A lot of IT professionals as well as entry level IT guys and gals are still confused about which Windows Server certification they should work on.
Which one is more valuable? Which one is going to get you a better job? Should you get your MCSE certification or go for the new MCITP?
These are all valid questions and they are not easy to answer. You have to keep in mind that one certification may work great for one person, and it may not work out so well for another.
To make the right decision, you really need to take some time, evaluate your situation and your current position, and come up with a solution that will work for you. To help you get started I would suggest to take into consideration your current job situation and ask yourself these questions:
- Is my company still using Server 2003? If so, for how long?
- Am I going to be involved with Server 2008 migration?
- How long do I plan on staying with my current company?
- Do I plan on getting a new job?
- Do I want a promotion?
- Do I want to completely change my career?
All these questions (and few more that you might come up with) will help you determine which certification path to go with. But here, let me clarify some info for you guys; let’s start with Windows Server 2003.
Windows Server 2003 MCSA/MCSE
The MCSA and MCSE certifications are very similar. In fact, 4 specific exams required for your MCSE will get you your MCSA in the progress. Then once you pass 3 additional exams you become MCSE certified.
So there are 4 exams required for the MCSA and 7 exams for the MCSE. As you can see the MCSE certification is a little more desirable than the MCSA because it’s more advanced and you’re required to know more (plus you need to pass 3 additional exams).
MCSA Exam Requirements
To become MCSA certified you are required to pass the following exams:
- Exam 70-290 – Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
- Exam 70-291 – Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
And one of these two elective exams:
- Exam 70-620 – TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
- Exam 70-270 – Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional
Plus one additional exam, which is also an elective exam, from a list of about 20 exams to choose from. Here is the complete list — just make sure you’re looking at the Elective Exams under MCSA on Windows Server 2003.
This makes it a total of 4 exams — two required and two electives — to obtain your MCSA on Windows Server 2003.
MCSE Exam Requirements
Once you get your MCSA you will only need to pass the following 3 exams to become MCSE Certified:
- Exam 70-293 – Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
- Exam 70-294 – Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
And one of these two:
- Exam 70-297 – Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
- Exam 70-298 – Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
For more information on the MCSE requirements, exams and their objectives, check out this page.
Windows Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP
Just like with MCSA and MCSE, the MCTS and MCITP certifications are also closely connected. You get one certification on your way to another, except that you earn your MCTS title after passing only a single exam. This is the complete list of the Microsoft exams that you can take to earn your MCTS credential.
It’s also good to know that by passing two of the MCTS exams, you get two MCTS certifications with two specific titles. For example, if you pass the Windows Vista – Configuration (70-620) Exam and the Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration (70-640) Exam you have two MCTS certifications:
- MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration
And you can continue to earn your MCTS certifications as you pass additional MCTS exams.
So … how do you earn your MCITP?
MCITP Exam Requirements
Well first let me mention that there are two MCITP certifications for Windows Server 2008: MCITP: Server Administrator and MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.
For the MCITP Server Administrator Certification you will need to pass:
- Exam 70-640 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- Exam 70-642 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
- Exam 70-646 – Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
For the MCITP Enterprise Administrator Certification you will need to pass:
- Exam 70-640 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- Exam 70-642 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
- Exam 70-643 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
Plus one of these:
- Exam 70-620 – TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
- Exam 70-624 – TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
And the final exam:
- Exam 70-647 – Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
Notice that exams 70-640 and 70-642 are required for both the Server Admin and Enterprise Admin certs (so it’s probably wise to start with those two exams). The MCITP Enterprise Administrator, like the MCSE, is a bit more advanced and as you can tell, it requires more knowledge and more testing.
If you’re interested in learning more about the two Server 2008 MCITP Certs check out:
- Video on Server 2008 MCITP Certifications
- What’s the difference between MCITP Certified Server Admin and Enterprise Admin?
- How To Become a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Server Administrator
The “Other” MCITP Certifications
I know this is a little off topic, since we are talking about Windows Server certification paths … but I thought I’d mention it anyway.
