MCSA Syllabus & Subjects 2023: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF

MCSA or the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is a certificate course designed for professionals seeking entry-level jobs in the IT sector. MCSA focuses on topics that help in improving operating Microsoft. This certificate course adds value to the careers of technical support and networking. There are several types of MCSA certifications from which professionals can choose. This certificate course is a mandatory prerequisite for advanced IT certificate courses. A list of the various MCSA courses is readily available on the Microsoft Website. In addition, professionals with an IT background and looking to advance their careers in Technology may opt for this course.

Syllabus- Important Facts about MCSA

• MCSA is a 50-hour course: The MCSA is a short course that takes up to 1.5 months to cover the entire syllabus if the candidates devote at least 2 hours a day. However, the on-sight training programs last up to about five days.

• Scope in India: The scope of professionals widens the job prospects after undertaking the MCSA course. The professionals will be able to get jobs in the Network Administration, Technical Support Specialist, Systems Administrator, Network Technician, and Network Operation Analyst with varying pay scales.

• MCSA is a certification course that has been updated to focus more on designing or building technological solutions, which widens the scope of the professionals taking the course. Furthermore, it used to be Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Certification, which focused more on a position like System Administrator, which had a much-limited scope.

• Microsoft has a large share of the business IT sector. For example, approximately 80% of the Fortune 500 is on Microsoft Cloud. Furthermore, about 350 million business and personal devices are currently running on Windows 10. Therefore, these courses will help professionals get a job in this field.

• MCSA Courses are based on the composition of the certification exams. The instructions of the certificate course are based on the different topics offered in the certificate courses.

• General Examination Pattern: The professionals require two or three exams. Windows 8 and Office 365 have two exams that the professionals need to pass, and the rest of the credentials require two exams to pass.

List of Subjects in MCSA

Typical Core Subjects for MCSA

Core Subjects formulate a significant part of the certification course. Listed below are the seven typical core subjects for MCSA:

Subject Title	Subject Details
MCSA: Windows Server 2012	The main objective of this course is to check and validate the expertise of the professionals in Windows Server 2012. This certificate course allows professionals to work as computer systems or network administrators. There are three exams in this certification course. Some parts of the syllabus are: Administering Windows 2012, Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 services Installing and Configuring Windows Server
MCSA Windows Server 2008	This certification course tests the expertise of Windows Server. It also allows professionals such as computer systems administrators and computer network specialists. There are three exams in this certification course: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, and Configuring.
MCSA Windows 8	This certification course validates the skills to manage, configure and maintain a Windows 8 enterprise system. It allows the professional to work as a computer support specialist. The following exams are required to clear this course: Configuring Windows 8.1 Supporting Windows 8.1
MCSA Windows 10	This certification course validates the skills of a professional to configure, manage and maintain a Windows 10 Enterprise System. It allows professionals to work as computer support specialists. Professionals will have to take the following exam to clear this course. Configuring Windows Devices
MCSA SQL Server	This certification course validates professionals' skills in developing and maintaining mission-critical databases. It allows professionals to become database analysts and developers. The following exams are a part of the certification course: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
MCSA Office 365	This certification course validates professionals' skills to administer and transition cloud-hosted business applications with Microsoft Office 365. It allows professionals to work like software or service administrators, focusing on Microsoft Office 365 products. Following exams are a part of the course: Part 1: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements Part 2: Enabling Office 365 Services
MCSA Linux on Azure	This certification course validates professional skills in Linux Administration. It tests the professionals able to develop, design, and maintain closed-based Microsoft Azure solutions. Professionals will have to take the following exams: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator

Typical Elective Subjects for MCSA

Subject Title	Subject Details

Detailed Syllabus for MCSA

MCSA has 17 types of certifications. These certification courses are tailor-made for jobs in the IT sector. However, the syllabus of MCSA may differ from one institute to another. It takes only a few months to complete the certification course. Therefore, there are no semesters in the course. Listed below are the details of the MCSA syllabus:

