Certifications & exams > Windows Server certifications
Windows Server certifications
If you’re designing, implementing, configuring, or managing a Windows Server infrastructure or desktops and devices in your organization, consider making the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Windows Server 2012 your certification goal. This page also lists other certifications available for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008.
Heard about the coming Windows Server 2012 R2 updates? Read the FAQs below to find out how we are updating our certifications.
Choose a certification below:
The skills for your professional career
The globally recognized standard for IT professionals
The pinnacle of professional distinction
Other certifications
- MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
Validates your ability to design, implement, and administer infrastructures on the Windows Server 2008 platform.
This certification will be retired on January 31, 2014. You must meet all of the requirements for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification prior to January 31, 2014, in order to earn it.
However, the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification will remain in market.
Required exam | Optional training |
|---|
and | |
and | |
and | |
and either | |
or | |
620** or | |
624** or | |
| |
*This exam will be retired on January 31, 2014.
**This exam has been retired, but if you’ve already passed this exam you can use it toward this certification.
See a list of retired exams and legacy certifications.
- MCITP: Server Administrator 2008
Validates your ability to handle the day-to-day management of an installation using the Windows Server 2008 platform.
This certification has been retired.
The MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification and corresponding exams will remain in market.
Required exam | Optional training |
|---|
and | |
and | |
| |
- MCTS certifications
Validates your troubleshooting and deployment skills on the Windows Server 2008 platform.
These certifications will be retired on January 31, 2014. You must take and pass the required exams prior to January 31, 2014, in order to earn these certifications.
Certification title | Required exam |
|---|
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration | |
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration | |
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration | |
*This exam also counts towards the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification. For more information, visit the MCSA page.
**This exam will be retired on January 31, 2014.
- MCM: Windows Server 2008 Directory
- MCA: Windows Server Directory
- Upgrade paths for Windows Server 2008 certifications
You can upgrade these certifications to a Windows Server 2012 certification by taking the exams listed in the tables below.
MCSA: Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2
MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator 2010
MCITP: Lync Server Administrator 2010
MCITP: SharePoint Administrator 2010
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7
Upgrade path for the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | | |
Upgrade path for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | | |
2 | Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure | | |
3 | Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure | | |
Upgrade path for the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | | |
2 | Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure | | |
3 | Implementing Desktop Application Environments | | |
- Upgrade paths for Windows Server 2003 certifications
Consult the tables below for upgrade path information.
Upgrade your Windows Server 2003 certification
Current certification | Certification goal | Required exam |
|---|
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server 2003 | MCSA: Windows Server 2008 | 648** and |
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server 2003 | MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 | 648** and and and either or or 620** or 624** |
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration | |
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server 2003 | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration | 648** |
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 | MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 | and and either or or 620** |
*This exam will be retired on January 31, 2014.
**This exam has been retired, but if you’ve already passed this exam you can use it toward this certification.
Frequently asked questions
The following questions specifically address the Windows Server certifications. Visit the certification overview or exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.
- Q.I heard updates are coming for Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012. How will these updates impact official Microsoft training and certifications?
- A.
As new technology releases into the market, associated official Microsoft training and certifications will be updated over time to cover this new content.
- Q.I have already started down the path to earn a certification on one of the technologies that will be updated. What should I do?
- A.
We encourage you to continue down the path for your certification. Exams that are currently in market will continue to count towards credit for the associated certification, and courses that are in market are a great way to help you prepare. We will provide advance notice for any changes made to our courses, exams, or certifications. Check back again for more information.
- Q.I want to start learning more about the updates to the technology. Where can I find training?
- A.
As new technology updates become available, you will see a variety of training also offered through Microsoft Learning Partners. These resources include First Look clinics, hands-on labs, and courses using Microsoft Official Course content. In addition, many training resources will be available to you directly through the Microsoft Virtual Academy. Check back for more information at www.microsoft.com/learning/.
- Q.How can I upgrade from an MCITP certification to an MCSE certification?
- A.
Visit the MCSE certification overview page and click the certification you are interested in upgrading to. Scroll down to the “How to upgrade" section of the page to view the upgrade path.
- Q.Can I still earn the MCSA and MCSE certifications on Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003?
- A.
It depends on the technology. The MCSA and MCSE Windows 2000 Server certifications were retired on December 31, 2011. The MCSA and MCSE Windows Server 2003 exams and corresponding certifications will be retired on July 31, 2013.
- Q.Are there any MCITP certifications I can still earn if I pass all the necessary exams?
- A.
Yes. The MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification and the MCITP: Server Administrator certification will continue to be awarded until July 31, 2013. After July 31, 2013, these certifications will be retired, but the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification will remain in market.
If you are close to achieving an MCITP on Windows Server 2008, we encourage you to complete your certification, and then you can take advantage of a shorter path to upgrade your certification to the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification or the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification. By achieving multiple certifications, you show continued dedication to learning new skills and you increase your value to your organization.