You can get MCITP certified in SQL Server, Exchange, Windows Client and Microsoft Office Project Server — not just Windows Server. There are several options when it comes to earning your MCITP and it really depends on your personal interests and what you would like to do in the future.
Do you like doing support work and see yourself working at a Help Desk? (I worked at a Help Desk and really enjoyed helping people, it was also a really good experience for me.) If so, then the MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician might be the right choice for you.
If you enjoy working with databases then consider one of the SQL Server MCITP’s — there are 6 to choose from!
There are even two choices for your Server 2008 MCITP cert, that I mentioned above, so it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the different MCITP certifications before you decide which one is right for you.
Check out the MCITP list from Microsoft to learn more about your choices when it comes to earning your MCITP certification.
The Final Question: MCSE or MCITP?
Option 1: MCITP
To make the right decision, first consider your situation.
If you only passed one of the required MCSE exams and you don’t currently work with Server 2003 (or plan on working with it in the near future) then it might be more advantageous for you to switch over to Server 2008 and start working on your MCITP.
Option 2: MCSE
However, there are many people that already started working towards their MCSE but, for whatever reason didn’t complete it. Should they just abandon their MCSE path and switch to the new MCITP? Well, it depends.
Think about the questions I posed at the beginning of this article and consider how many exams you still need to complete to earn your MCSE.
At this point it becomes a no brainer — if you already passed 5 of the exams and have only 2 left then you might as well finish your MCSE, since you have already invested a lot of time and effort (not to mention money) on this certification path.
Option 3: MCSE & MCITP
There are advantages to going this route — you earn your MCSE on Server 2003 and then take the additional upgrade exams to earn your MCITP on Server 2008.
The upgrade paths are an awesome shortcut. With an MCSE on Server 2003 (sorry Server 2000 doesn’t qualify for this upgrade) you can earn 3 MCTS certifications by passing a single upgrade exam:
- Exam 70-649 – TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist.
After that you need only one exam to earn your MCITP Server Admin:
- Exam 70-646 – PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
Or two exams to earn your MCITP Enterprise Admin:
- Exam 70-620 – TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client
- Exam 70-624 – TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
- Exam 70-647 – PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
or
and
Here’s some additional information on upgrading your MCSE to MCITP on Server 2008.
Where to Find MCSE and MCITP Training?
Whatever your decision is going to be — whether you want to finish up your MCSE or go for your MCITP — we got you covered!
We have training videos that will help you earn both your MCSE and MCITP certifications. We also have training for those of you who are interested in the upgrade path from MCSA/MCSE on Server 2003.
I took the 70-640 and 70-620 exams after watching our videos, just to test our instructors (I know, I’m evil 
) and I passed on first try — and so can you!
Here are links to all of our Windows Server 2003 and 2008 training videos:
MCSA/MCSE Server 2003 Training:
- Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Training
- Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Training
- Windows Server 2003 Security Training
MCTS/MCITP Server 2008 Training:
- Windows Server 2008 MCITP Server Administrator Training Package
- Windows Server 2008 MCITP Enterprise Administrator Training Package
Time to Decide and Get Windows Server Certified!
No more excuses! No more procrastinating! No more wasting time!
The new MCITP’s have been out for over a year now and it’s time for you to take action — either finish up what you already started on your MCSE path (then take the upgrade exams to earn your MCITP) or, if you think that completing your MCSE is a waste of time then start working toward your MCITP. Either way, it’s time to make a decision and get certified.
I hope that my article will be able to help you make the right decision and remember, you can always post your specific situation in the comments below and I will try to help you as best as I can! Good luck!
Nice Post!!!