Semester	Core/Elective	Subject Title	Subject Details
Semester 1	Core	Active Directory Configuring Configuring DNS for Active Directory	This topic deals with configuring zones, configuring a domain, configuring zone transfer, Configuring DNS Settings, Configuring AD Lightweight Directory Services, Configuring read-only domain controllers, configuring global catalogue, configuring operation masters, and so on.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring and Maintaining AD objects	This topic deals with automating the creation of AD accounts, configuring GPO templates, configuring audit policy by GPOs, maintaining AD accounts, creating and applying Group Policy objects, configuring software deployment GPOs, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Maintaining the AD Environment This topic configures the backup and recovery of software, monitors AD, tracks offline performance, etc.	Maintaining the AD Environment This topic configures the backup and recovery of software, monitors AD, tracks offline performance, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Maintaining the AD Environment	This topic configures the backup and recovery of software, monitors AD, tracks offline performance, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring AD Certificate Services	This topic involves installing AD Certificate Services, Managing Certificate Revocations, Managing Enrollments, Managing Certificate templates, configuring CA server settings, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring Configuring IP addresses and Services	This topic deals with Configuring routing and IP, Configuring Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring Name Resolution	This topic configures client computers' DNS servers, zones, records, replication, and name resolution.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring Network Access	This topic concerns configuring remote access, wireless access, firewall settings, network authentication, network access protection, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring File and Print Services	This topic involves configuring a file server, managing disk Quotas, configuring distributed file systems, backup, restoring shadow copying services, configuring and monitoring printing services, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Monitoring and Managing a Network Infrastructure	This topic involves gathering network data, capturing performance data, monitoring event logs, and configuring Windows Server Update Services server settings. Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration
Semester 1	Core	Deploy Servers	This topic deals with deploying images using Windows Deployment Services, configuring storage, configuring high availability, configuring windows, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring Terminal Services	This topic deals with the configuration of Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services, terminal services gateway, terminal services local balancing, terminal services server options, client operations, services licensing, terminal services resources, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring a Web Services Infrastructure	This topic deals with configuring web applications, managing websites, configuring website permissions and checking authenticity, configuring a simple mail transfer protocol, a file transfer protocol, and managing internet information services, configuring SSL security, etc.
Semester 1	Core	Configuring Network Application Services	This topic deals with configuring digital rights management, windows media server, Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services Server options, and Windows email integration.

Specialisations for MCSA

Currently, Microsoft has introduced two new specialisations to the MCSA whose requirements are similar to the course. These specialisations have been developed through several job skills-related surveys. Therefore, these specialisations are tailor-made for professionals to acquire a job in a particular field. Listed below are the specialisations of the MCSA course:

Specialisation	Subjects	Details
MCSA Security	Core: Client	This subject involves installing, configuring, and administering Windows 2000 Professional. It also consists in installing, configuring, and administering Windows XP Professional.
MCSA Security	Core: Networking	This specialisation involves installing, configuring, and administering Windows 2000 servers and managing a Windows 2000 Network Environment. It also involves managing, maintaining, and configuring Windows 2003 and implementing, managing, and maintaining a Windows 2003 network.
MCSA Security	Core: Security Specialisation	This subject deals with implementing Windows 2000 security and managing and administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 network
MCSA: Messaging	Core: Client	This subject involves installing, configuring, and administering Windows 2000 Professional. It also involves installing, configuring, and administering Windows XP Professional.
MCSA Messaging	Core: Networking	This subject involves installing, configuring, and administering Windows 2000 server and managing a Windows 2000 network environment. It also deals with managing and maintaining Windows Server 2003 and implementing and maintaining a Windows 2003 network environment.
MCSA Messaging	Messaging Specialisation	This subject involves installing, configuring and administering Exchange on Windows 2000 server.

