If you’re interested in a career in IT, you’ve probably heard of the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification. But what is it, exactly, and why is it worth pursuing? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this certification, from the benefits of earning it to the best study materials and real-world applications.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is a certification program that validates your skills in configuring, managing, and maintaining Windows Server 201This certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and stand out from the crowd in the competitive world of IT.
Whether you’re a new IT professional looking to establish yourself in the field or an experienced pro looking to advance your career, earning your MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification can help you achieve your goals. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of this certification and how to prepare for the exam.
Are you ready to take your IT career to the next level? If so, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification.
Understanding the MCSA Certification Process
If you’re interested in working with Windows Server 2016, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is an essential stepping stone in your career. To obtain this certification, you must pass two or three exams that test your knowledge of Microsoft technologies and products.
Before you start your journey to becoming MCSA certified, it’s important to understand the process. First, you need to identify the specific area you want to specialize in. You can choose from various areas, including cloud computing, data management, business applications, or mobility and devices.
Once you have chosen your specialization, you can start preparing for the exam(s). Studying for the exam can take several months, and it’s important to use reputable study materials to ensure your success. After you have studied for the exam, you can schedule your exam date and take the test at an authorized testing center.
After passing the exam(s), you will receive a digital certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or website. However, MCSA certification is only valid for three years, after which you need to renew your certification by taking another exam or obtaining a higher-level certification.
Keep in mind that the MCSA certification process is rigorous and challenging, but it’s a valuable investment in your career. With this certification, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to work with Microsoft technologies and products.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of obtaining MCSA certification for Windows Server 2016.
The History of Microsoft Certifications
The first Microsoft Certification Program was launched in 1992 with the aim of validating technical skills and knowledge related to Microsoft technologies. Originally, the program only offered certifications for Microsoft’s desktop applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
In 1995, Microsoft expanded its certification program to include certifications for its server products, such as Windows NT and BackOffice. This paved the way for the current certification programs that are available today, including the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification.
Over the years, Microsoft has made various changes to the certification program, including retiring some certifications and introducing new ones. The program has evolved to keep up with the constantly changing technology landscape and to ensure that certified professionals have the skills and knowledge required to be successful.
- 1992: The first Microsoft Certification Program is launched, offering certifications for desktop applications.
- 1995: Certifications for server products are added to the program.
- 2002: Microsoft introduces the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) program.
- 2012: Microsoft introduces the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications.
- 2016: The MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is launched.
Today, Microsoft offers a range of certification programs for professionals at different stages of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, Microsoft certifications can help you demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. The MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is a valuable credential that can help you stand out in the competitive IT job market.
The Role of MCSA Windows Server 2016 in the Certification Process
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Windows Server 2016 is a certification designed for IT professionals who want to validate their skills and knowledge in the latest version of Windows Server. This certification plays a significant role in the IT industry, as it demonstrates a candidate’s expertise in handling server administration tasks.
For IT professionals who wish to pursue a career in Windows Server administration, earning an MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is crucial. This certification enables professionals to perform various server-related tasks, such as managing user and group accounts, deploying and managing servers, and managing storage solutions.
With the growing demand for IT professionals who can manage Windows Server, obtaining an MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification can significantly boost a candidate’s career prospects. This certification demonstrates a candidate’s ability to handle server-related tasks efficiently and effectively, which is highly valued by employers.
The MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is also a prerequisite for obtaining advanced Microsoft certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications.
By obtaining the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification, IT professionals can position themselves for a successful career in the IT industry, with opportunities for growth and advancement.
The Benefits of Becoming an MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certified Professional
Increased earning potential: One of the most significant benefits of earning MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is the potential for increased earnings. Certified professionals tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified professionals.
Career advancement opportunities: Earning the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification can help open doors to career advancement opportunities. Employers often look for certified professionals to fill higher-level positions within their organizations.
Enhanced skills and knowledge: Preparing for the certification exam requires a deep understanding of Windows Server 2016 and its various components. This knowledge can be applied to real-world situations and can help professionals excel in their careers.
