Microsoft Networking FAQs
MCDST, MCSE, MCSA, frequently asked questions and answers
Question: What is a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician MCDST
By earning the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential, you can validate a unique set of skills required to succeed in a variety of job roles, such as Help Desk Technician, Customer Support Representative, Computer Support Specialist, and Technical Support Specialist.
Boost your IT support career with unmatched validation as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). This credential proves your ability to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It also show you have the necessary soft skills to educate users and help them solve hardware and software operation and application problems on Windows.
Question: What is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)?
This person has a high level of expertise with Microsoft Windows . An MCSE can plan, implement, and support these products, and has passed the required exams.
An MCSE is expected to be competent in handling a variety of technical tasks in the following general areas: Troubleshooting, System Architecture, Security, Network Infrastructure, Resources, Desktop Computer Environment, Hardware Devices and Drives, Reliability and Availability and Interoperability.
Question: What is an MCSA?
An MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is someone who has successfully passed the four technical certification exams provided by Microsoft. It reflects a unique set of skills required to succeed in a variety of job roles, such as systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, and technical support specialist.
Question: What is the major difference between MCSA and MCSE?
Demand for individuals performing network and systems administration tasks have seen significant growth this past year, and candidates as well as the industry have indicated that a certification is needed. The new MCSA credential is in response to this growth. The MCSA credential is for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 and Microsoft Windows® .NET Server operating systems. These individuals typically do not deploy new networks and systems as part of their job function, as is expected of individuals holding the MCSE credential.
Question: I have my CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications now. What do I do to receive credit for these credentials toward the MCSA certification?
To receive an elective credit toward the MCSA on Windows 2000 certification, candidates must earn the CompTIA A+ credential plus either the CompTIA Network+ credential or the CompTIA Server+ credential. To apply CompTIA credentials toward MCSA certification, follow these steps:
- Take at least one Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exam and obtain an MCP ID number. Candidates will not be allowed to apply their CompTIA credentials to the MCSA certification until they have taken (passing is not necessary) at least one MCSA core exam (70-210, 70-215, 70-218, 70-240, 70-270) and obtained an MCP ID number. The MCP ID number is provided by e-mail after passing an exam or by contacting a Microsoft Regional Education Service Center for assistance.
- Visit the CompTIA Web site for information on CompTIA certifications and to register your CompTIA A+ credential plus either your CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+ credential, and your MCP ID number.
- CompTIA will verify your certifications and forward your information to Microsoft.
For more information on Microsoft Certifications visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/
See the official schedule for classes available for registration.