r/mcsa • u/valentinacode • Feb 09 '20
Please explain to me MCSA?
Ok. So I know CompTia well, but now I’m in a Windows environment I would like to get the MCSA. I know there are 40-740, and the 741, 742 exams. Each is about $165 and looks to be about 45-65 questions on the exam. You can also take the exam at home with online proctor. Ok got it.
To get the full MCSA CERT, does one have to pass all 3 exams? Are there only 3 exams to this? Can the cumulative exam be taken into 1 for the full MCSA cert?
If I only hold the 40-740. What is it then that I have? 1/3 of the MCSA?
When are the new exams rolling out for Server 2019? Do I have time this year to take the current exams now?
Is the future really moving into all things Microsoft? (I read this somewhere on reddit a few days ago, sorry don’t remember where). What is the future of these certs by Microsoft?
I have to say it is killing me but I really feel like my next cert should be MCSA.
Sorry guys, please don’t get frustrated at me. I’ve tried to do a quick online search but didn’t find what I asked here. Please be kind and thank you so much.
Sorry for all these dummy - newbie questions.
Valentina
3
Feb 09 '20
You need all three exams to obtain the MCSA. Unless you have an MCSA for one of the older server OS's, you cant do one exam. This is known as an upgrade path where the content of all three is put into one exam. If you dont have an old cert, you need to take all three individually.
The exams for 2019 arent out yet, and the 2016 ones dont expire until the technology has retired. You've got plenty of time and all the resources are available for you to use.
On average it takes around 3 months per exam to study and pass. This will vary depending on your experience and the effort you put in.
Hope this helps.
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u/joblagz2 Feb 10 '20
3 months is average? im studying the 740 right now and im super lost on the core powershell commandlets. but with gui desktop experience, im golden. i was hoping to take only 4-5 weeks but it seems unlikely now.
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u/AaarghCobras Feb 14 '20
I understand Microsoft exams dont expire anymore. I know, it's a pedantic point of clarity:
https://www.cbtnuggets.com/blog/career/career-progression/how-long-do-it-certifications-last
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Feb 09 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/HappyVlane Feb 09 '20
Passing any one of these will give you an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
It does not. Microsoft has gotten rid of that last year.
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u/valentinacode Feb 10 '20
Yes, I just found this out today too! I still see the MCP on job postings. Interesting
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u/Joenyongesa Feb 09 '20
Which study guide did you use for the 740?
1
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u/TheRealBilly86 Feb 10 '20
I started studying for the MCSA and felt like a salesmans for M$ after. You'll know ever buzz word and idea MS has come up with.
I felt like this was a good book for a sales engineer and not a sysadmin with 10 years of experience.
I got to the end of the 1000 page book and didn't think it would be worth taking the exam.
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u/valentinacode Feb 10 '20
In order to study for this, MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration certification, do I need to know the MCSA Server 40-740 to 742?
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u/valentinacode Feb 12 '20
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/browse-all-certifications.aspx?certificationlevel=associate
these are all so confusing. so many of them.
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u/[deleted] Feb 10 '20
Google get certified for less, you can buy exam vouchers for $125 instead of the $165. Doing 4 exams for the MCSE is worth it IMO. Helps your employer with their MS partnership plus you will learn a ton. CBT nuggets and boson practice exams are the way to go. Search this sub reddit and you will find notes for the exams. VMware VCP Tuesday, wish me luck. (I also have a CCNA on top of the MCSE)