MCSE vs. MCSA, MCSD & MCAD

For years now the MCSE has been considered the premier Microsoft certification. Those who can tack the letters MCSE onto their name demand good salaries and the respect of their peers in the IT industry. To become an MCSE there are a total of seven required exams, which run about $125 each. This, coupled with the costs of training materials and study guides, can run well into the thousands. Although it's a good investment in your career, there is a large gap between the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), which requires only one exam, and the MCSE.

MCSA

The gap between the MCP and MCSE has been filled by the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification. Leaving out the analysis and design of infrastructure, the MCSA focuses on managing and troubleshooting system environments. The intent being that you don't always need to know how to build an infrastructure if your job only requires that you maintain it.