Industry recognition: MCSA Windows Server 2016 is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in Microsoft technologies. This recognition can help professionals stand out in the job market and enhance their professional reputation.
Earning the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification can open doors to career advancement in the IT industry. Qualified individuals with this certification are in high demand by employers because of their expertise in managing and maintaining Windows Server 2016 environments.
This certification can help professionals advance their careers in a number of ways, including higher salaries, promotions to management positions, and opportunities to work on larger and more complex projects.
Beyond simply providing opportunities for professional advancement, earning the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification can also give individuals a sense of personal satisfaction and pride in their accomplishments.
Increased Earning Potential
One of the most significant benefits of becoming an MCSA Windows Server 2016 certified professional is the potential for increased earning. Certified individuals are highly sought after by employers and can often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers. This is especially true for those who have hands-on experience in administering Windows Server 2016 environments.
According to PayScale, the average salary for an MCSA Windows Server 2016 certified professional is around $71,000 per year in the United States, with some professionals earning up to $107,000 or more, depending on their level of experience and additional certifications.
Beyond the potential for higher salaries, becoming certified can also lead to more job opportunities and career growth, allowing individuals to take on more challenging roles and responsibilities that can further increase their earning potential.
While earning a certification does not guarantee a higher salary, it can demonstrate to employers a level of knowledge and expertise that can translate into greater value for the organization and, ultimately, higher compensation for the certified professional.
How to Prepare for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 Exam
Understand the exam objectives: Before you start your exam preparation, it is essential to understand the exam objectives. You can find the exam objectives on the Microsoft official website.
Study the Official Study Material: The official study material for the exam is available on the Microsoft official website. It is always advisable to use the official study material, which is updated regularly and covers all the exam objectives.
Take Practice Tests: Taking practice tests is an excellent way to assess your knowledge and identify the areas where you need to focus more. Microsoft offers official practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment.
Join a Training Course: Microsoft offers various training courses that cover all the exam objectives. You can attend these courses online or in a classroom setting.
Get Hands-On Experience: Getting hands-on experience is crucial to passing the exam. You can set up a virtual lab or use the trial version of Windows Server 2016 to practice and reinforce your knowledge.
Preparing for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 exam can be challenging, but with proper planning and dedication, you can pass the exam and become a certified professional. In the next section, we will discuss some tips that can help you pass the exam on the first attempt.Understanding Exam Objectives and Structure
Before you start preparing for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 exam, it is important to understand the exam objectives and structure. The exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in various areas, including installation, storage, networking, Hyper-V, and Active Directory.
The exam consists of several multiple-choice questions, and you will have a limited amount of time to complete the exam. It is essential to understand the exam structure and the number of questions in each section to manage your time efficiently and answer all the questions.
Microsoft provides detailed information about the exam objectives and structure on their website, including the percentage of questions in each section. This information can be helpful in creating a study plan and focusing on the areas where you need more practice.
Top Study Materials for MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification
Microsoft Official Practice Tests: These practice tests are created by Microsoft itself and offer a comprehensive review of the exam content. They are available for purchase and can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Exam Ref 70-740 Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016: This book is an excellent resource for the exam and provides in-depth coverage of the exam objectives. It includes practice exercises, real-world scenarios, and practical advice from experienced professionals.
Pluralsight: This online learning platform offers a variety of courses related to Windows Server 201You can choose from various topics and difficulty levels, and each course is taught by an experienced instructor.
Exam-labs: This website offers free practice tests for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 exam. These tests are designed to mimic the actual exam and can help you evaluate your readiness for the certification.
TechNet: TechNet is a Microsoft website that provides a wide range of technical resources, including articles, videos, and tutorials. It’s an excellent resource for exam preparation, especially if you’re looking for more detailed information on specific exam topics.
