, Data Engineering, Workflows etc.

16 MCSA: Cloud Platform

This program primarily deals with cloud technology and IT. After completing this course, you may don roles such as – cloud architect, cloud technician etc.

17 MCSA: BI Reporting

This program deals with aspects such as – data modeling, data processing, BI solutions, data management and analytics.

Why MCSA?

As I mentioned before, it is an IT Certification program. It is an entry level certification program. MCSA program can act as your first step towards higher/advanced IT skills.   If you are an IT professional, higher/advanced skills can help you give a boost to your career. For example, this certification can help you get a promotion at work. It can even lead you to a better job.   In short, this certification can work wonders for your career. Moreover, MCSA certification can help you pursue higher certifications such as MCSE.

Who is it for? (Eligibility Criteria)

There’s no specific eligibility criteria associated with this course. But this program has been crafted keeping the needs of IT professionals in mind. IT professionals, Networking professionals etc will benefit from this course.

How it works: Exams & Steps

The first step is to choose a specific certification. For example – MCSA: Windows 10. After selecting the certification, you may enrol for the program at relevant institute. Acquiring skills forms the next stage. After acquiring the necessary skills, you have to appear for exams.   After passing the required exams, you will be able to earn the certification. After obtaining the certificate, you may use it to earn higher certifications.

MCSA vs MCSE

What’s the difference between MCSA and MCSE, you may ask. MCSA stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.   MCSA is an associate level course. MCSE is an expert level course. MCSA is an entry level course. After completing it, you may go for relevant MCSE Certifications.

Training Duration

Course duration depends upon numerous factors. Some such factors are –

• Training Institute
• Mode of learning

Depending upon these factors, course duration could be anywhere between 1-2 months (for one certification program).

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MCSE Certification

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Training Fees

Training fees may vary from one institute to another. On an average, it can be anywhere between 50-150K INR.

Career Prospects

Here are some of the prime recruiters –

• IT firms
• MNCs
• Hardware and Networking firms
• Telecommunication Firms
• Tech firms

In the above mentioned firms, MCSA certified professionals may don the following roles –

• Network technician
• Network engineer
• Cloud solutions expert
• Desktop security and maintenance expert