Books and Authors Related to MCSA

There is a range of books available for the MCSA course. Professionals can use these books to prepare for the course exams and fulfil the course requirements. Listed below are a list of books and the names of the authors of the books:

Subject	Book Title	Author	Description
Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012	MCSA 70-410 Cert Guide R2: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012	Don Poulton and David Camardella	This book is an excellent study guide that helps professionals navigate the different topics of the MCSA 70-410 exam. The book also contains quizzes and several worksheets that help the professionals assess their knowledge related to the topics and helps them identify and conceptualise their strengths and weaknesses associated with installing and configuring Windows Server 2012.
Windows 10 MCSA:	Windows 10 Complete Study Guide: Exam 70-698 and Exam 70-697	William Panek	This book is a complete study guide that helps professionals prepare for Exams 70-698 and 70-697. The book covers all the objectives related to Windows 10. In addition, it allows professionals to apply theory-based skills in the practical world.
Installing and Configuring Windows 10	MCSA 70-697 and 70-698 Cert Guide: Configuring Windows Devices	Don Poulton, Randy Bellet, Henry Holt	This book covers exam questions and quizzes related to Exams 70-697 and 70-698 and Windows 10. It teaches professionals how to manage, access, and configure data and networks.
Windows 2000	MCSA Lab Manual Managing A Windows 2000 Network Environment	Nick Lamanna and Donald Fisher	This book teaches professionals how to apply their skills in Windows 2000. In addition, this lab manual is a handbook for professionals to learn and prepare for the Windows 2000 Network Environment exams. With the help of this book, professionals will be able to navigate through the workings of Windows 2000 step by step.
Data Networks	Data Networks: Routing, Security, Performance Optimization	Tony Kenyon	This book focuses on the expanded coverage of security, routing, advanced design topics, and multicasting. Professionals will be able to implement their skills in practical life and optimise advice from an experienced practitioner that they can put to work in their system. The system administrator's job is difficult because they have to protect the data within their enterprise to learn the skills properly. This book helps them learn the skills correctly.
Coding Network	Coding Applications	Christina Fragouli, Emina Soljanin	This book focuses on networking and coding. With the help of this book, professionals will be able to improve network performance. In addition, the book provides the readers with a comprehensive insight into data and networks.

Entrance Exams for MCSA

The first requirement for undertaking the MCSA course is that the professionals must have some working experience since this course is for working professionals. There are no prerequisites or requirements for taking admission in this course. Therefore, there are no entrance exams for MCSA.

Syllabus for Distance Program in MCSA

Professionals may not always be able to attend proper classes in colleges. Therefore, distance programs are always an option. In addition, the syllabus of the MCSA programs in distance education is quite similar to the traditional syllabus of the traditional course. The distance course also helps the professionals gain the required skills for the IT field. Therefore, professionals may always opt for the distance program at MCSA.

The syllabus of the distance programs at MCSA includes:

The syllabus of the distance programs at MCSA includes deploying and managing Windows Server 2012, Implementing IPv4, Securing Windows, Implementing Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Managing Windows Server 2012, Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting The Network Policy Server Role. Some platforms that provide distance programs in MCSA are Network kings, Skillsoft, Adroit Information Technology Academy, and so on. The learning hours are quite flexible on these platforms, and students will be able to get practical experience and full access to the laboratories. Students will get extensive resources to understand the study materials. The training fees may vary from one institute to another. However, the average fee of the MCSA course ranges from Rs. 50000. Also, the exam fee for the MCSA course is Rs. 4800 per paper

Top Colleges for MCSA

Several institutions in India provide the MCSA Certificate courses. Listed below are some of the top colleges for MCSA

Sl No	Colleges/Institutions/Universities	Links
	Global Institute of Cyber Security, Noida	To be uploaded soon
	IPSR Solutions, Kerala	To be uploaded soon
	Cambridge Infotech Institute, Bangalore	To be uploaded soon
	SLA Consultants, New Delhi	To be uploaded soon
	Insys Technologies, Thane	To be uploaded soon
	RIA Institute of Technology, Bangalore	To be uploaded soon
	SSDN Technologies, Gurugram	To be uploaded soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the MCSA course:

1. How do I prepare for the MCSA exam?

To prepare for the MCSA exam, professionals must learn about the installation, configuration, management, and features of the latest OS server provided by Microsoft. It is also essential to understand the workings and mechanisms of MCSA Windows Server 2016. This way, the professionals may prepare for the MCSA exam.