Official Microsoft Learning Products
If you’re looking for reliable and comprehensive study materials, you can’t go wrong with Microsoft’s official learning products. They cover all the exam objectives in detail and are designed to help you prepare for the exam. Here are some of the most popular products:
- Microsoft Official Practice Tests: These practice tests help you gauge your exam readiness and identify areas that need improvement.
- Exam Ref books: These books provide a comprehensive overview of the exam objectives and are an excellent resource for in-depth study.
- Microsoft Virtual Academy: This free online resource offers self-paced courses on a variety of Microsoft technologies, including Windows Server 2016.
- MOC On-Demand: This is a self-paced online training program that provides video lectures, hands-on labs, and assessments to help you learn at your own pace.
- Microsoft Certification Exam Replay: This is a bundle that includes an exam voucher and a retake voucher, so you can take the exam with confidence.
Third-Party Study Guides and Practice Exams
Microsoft Press Exam Reference Guides: These guides provide in-depth coverage of the exam objectives and include practice exercises, review questions, and exam tips to help you prepare for the exam.
Exam-Labs: Exam-Labs offers a wide range of study materials, including practice exams, study guides, and flashcards to help you prepare for the exam. Their materials are updated regularly to reflect changes in the exam content.
MeasureUp: MeasureUp provides practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment. They also offer detailed explanations of each question to help you understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect.
Udemy: Udemy offers a variety of online courses and study materials for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 exam. Their courses are taught by experts in the field and include video lectures, practice exercises, and quizzes to help you prepare for the exam.
ExamSnap: ExamSnap provides a range of exam dumps, study guides, and practice tests that can help you prepare for the exam. Their materials are regularly updated to ensure they reflect the latest exam content and include detailed explanations of each question.
Online Courses and Video Training
Microsoft Virtual Academy: The Microsoft Virtual Academy offers free online courses covering a wide range of topics, including Windows Server 201The courses are taught by Microsoft experts and include video lectures, assessments, and hands-on labs.
Pluralsight: Pluralsight offers a wide range of courses for IT professionals, including several courses on Windows Server 201Their courses are taught by industry experts and include video lectures, assessments, and interactive exercises.
Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a variety of courses on Windows Server 201Their courses are created by independent instructors and include video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers a variety of courses on Windows Server 2016, taught by experts in the field. Their courses include video lectures, assessments, and downloadable exercise files.
CBT Nuggets: CBT Nuggets offers a range of IT training courses, including several courses on Windows Server 201Their courses include video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on labs, and are taught by experienced trainers in the field.
Real-World Applications of MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification
Networking: MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is highly valued in networking jobs. Professionals with this certification have the skills to install, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure components.
Security: Security is a growing concern in the digital age. MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification demonstrates that you have the skills to secure the server operating system and protect sensitive data from cyber threats.
Cloud Computing: With the growing popularity of cloud computing, MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is highly sought after by organizations that use Microsoft Azure. It demonstrates that you have the skills to deploy, manage, and maintain cloud infrastructure using Microsoft technologies.
Deploying and Managing Server Infrastructure
Deploying servers: MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification teaches you how to deploy server infrastructure using various tools such as the Windows Deployment Services, System Center Configuration Manager, and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
Managing storage: As a certified MCSA Windows Server 2016 professional, you’ll be able to manage and configure storage solutions like Storage Spaces Direct, DFS, and File Server Resource Manager to optimize storage efficiency and improve server performance.
Managing Hyper-V: MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification also covers the management of Hyper-V virtualization technology. This includes creating and managing virtual machines, virtual switches, and virtual network adapters to provide a robust virtualization platform for your organization.
Understanding Active Directory Domain Services: MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification prepares you to understand and implement Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and its associated components, including domains, forests, trusts, Group Policy, and organizational units (OUs).
Managing AD DS: With this certification, you can learn to manage AD DS objects, such as users, groups, and computers, and use advanced features, such as Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) and Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS).
Implementing Group Policy: The exam focuses on Group Policy and its role in managing user and computer settings. You will learn how to create and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and understand the use of security templates, Starter GPOs, and Group Policy Preferences.
