Tom's IT Pro is a rapidly growing, constantly evolving digital content and services company that helps millions of people make smarter purchases.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is what you might call Microsoft's IT professional "starter certification"

The program aim to identify practicing professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to put relevant Microsoft platforms, tools, technologies, and applications to work in a business environment

Exam Costs: Microsoft exams typically cost $150 USD each. Prices may vary based on specific geography and in some locations, taxes may apply.

Required Exams: Earning an MCSA requires passing either 2 (Windows 8 or Windows 7) or 3 (Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2012) exams.

List of all of the MCSA credentials currently available from Microsoft:

MCSA: Windows Server 2012
MCSA: Windows Server 2008
MCSA: Windows 8
MCSA: Windows 7
MCSA: SQL Server 2012


MCSA Prerequisite for MCSE
Windows Server 2012 Server Infrastructure
Desktop Infrastructure
Private Cloud
Messaging
Communication
SharePoint
SQL Server 2012 Data Platform
Business Intelligence
Windows 8 None
Windows 7 None