As Microsoft remains as the world’s leading operating system for business, getting certified in even one of its courses is an advantageous step. This would include beginners who are yet to begin their career in IT or professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge in their respective fields.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is known among Microsoft’s foremost certified courses. It is recognized worldwide and has since been considered as the “foundation of Microsoft’s new generation of cloud-optimized credentials.” Earning an MCSA certificate will lead you to a lot of opportunities in the world of IT. Specifically, it will give you an advantage in your professional life as you will be exposed to a lot of things that are bound to harness your technical skills and knowledge. So, why should you be MCSA certified?
It validates and enhances skills
Not only will you gain proof of your technical skills upon achieving MCSA certificate, but it will also enhance your ability in designing and creating technology solutions. This will encompass any of Microsoft’s business platforms such as Bot Framework, Office 365, Cloud Computing and others. MCSA certification will verify your core skills in designing and building; say cloud-optimized technology solutions through a Microsoft technology. You get to acquire in-depth knowledge of the program you plan to pursue.
Earn higher
Higher salaries also await MCSA-certified IT professionals, though this depends on the industry that you choose to pursue as well as the overall experience acquired. Most employers appreciate candidates who have dedicated their time to gain a certification. This, of course, includes all the preparation made in passing the exams—from the expense, books, as well as time spent in preparing. At the end of the day, you will see that your dedication will really pay off.
An edge among other candidates
Several companies are in the hunt for well-equipped IT professionals, who can meet the standards needed in executing the different network, computer or systems services. This only means that if you get to achieve an MCSA certificate, you will have an edge among the other candidates who didn’t have any. Including this in your resume will surely put you in a considerably good position. Employers value the tests laid out by different industries in examining the respective skills of individuals.
Higher job positions
Individuals who have acquired Microsoft certifications have been seen to likely hold well-regarded positions. Also, certified individuals are seen to improve the performance of any team they are placed in. Plus, it has been said that candidates who have acquired MCSA certifications work more efficiently than others, attracting more job opportunities, especially the stable and higher job positions.
A prerequisite for expert-level certifications
Also, to step up on the expert-level certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), you must first gain an MCSA certification. This serves as a required prerequisite for IT professionals.
Opens career growth
Given that you have already earned your MCSA certificate, you can now proceed to other certifications that will open more doors for your career. Certifications such as MCSE and MCSD are just a few of what you can explore after achieving one. To gain mastery in Microsoft utilities will provide you the information and abilities required in dealing with various IT careers. Along this line would include the positions: computer support specialist, network administrator, Windows migration specialist, and the like. That being said, a Microsoft certification will prepare you toward a more well-grounded IT career.
Proves your dedication to learn
Giving your time and full-blown willingness in earning a certificate only means that you are dedicated to learn and grow as an adept IT professional. Once you are certified, your credibility and IT skills are something that will be well-regarded by employers. So, even if you are not a graduate or you have received no training at all, a certification will stand as proof of your core technical knowledge in IT.
How to be MCSA Certified?
To be MCSA certified, you must have a successful completion of the required exams. For example, if you’ve chosen the program Server 2012, the first exam you must undergo will be exam 70-410. This will cover mainly on the installation and configuration of Windows Server 2012. The second one will be exam70-411, which will test how you can administer Windows Server 2012. 70-412 will be the third one, which will assess your knowledge on configuring advanced Windows Server 2012 Services.
If you can pass the required exams, then you can prove that you really possess the knowledge needed for your respective program. A certification will serve as an asset for you to show during job applications, especially when you can show no hands-on experience. Though an experience would also be significantly looked into, just take note that employers also have well-regard for candidates who have willingly undergone the process of earning a certificate. The knowledge you have exemplified in passing the exams are nonetheless recognized by companies.
Below are the top MCSA certificates for the MCSA level that you can choose:
- MCSA: Windows 10
The required exams you need to pass are Exam 70-697 & Exam 70-698.
- MCSA: Windows Server 2016
The required exams you need to pass are Exam 70-740, Exam 70-741 & Exam 70-742.
- MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration
The required exams you need to pass are Exam 70-764 & Exam 70-765.
- MCSA: Office 365
The required exams you need to pass are Exam 70-346 & Exam 70-347.
- MCSA: Cloud Platform
From the required exams you need to choose two pass. They are: Exam 70-532, Exam 70-533, Exam 70-535, Exam 70-537.
- MCSA: Linux on Azure
The required exams you need to pass are: Exam 70-533 & Exam LFCS.
- MCSA: Machine Learning
The required exams you need to pass are Exam 70-773 & Exam 70-774.
Conclusion
When you decide to become MCSA certified, you will be welcomed by several benefits that are bound to make your career and professional life kicking. This is because Microsoft certifications are highly recognized by business leaders across the world. Individuals looking for entry-level positions can definitely try being MCSA certified as it is an entry-level certification program.
In simpler terms, it is the first stage that needs to be stepped, that is if you want to advance to more Microsoft certifications.
