The Microsoft MCSA course (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is a perfect match for anyone wanting to become a network support technician. So if you're already experienced but need to formalise your skills with a good qualification, or you're about to join the world of computers, you'll have the ability to find a course to fit your requirements. Search for a training provider that's willing to help and to get to know you, and can help you work out the right direction for you, before they even talk about your course. They will also suggest where to begin based on your current skill and/or gaps in understanding.

Currently, there are actually very few 'Windows' NT server installations left, yet there are still a fair few remaining at Server 2000. By far the most prolific is server '2003', with server 2008 still in it's early days. This being so, the primary 'Microsoft' qualifications remain largely centred on 'Windows' Server '2003'. Whilst the 'MCSA' & 'MCSE' certifications have been about for some yrs now, (keeping up with 'Windows' server through it's evolution,) the 'MCSA' 2003 & 'MCSE' '2003' are the main-stay of present day 'Microsoft' Network accreditation. Nevertheless it wouldn't be recommended to disregard '2008' training, as to cover this as well will future proof yourself.

The 'MCSA' & MCSE serve fundamentally quite different functions, in spite of the fact that they are commonly talked about alongside one another. The MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is a qualification designed and constructed for those who are looking to build a career in server-administration, networking and senior support jobs. Anyone aiming for technical-systems roles, managing the activities of a medium sized or smaller business network would do well to opt for the MCSA. Very well-disciplined men and women who enjoy problem-solving and a strong technical challenge should get a great deal out of this role. It's a really people-oriented job with a great deal of variety, because the job effectively consists of supportive interaction with fellow network-users.

On the other hand, the MCSE ('Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer') role provides a position with increased accountability, where the work centres more around design, planning & project-management. This qualification ought to be considered if your goal is to become a manager of a network, a project manager, a technical or senior administrator, or a Senior I.T. Security expert. Personal, creative and leadership skills will also be included in this training program, as good 'MCSE' experts often manage an array of staff and resource management duties.

To successfully attain your MCSA qualification, there are 4 'MCP' ('Microsoft Certified Professional') examinations that you have to pass. There are three required core examinations, & a 4th elective examination. An increasingly useful & completely recognised 'elective' is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which for obvious reasons is starting to become increasingly more popular with trainees. With the MCSE there's currently more importance placed upon security from an organisational perspective, systems planning, and network design. There are actually seven 'MCP' exams in total.

Any advisor who doesn't ask you a lot of questions - it's likely they're just a salesperson. If they push a particular product before learning about your history and whether you have any commercial experience, then you know you're being sold to. If you've got a strong background, or perhaps a bit of commercial experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it could be that the level you'll need to start at will vary from someone with no background whatsoever. It's wise to consider a user-skills course first. This can often make the slope up to the higher-levels a much easier going.

Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always 24x7 round-the-clock support from trained professional instructors and mentors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. some companies only provide email support (slow), and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you're there), when it suits them. This is not a lot of use if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have a specific time you can study.

The very best programs utilise an internet-based 24 hours-a-day system utilising a variety of support centres throughout multiple time-zones. You're offered an environment that seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate any time of the day or night: Support when it's needed. Never compromise when you're looking for the right support service. The majority of students who give up, would have had a different experience if they'd got the right support package in the first place.