I’d say the problem w/ Micro$oft’s new line of certs is name-familiarity. Most IT recruiters, directors, managers, etc. haven’t heard of the MCITP or MCTS. Furthermore, most companies with a Windows infrastructure are still using 2003. Very VERY few companies I’ve consulted with have 2008, mainly because of application compatibility. Certainly adding a 2008 Domain Controller or File Server isn’t a big deal, but what about for your content management system? You have SharePoint 2007/2003 and Exchange 2007/2003 and these are all running on preexisting 2003 systems. [Possibly they've been upgraded to 2003 R2.] Or what about the companies 2005 Enterprise SQL Server running on a 2003 Cluster? Given what I’ve seen, I would say absolutely to have your 2003 MCSE and supplement it w/ 2008 certifications.
Ditto! I just finished my MCSE and I believe this is true in many organizations today. I dont believe its a waste of time to pursue your MCSE vs. MCITP. It will be around for a while. Although, it is still a great ideal to upgrade to MCITP afterwards.
Hello All,
Thank you so much for the information provided…
but can you please let me know if i need to have MCTS / MCITP Certification, i already need to be MCSA Certification holder.
Waiting for your reply
Most people who have some knowledge about MS certs will probably ask you “MCITP? What’s that?” and scratch their heads when you tell them that you are an MCITP-Enterprise Admin. The 4 letters that still get people’s attention are “M-C-S-E”. Let’s face it, MCSE has been around since the NT4 days. The ITP is really just a johnny come lately on the IT scene. The MCSE is still more worth it than the ITP stuff nowadays.
Personally, I did both programs — the MCITP is a breeze once you pass the MCSE stuff…
guys… i learn the complete coverage about MCSE OR MCSTP… with this coverage one thing i got cleared… i m right now looking for system admincertification… but not yet started any thing so far.. SO IT IS GOOD TO procced WITH MCITP ????????? AM I RIGHT guys???????
For years i always said i would do my MCSE, as i always percieved it to be the gold standard of knowledge within the server field, which i always dreamed about. New versions of server came out, i would start reading up on it, and then the lack of motivation/laziness stuck, as i always found it too boring, despite having some decent books, decent systems etc, but never actually sat any exams.
Ive started doing MCITP SA, and have passed the 70-642, and now doing the 70-640. I recognise i am lazy, and hate redoing stuff. EG to do the MCSE from scratch, then yet another set of upgrade exams, at another few months studying to change to the MCITP, when i could have had this from the outset, isnt my idea of fun. I also figure that Server 2008 is on SP2, and it came out in feb 2008, how ready does it have to be before it becomes the default?.
While it is hard going and i am missing much free time etc, this is nothing compared with the amount that I HATE my current job, and its prospects, (despite it being for a large texan computer supplier), which is what gives me the motivation to do something about it.
nice post.
i’ve gotten 4 of the MCITP: DA:EA:SA:EPM
i still have both MCSE /MCSA 2003 as well so i would recommend getting both certifications as it will be better later on.
any way Good post.
Really nice post. I am about to start my MCITP but it was a very tough decision on whether to take MCSE or go the MCITP way. I believe a lot of companies arestill using Server 2003 and will continue doing so for quite sometime. Currently where I am working, we are using Server 2008 and that was one of the reasons why I decided to go for MCITP Server Admin.
Very good post but still I am not able to come for a conclusion. MCSE or MCITP?? Actually I need to start from scratch, plz tell which one I can opt for?
====Ganesh
Why not split the difference? Get MCSA 2003, then MCTS for 2008 Active Directory and 2008 Network Infrastructure.
For the MCSA elective your best bet is probably 70-236, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 as this will ALSO give you a 4th MCTS for Exchange 2007.
And for the client take 70-680, and this will give you a 5th MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring
The end result, you pass 6 exams and get 5 certifications. Hows that for playing the resume/certification game? *bemused chuckle*
Exams Taken
70-680
70-290
70-291
70-640
70-642
70-236
Certifications Earned
MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring
MCSA: 2003
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Configuration
Jeremy you are all over it that was exactly my take on it what I am currently doing:
Completed
680
290
291
Doing 236 next
Jeremy your post make the most of sense.
Just completed MCITP Enterprise with 680 +MCTS Exchange 236.
