5/6/2002 -- Perhaps in the past, some of you have thought about delving into a Microsoft certification, perhaps the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) program. However, maybe you found it too time-consuming, or more importantly, not applicable for your current job level. In recent months, Microsoft introduced its new Microsoft Certified Server Administrator (MCSA) program, which is aimed directly at network administrators (as opposed to the MCSE, which is designed for network engineers). Though many of you are probably familiar with this new Microsoft title, some of you may not know that Microsoft accepts the Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA's) A+ hardware certification combined with either its Network+ or Server+ certifications as the elective credit toward the MCSA.

In this month's column, we'll talk quickly about the MCSA program in terms of its requirements, then walk you through the process of obtaining credit for your CompTIA titles.

MCSA Requirements
According to Microsoft's Web site, the MCSA program is designed for individuals who have roughly six to12 months experience implementing and supporting a desktop server and network procedures. In addition, Microsoft recommends that you have experience managing, supporting and troubleshooting a Windows server network infrastructure.

In order to become MCSA certified, you must pass one "core client operating system" exam. This can be either the 70-210 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional exam, or the newly-created 70-270 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional exam.

In addition, you must also pass 70-215 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and 70-218 Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment (commonly referred to as "the MCSA exam").

If decide to wait until the release of .NET, then you'll be able to take 70-275 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows .NET Server and the 70-278 Managing a Microsoft Windows .NET Server Network Environment, both of which will follow the launch of Windows .NET Server.

In addition to these core requirements, Microsoft requires an elective exam that must be passed in order to achieve the MCSA status. It is with this elective that Microsoft allows for a substitution of CompTIA exams. You can either substitute A+ and Network+, or A+ and Server+ -- it's your choice.

Getting MCSA Credit for CompTIA Exams
Credit for your CompTIA exams is a fairly simple process. Once you have your CompTIA certifications, make sure you pass at least one MCSA core exam (if you haven't already) to obtain an Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) identification number. Your new MCP IP number will be sent to you via e-mail. You can also contact a Microsoft Educational Service center for assistance, or click here for help.

Next, with your MCP ID number in easy reach, go to CompTIA's site and fill out the CompTIA MCSA Candidate Information form, which is located here. The form will ask for both your CompTIA ID and for your MCP ID. In addition, you will need to fill out the requisite address and country information. You also need to make sure that you click on the appropriate radio button to indicate that you are A+/Network+ certified, or A+/Server+ certified. CompTIA will verify your certifications, and then forward the information on to Microsoft.

Pretty easy, really. And that's the whole point: If you're already CompTIA certified and are considering branching out into the MCSA track, there's no reason not to take advantage of this program. With A+ and Network+, or A+ and Server+, you'll already have part of the journey completed.