Managing Identity and Access: The certification covers identity and access management concepts and techniques, including authentication, authorization, and auditing. You will also learn to manage user and computer accounts and implement Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) permissions.
Managing Active Directory Sites and Replication: You will learn to manage and troubleshoot AD DS sites and replication, including site links, site link bridges, and replication topology. This includes the ability to monitor and resolve AD DS replication conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions About MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification
Q: What is MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification?
MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in managing and administering Windows Server 2016 infrastructure in an enterprise environment.
Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification exams?
The prerequisites for taking the MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification exams are basic knowledge of networking concepts and familiarity with the Windows operating system.
Q: How many exams are required to obtain MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification?
There are three exams required to obtain MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 (70-740), Networking with Windows Server 2016 (70-741), and Identity with Windows Server 2016 (70-742).
Q: How long does MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification last?
MCSA Windows Server 2016 Certification does not expire. However, it is considered a foundational certification and may become outdated as new technologies and updates are released. Individuals are encouraged to continually update their skills and pursue further certifications to remain competitive in the field.
Basic understanding of networking concepts: Before you start studying for MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification, you should have a good understanding of basic networking concepts, such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and subnetting.
Familiarity with Windows operating systems: You should have experience working with Windows operating systems, including Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 201
Hands-on experience: It is recommended that you have hands-on experience with Windows Server 2016, including installation, storage, and compute functionalities.
Completion of prerequisite exams: There are no formal prerequisites for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification, but it is recommended that you complete the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification in Windows Server Administration Fundamentals.
How long does it take to prepare for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 exam?
If you have prior experience in IT and have worked with Windows Server 2016, it can take around 2-3 months of consistent study and practice to prepare for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 exam. However, if you are new to the field and do not have much knowledge of Windows Server 2016, it may take up to 6 months or more of dedicated study to prepare for the exam.
The time required for preparation also depends on the study materials and resources you have access to. If you have access to comprehensive study materials and practical labs, you can prepare faster compared to someone who has limited resources.
It is important to note that everyone’s learning pace is different, and the time required to prepare for the exam can vary based on individual learning style and level of dedication.
What is the MCSA Windows Server 2016 recertification process?
Microsoft offers various recertification options for MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification. You can recertify by taking and passing a single certification exam or by earning a higher-level certification. Here are some recertification options:
- Take a single recertification exam: You can take and pass a designated recertification exam to renew your certification.
- Earn a higher-level certification: You can earn a higher-level certification, such as the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) in Cloud Platform and Infrastructure or the MCSE in Productivity.
- Renew with continuing education: You can renew your certification by completing continuing education activities, such as attending Microsoft events, completing online training courses, or attending classroom training.
It’s important to note that if your certification expires, you will need to retake and pass all required exams in order to regain your certification status.
Microsoft recommends that you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and certifications to maintain your skills and marketability in the IT industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MCSA stand for?
MCSA stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, which is a certification program offered by Microsoft to validate a candidate’s skills and knowledge in specific areas of technology.
What is Windows Server 2016?
Windows Server 2016 is a server operating system released by Microsoft in 201It is the successor to Windows Server 2012 and is designed to provide a highly secure and reliable platform for running business-critical applications and services.
What are the benefits of MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification?
MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification demonstrates that a candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and maintain Windows Server 2016 environments. It can lead to career advancement and higher salaries in the IT industry.
How do I become MCSA Windows Server 2016 certified?
To become MCSA Windows Server 2016 certified, you must pass three exams: 70-740 Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016, 70-741 Networking with Windows Server 2016, and 70-742 Identity with Windows Server 2016.
What topics are covered in MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification?
MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification covers topics such as installation, storage, networking, and identity management with Windows Server 201It also covers virtualization technologies, high availability, and disaster recovery.
Is there a recertification process for MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification?
Yes, MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification requires recertification every two years. You can recertify by passing a relevant elective exam or by upgrading to a higher-level certification.