In this blog post, I am going to shed some light on the new Windows Server 2016 Microsoft certifications. Much has changed and, following the general trend in education, it seems !? less demanding. Fewer exams for MCSA and MCSE and in some areas, no re-certification is required. In addition, the MTA was introduced.

General information about Microsoft exams

Who can register for an exam?

Anyone who has money 😉 can register for an exam. Cost: about USD 165, —

Where can I find Testing Centers?

Microsoft exams are conducted by a certified testing center. These testing centres can be found in every major city. The examinee can register online for an exam, payed by credit card, and have to arrive at the exam centre on the agreed date. Recently, tests can now also be carried out online at home: Online supervised provision of exams.

By the way: You have to create a Microsoft account. Subsequently, registration can be done conveniently online.

What kind of questions can I expect?

The exams consist of multiple choice questions. These multiple choice questions consist of either single answers or multiple answers. There are also some Drag & Drop questions.

Example:

You are the administrator of Contoso. The Active Directory domain consists of 2 domain controllers (DC01 and DC02). DC01 was stolen. DC01 is PDC master of the Active Directory domain. What actions should be performed on DC02?

a) dcpromo

b) dcdiag

c) ntdsutil 

d) Get-ADDomain

Right answer: ntdsutil. You should seize the operation master role.

What does it take to pass the exam?

A score of 700/1000 points must be achieved to pass the exam.

How do I prepare myself?

In addition to the numerous courses, I recommend the MS Press books – for self-study, but only for IT pros. The books are getting thinner and thinner and the chapters sometimes start with something like “What’s new in Windows Server 2016 Active Directory”. Well, if someone knows not much about Active Directory, what kind of knowledge should he build on to discover the new features?

MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate)

Requirements: None

The MTA is intended for beginners and contains topics such as: “What is a Windows service?” It is meant as an introduction to the Windows world – and so my opinion – more for pupils and young adults.

The following certifications are available:

• IT-Infrastructure
• Database
• Developing

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mta-summary-certification.aspx

MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)

The MCSA could be the first huge step in your career as a Microsoft Certified Technician.

Requirements: None

For the MCSA you have to pass 2-3 exams. Important: Upon passing one of the MCSA exams, you will already receive a certificate called MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional). So, after passing one exam, you are already a Microsoft Certified Professional!

Furthermore, “specializations” can be selected.

• Windows Server 2016
• Cloud Infrastructure
• Office 365
• Windows 10
• and more …

For the “classic” MCSA: Windows Server 2016 Cloud Platform & Infrastructure you have to pass 3 exams:

70-740 Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016

70-741 Networking with Windows Server 2016

70-742 Identity with Windows Server 2016

If you already have an MCSA for Windows Server 2012 in your pocket, you can upgrade to the MCSA Windows Server 2016 with one exam (70-743: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2016).

After passing the exams you will receive a MCSA certificate.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcsa-certification.aspx

MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)

Requirements: MCSA

For example

• MCSA: Windows Server 2016
• MCSA: Cloud Platform
• MCSA: Linux on Azure
• MCSA: Windows Server 2012

MCSE certification is aimed at IT professionals with professional experience. It is currently the highest possible certification (the Microsoft Certified Master certification has been discontinued). After obtaining the MCSA certification, 1-2 additional examinations have to be taken. Afterwards you will receive the MCSE certificate.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-certification.aspx

What’s next? (exam passed)

After the exam you will get access to your MCP page. There you can download transcripts, logos, wallet cards and much more. As a certified Microsoft expert, you will also receive discounts when purchasing MS Press books.

Conclusion

I hope I was able to shed some light on the new exams and motivate you for the next step in your career: Beeing a Microsoft Certified Professional.