MCSA is a certification launched earlier by Microsoft to verify your professional ability to perform system management under Microsoft Windows Server operating system.

1. Introduction to the Microsoft Certified System Administrator certification

Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) is a professional certification launched by Microsoft earlier, aimed at verifying your professional ability to manage systems in the Microsoft Windows Server operating system and related Microsoft technology environments. Although it has now been replaced by other certifications, it once had a significant impact.

In the IT architecture of enterprises, the Windows Server operating system is crucial for managing key resources such as networks, storage, and users, as well as ensuring the stable operation of the overall computer system and smooth progress of business processes. The focus of MCSA certification is to cultivate and certify professional talents who can proficiently use the Windows Server operating system and supporting Microsoft technology to properly configure, manage, and maintain enterprise server environments, network architecture, user accounts, etc., ensuring the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the entire IT system.

In a large chain enterprise, MCSA holders can use Windows Server to build a network system between the headquarters and each store, allocate user permissions for different store employees reasonably, set up file servers to store important data such as store operation information, and ensure good server performance, so that the enterprise's sales system, inventory management system can run stably and meet daily operation and business expansion needs.

2. The Competitive Edge of a MCSA Certification 

Obtaining certification means that you have been assessed by professional organizations and have mastered the knowledge and skills of Windows Server that meet the standards, making you highly competitive in job applications and easily favored by companies.

MCSA certification focuses on the key areas of Windows Server system management and is an important help for you to move from traditional system management, network management, IT operations and maintenance positions to higher-level positions. It can broaden your career development path and often significantly increase salary and benefits.

The process of preparing for exams and obtaining certifications enables you to comprehensively and systematically learn various knowledge and skills in the field of Windows Server system management, from basic concepts to specific aspects, and build a solid knowledge platform for further research and practice, which is conducive to your future career development.

The Windows Server operating system and related IT management fields are constantly evolving, with new features, security mechanisms, cloud computing integration methods, and more constantly emerging. Although MCSA certification is valid for 2 years, you cannot stop learning. 

3. Core Components of the MCSA Certification

The MCSA certification system has built a complete system management knowledge system in the Windows Server environment, covering core skill modules from server deployment, resource configuration to security management and troubleshooting.

Through learning, you will gain a deep understanding of the features of various versions and the core service roles of domain controllers, file servers, master the installation points of operating systems and the configuration methods of various server roles, and be proficient in account lifecycle management, group policies, permission allocation, and other security control technologies.

Next, you will become more familiar with TCP/DNS protocol configuration and remote access service deployment, master disk management, RAID configuration, and file sharing permission settings, and implement system monitoring and resource optimization through performance monitors and other tools.

Finally, it is necessary to develop a backup strategy based on RPO/RTO, master the system recovery process, configure comprehensive security mechanisms, meet compliance requirements such as GDPR, master Hyper-V virtualization technology and integration solutions with Azure cloud, establish a systematic troubleshooting approach, and implement problem prevention mechanisms.

4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Certified System Administrator?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

Microsoft officials usually recommend that you have some work experience in computer, network management, and Windows operating system related fields. Generally, at least 1-2 years of relevant work experience is required. Actual work experience will help you better understand and master knowledge, and apply it to exams and practical work.

Although there is no strict educational requirement, having a college degree or above in information technology will make it easier to understand the concepts and principles related to Windows Server, and enable faster mastery of key points during learning. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The MCSA exam usually lasts around 90-120 minutes, and the question types mainly include multiple-choice questions, multiple choice questions, and practice questions. It tests your professional competence by examining your understanding, application, and analytical abilities in various aspects of Windows Server knowledge.

According to Microsoft's official standards, you need to achieve a certain percentage of scores to pass the exam, and the exam fee is approximately $165. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The validity period of MCSA certificate is generally 2 years, during which it can prove that the holder has professional skills in Windows Server system management. To maintain the validity of the certificate, it is necessary to participate in Microsoft's officially recognized continuing education activities and accumulate a certain number of credits during the validity period.

5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Certified System Administrator Certification

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• CompTIA Server+
• Linux Professional Institute (LPI) LPIC-1
• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)