Online It certification exam–Pass4side

Q. Why is Microsoft introducing specializations?

A. Microsoft is introducing specializations because individuals are asking for a way to identify their focus in a particular technical field, and IT managers are asking for a way to identify those individuals. With increasing numbers of individuals pursuing certification, and with expertise being sought after in many specific areas, customers want a way to distinguish proficiency in a given field.

Q. What is the difference between a certification and a specialization?

A. A certification validates and identifies competency in a specific job role. A specialization validates and identifies job role competency applied to a specific technical field. Specializations allow individuals who currently have or who are seeking certifications to highlight their focus in a specific field.

Q. Are MCSA specializations more advanced than the MCSA certification?

A. No. A certification specialization proves and identifies a focus on a specific technical field. However, the job role proficiency that is validated by the certification is the same for an MCSA with or without a specialization.

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Microsoft accepts the combination of CompTIA A+ with either CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+ as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) certification program. In addition, Microsoft accepts CompTIA Security+ as an elective for both the MCSA and the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certifications, and as a specialization option for the MCSA: Security and MCSE: Security certifications.

1.         Take at least one Microsoft MCSA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 exam or Windows 2000 exam to obtain your MCP identification number (MCP ID). You must have your MCP ID number to apply your CompTIA credentials towards MCSA certification. Your MCP ID number is provided to you by e-mail after you take a Microsoft exam, regardless of whether you passed or failed the exam. You can also contact a Microsoft Regional Education Service Center for assistance.

2.         In order to submit your CompTIA certifications to Microsoft you will need to do the following: Log into your CompTIA record at http://pass4side.com/CompTIA.html  If you are a first time user, you will need to create a user name and password before you can access the database and you will need to have your score report available. If you do not have a copy of your score report, please contact the test delivery provider that you used to take your exam. They will either mail you a copy of your score report or e-mail the information to you. The test vendors’ telephone numbers are the following: VUE: 1-877-551-7587 and Prometric: 1-800-776-4276.

3.         Once you have logged into your record you will need to click on “publish credentials” and send your A+ and Network+ or Server+ for MCSA or Security+ for MCSE to: http://pass4side.com/Microsoft.html. You will need to provide your MCP ID# in the text field of the validation form. You MUST use this “publish credentials” feature to validate your certifications to Microsoft. DO NOT send them an e-mail directly. Only by using this validation process will they accept your certification information. If you have any questions please contact Microsoft at 1-800-636-7544.

Choosing A Microsoft Certification

The certification you choose will be very dependant upon your current position or planned career path. Microsoft certifications are designed to take advantage of specific skills and enhance your expertise.

So what is your job title? The information below should help you decide what certification path is right for you.

Software Application Developer

The MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) and MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) certifications are for you. The MCPD establishes you as an expert developing on a variety of platforms using Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. The MCAD encompasses the application lifecycle from development to maintenance. If you are interested in analysis and design, go for the MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer). An MCSD has full knowledge of the application lifecycle from analysis through design, development, testing and maintenance.

Systems Engineer

Depending upon the level of knowlege you need, an MCSE or MCSA are great choices. The MCSE is an industry standard and provides the skills to do everything from analysis of business requirements to design and implementation of infrastructures. The MCSA is one step down and takes out the analysis and design, focusing on managing and troubleshooting system environments.

IT Business Analyst

A Microsoft Office Master combined with a MCP or MCSD would be very useful for most business analysts. An Office Specialist certification would demonstrate expert knowledge of Microsoft Office products. A MCP would be a great starting point for additional certifications. Be sure to choose an exam that will apply to any future cert tracks you may take. The MCSD would be the ultimate certification because it encompases the entire application lifecycle from analysis through design, development, testing and maintenance.

Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst you will perform many rolls and could need a MCAD or MCSD depending upon which stages of the application lifecycle you will need to know. The MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) encompasses the application lifecycle from development to maintenance. However, for an analyst, the MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) may be necessary to encompass the full application lifecycle from analysis through design, development, testing and maintenance.

Software Engineer

As a MCSD you would be the decisive expert on all aspects of the application lifecycle. You would know how to design and develop using Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. As an MCSE you would have the knowledge to do the analysis, design, and implementation of infrastructures. Depending upon the demands of your job or where you want to go with your career, either of these certs is an excellent choice.

Database Analyst/Administrator Web Application Developers Internet Developers

The obvious choice is the MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator). It is the most respected certification for those who are responsible for the implementation and administration of Microsoft SQL Server databases.

Technical Consultant

Depending upon your career path and direction there are several certifications that would enhance your skill set. Start with an MCTS which will target a Microsoft technology and continue to the MCITP, which will demonstrate your skills in hanling all aspects of IT infrastructure.

Another route would be to get an MCTS and continue to the MCSD, MCSA, or MCSE. As a MCSD you would be the decisive expert on all aspects of the application lifecycle. You would know how to design and develop using Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. As an MCSE you would have the knowledge to do the analysis, design, and implementation of infrastructures. The MCSA is one step down from the MCSE and takes out the analysis and design, focusing on managing and troubleshooting system environments.

Network Adminstrator

The MSCE is targeted to any Network Administrator who uses Microsoft Windows and backoffice applications. As an MCSE you would have the knowledge to do the analysis, design, and implementation of infrastructures.