Should I even try to get the MCSA which mean the 290 & 291 or should I skip it completely?
Good write-up. Thanks for this post. Before I got in contact with your site, I was almost confused on what decision to take on which exam I should sit for next. Your post helped me to take a decision on what to do. Thanks
Another factor that you have to consider is what kind of organization you’re working for. Servers aren’t like desktops where a company is going to upgrade as soon as a new version comes out. If it works, it’s going to stay and the larger the organization, the more likely you’re not only going to be using Windows Server 2003, but also 2000 (or at least upgrading them). Where I work, we have 2003 and they’re not going away anytime soon. The name brand is also an issue since Microsoft hasn’t really pushed it and the MCSE is still available.
From what I’ve heard, unless you know you’re going to be using exclusively 2008, the best thing to do is get your MCSE and then upgrade to the MCITP at a later point in time. It’ll be more expensive and time-consuming, but at least this way you’ll have both certifications under your belt.
Thanks Guys for nice postings, I got the clear picture of what I have to do, since my company is using server 2008 I am going for MCITP
-Thanks Again
I am currently MCSA 2003, I got there by passing to MCSA 200 upgrade exam 70-292. My question is am eligible to now sit the 70-648 and 70-646 exams to get MCITP server admin?
There doesn’t seem to be a clear answer having browsed the net.
Thanks
Brian
Hi Brian,
Yes, you can take the upgrade path for MCSA 2003 to MCITP Server Admin with the 70-648 and 70-646 exams.
Let us know if you have any other questions and good luck!
Kasia
I don’t have any certification but i work in the IT industry as a Desktop Support for in house software company. I make about $28 per hr and i want to cross into the IT section by next year. Do you think taking the MCSE first is the best way and later take MCITP Server is the best route? Please help
I am not currently a Microsoft certified holder but I have been working with servers. We had then Windows Server 2003 and then upgraded all our servers to Windows Server 2008 Ent.
I heard about the MCITP certification. It is possible for me to undertake this trainng since i am currently working in an organization with 7 windows server 2008 and I provide support to all offices?
Thank you for your reply
Hi there. I’m Anthony and i’m 26. I don’t have any experience in the world of work. But up to now i was In & Out of the Computer networking field. My last International Exam was N+ Comptia and i passed it, That was 2 years ago( after that i didn’t do any thing. Now i want to start and continue my Computer networking field. So i thought to start with Microsoft. i want to know where should i start from??? Because i don’t have any work experience and i don’t know what kind job should i look for. I’m looking for a fresh start. Can u help me with this.
Thank u very much.
Hi Anthony,
If you don’t have any prior experience with Microsoft servers, then I would suggest starting with the latest version: Windows Server 2008. Start with either one of these:
- 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Both of these exams are required for the MCITP, whether you choose to go with the Enterprise Admin or Server Admin route.
Here’s an article that explains the difference between the two MCITP designations:
http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/mcitp-server-administrator-vs-mcitp-enterprise-administrator
We also have some free training videos that will help you get started with Server 2008:
http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/free-computer-training-videos/free-server-2008-training-videos
Let us know if you have any other questions or if there’s anything we can help you out with.
Kasia
hi, im sebin , i hav completed my mcitp certified. i want a job in india. ( but ihav no degree). if i get the job then what was my salary
Hi Sebin,
I’m not sure what hiring managers are looking for in India, but your MCITP certifications should qualify you for a number of positions. As far as salary, it’s hard to say what it should be; each positions is different and salaries depend on more than just certifications, your experience, knowledge and the job and company you’re working for will play a role in determining that.
Take a look at some of the articles in our Career Help section to get more info: http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/it-career-help
Our article on 7 Best IT Job Sites might be particularly helpful: http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/7-best-it-job-sites
Very Nice Article , Specially for Newbies like me who dont know about Microsoft IT Certificates can get a good idea about it and and get the difference and a good path to select , Nice article mate We Salute U.Thanks and Tc
God Bless You
I got close to 5 years of experience in an IT environment, doing stuff like IT Administrator, Helpdesk 1/2nd level and some Management running a windows system base in an Internet Cafe. Since I don’t have MCSE or even started on it yet, would it then benefit me more to start on MCITP?