2. How many exams are there in MCSA?

The MCSA certification course has approximately two to three exams, depending on the path the professionals have chosen. Windows 8 and Office 365 have at least two compulsory exams, and the rest of the MCSA courses require at least three exams. In addition, each exam has an alternative optional training course.

3. What are the MCSA course details?

The MCSA course or the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is a course provided by Microsoft tailor-made for professionals to advance in their jobs. The course is primarily for working professionals in the IT sector. In addition, it is a prerequisite for advanced Microsoft programs like Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). The course is a 50-hour course that professionals can complete via online and distance programs. In these 50 hours, the professionals will be able to cover the various aspects of Windows and Data in detail to acquire the necessary skills. The syllabus of MCSA covers multiple aspects of Windows, network, and data management.

4. How long is the MCSA course?

The MCSA course is 50 hours long. Therefore, if the professional devotes up to 2 hours in a day to cover the syllabus, then the total duration they will take to cover the entire syllabus is one and a half months. Therefore, the MCSA course is relatively short and convenient for professionals to undertake and acquire the skills required to advance in the IT field.

5. Does the MCSA Certification expire?

The MCSA Certification provided by Microsoft does not expire. Other certifications like MOS, MTA, MCE, MCSE, and MCSD do not expire. Therefore, professionals may take the course at any time, anywhere. Furthermore, they may use the certification provided at the end of the course in any of their careers since it does not become invalid.

6. What are the MCSA Certifications?

MCSA Certification course has seventeen certifications in total. These certifications include Server Infrastructure, Data Platform, Data Messaging, Desktop Infrastructure, SharePoint, Private Cloud, Business Intelligence, and Communication. Professionals may apply to any of these streams to obtain a certificate from MCSA.

7. What is MCSA SQL?

The MCSA SQL or the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate SQL is a database designed to affirm professional expertise in SQL Server 2016. It has two exams in total, including 70-761-SQL-2016 Database Development. The MCSA SQL also analyses the professionals' performances surrounding SQL Server 2016.

8. How do I become a Microsoft Certified System Administrator?

Professionals must clear three exams of MCSA. The three exams required to become a Microsoft Certified System Administrator are

• Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012

• Exam 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012

• Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services

9. What does MCSA cover?

The MCSA Certification course covers HTML 5, JavaScript, CSS 3, SQLite, and ASP.NET MVC. It is specifically designed for software developers and engineers with a strong IT sector base. Therefore, MCSA mainly covers topics from the IT field and subsequently helps the professionals acquire skills related to the IT sector.

10. What comes after MCSA?

After the MCSA certification ends, professionals use the skills they acquired throughout the course in their practical field. In addition, they may also use the certificate to advance in the IT field. They may also apply for the MCSE certification course because MCSA is the prerequisite to MCSE.

11. What are the requirements to apply for the MCSA course?

There are no prerequisites as such to undertake the MCSA certification course. However, the learners must be professionals in the IT sector with significant work experience since this is a professional course that helps employees advance in their careers.

12. What is the level of MCSA?

The MCSA certification course is the second level of Microsoft Certification. Microsoft Certification follows a pyramid structure that helps learners move on to more complex and complicated courses to allow them to acquire skills they acquire in their professional field.

13. How long does it take an IT to pass the MCSA course?

IT professionals will take up to six months to earn a certificate in the MCSA course as per two months per exam. Since the exams are tough, learners must have at least one year of experience before attempting the MCSA exams.

14. How many questions are there in the MCSA exam?

The MCSA exam contains at least forty to sixty questions. However, the question pattern of the exams varies. The MCSA exam has various questions like multiple-choice questions, short answers, case studies, etc.

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