Thanks in advance.
do i have to become a MCSE certified person to take MCSA?
i mean without MCSE certification can i directly go for MCSA.
Please advice me.Waiting for the reply.Regards
Hi Mohammed,
No, you do not need the MCSE in order to get your MCSA. Here are the required exams for your MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Certifications:
You need to pass a total of 4 exams:
- Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
- Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
One of these exams:
- Exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring
- Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client
- Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional
- Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (this exam is retired, but if you have passed it previously it will still count towards your MCSA)
Plus one elective exam that you can choose from a list of over 30 exams, including some CompTIA exams.
Here’s a link to more details on the exam requirements for MCSA: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcsa.aspx?#tab2
Please let me know if you have any additional questions and best of luck on your next exam!
Kasia
First of all I need to thank you for this article. It’s the best piece of information I have been able to find on this topic today and it cleared up all of my questions. I can already tell there is an incredible amount of information on this site. I will also be sure to check out your products.
Question! It now being 2012, I thought I had just read somewhere that the MCSE certification has been retired on 12/31/2011. At this point I will want to shoot for the MCITP, is this correct? It surprises me a little, because all of the recent job postings I have looked at mentioned that they were looking for MCSE certified candidates. I suppose as a previous commenter said, it kind of stuck with hiring managers and such.
Thank you so much!
I’ve been certified since 2000 with the MCSE, and it was based on the NT SERVER 4. What do i do in upgrading to the MCITP
Hi Kenny,
Unfortunately there is no easy upgrade path from MCSE 2000 to MCITP. You would first need to upgrade to MCSE 2003 and then upgrade to the MCITP. This means you have to complete 7-9 exams, depending on which path you choose.
I would suggest skipping the upgrade to MCSE 2003 and just going straight for your MCITP (either Enterprise or Server Admin), this way you’ll only have to take 3-5 exams (3 if you choose Server Admin and 5 if you choose Enterprise Admin).
Here’s an outline of all the exam requirements for both options, upgrading to MCSE 2003 and then to MCITP or just going with the MCITP.
To upgrade to MCSE 2003 you’d have to complete exams:
- 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
- 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
- 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
- 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
- 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional (this requirement can be waived if you’ve completed 70-210 or 70-270)
Choose one:
- 70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
- 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
More info on upgrading your MCSE is available here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx#tab4
After you’ve been awarded your MCSE 2003 you can upgrade to MCITP Enterprise Admin or Server Admin; here are the exam requirements for the upgrade:
MCITP Enterprise Admin Upgrade:
- 70-649: Upgrading your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008
- 70-680: Windows 7, Configuring
- 70-647: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator
MCITP Server Admin Upgrade:
- 70-648: Upgrading your Windows Server 2003 MCSA to Windows Server 2008
- 70-646: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
Now, if you skip the upgrade path and just go straight for the MCITP, you only have to take 3-5 exams, depending on which cert you go with:
MCITP Enterprise Admin (5 exams):
- 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
- 70-643: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
- 70-647: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
Choose one:
- 70-620: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
- 70-680: Windows 7, Configuring
- 70-681: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deploying
MCITP Server Admin (3 exams):
- 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
- 70-646: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
More info on these requirements here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx#tab2
Please let me know if you have any other questions and if there’s anything we can do to help. And best of luck on your MCITP!
Kasia
I have been speaking with a co-worknig who has suggested that I start an MCSE now, in order to better learn the workings of Windows servers and then work on the MCITP. This co-worknig believes that learning server 2003 will be more beneficial to my understanding that going through the MCITP. Are you able to shed any light on this opinion?
Why learn a redundant technology Chris?
Win2008′s replacement will be on us soon.
Go for the 2008 track