Top 11 Configuration Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a Configuration Manager in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and experience with the specific software or system. They provide potential employers with assurance that the Configuration Manager has the necessary skills to be successful in their role. Additionally, certifications can help differentiate one job applicant from another, as they can demonstrate an extra level of commitment and dedication to their profession. Finally, certifications can be used to negotiate higher salaries, as employers may be willing to pay more for someone who has proven their expertise in a field.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Configuration Managers and explains how they can help to further a Configuration Manager's career.

What are Configuration Manager Certifications?

Configuration Manager certification is a professional certification program that provides credentialing for individuals who are proficient in using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). This certification helps validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in configuring, managing, deploying, and maintaining SCCM. It demonstrates that the individual has the necessary skills to successfully manage enterprise-level systems and technology.

Having a Configuration Manager certification can help individuals stand out in the IT field and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers. It also provides a competitive edge over other job candidates as it shows employers that they have specialized expertise in SCCM. Additionally, it may open up more career opportunities within organizations that use SCCM or other related technologies. Finally, having this certification can increase an individual’s earning potential and job satisfaction as they will be able to perform their duties more efficiently with their increased knowledge of SCCM.

Pro Tip: When preparing for a Configuration Manager certification exam, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the product's features and capabilities. Additionally, be sure to have a strong familiarity with the underlying Microsoft technologies that are used in Configuration Manager such as Windows Server, Active Directory, and Group Policy. Finally, practice using the product in a test environment prior to taking the certification exam.

Related: What does a Configuration Manager do?

Top 11 Configuration Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Configuration Managers today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Enterprise Devices and Apps

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Enterprise Devices and Apps is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, configure, and manage devices and applications in a Windows Server environment. This certification demonstrates expertise in enterprise-level technologies such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, Office 365, SharePoint Server, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Intune, Azure Active Directory (AD), and more.

It typically takes around 3-6 months of study and practice to prepare for the MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as configuring Windows devices for the enterprise; deploying applications; managing mobile device management; setting up identity and access management; configuring networking services; deploying cloud services with Microsoft Azure; implementing data protection solutions; monitoring system performance; troubleshooting issues related to enterprise devices and apps.

To get the MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification, you must first pass one or more exams from the list of approved exams. The cost of each exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, the cost of each exam ranges from $100-$200 USD. After passing all required exams, you will be awarded your MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Configuration Manager

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Configuration Manager is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to configure and manage Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day management of Windows-based computers, including the deployment and maintenance of applications, software updates, and operating system images.

It typically takes between six to twelve months to complete the MCSA: Configuration Manager certification. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 70-703 (Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure) and 70-704 (Configuring, Managing, and Maintaining Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007).

The cost of getting certified depends on which method you choose. The most cost effective way is to take the exams online through Microsoft’s Learning Portal. This will cost around $150 per exam. Alternatively, you can attend instructor-led training courses in order to prepare for the exams; this will cost significantly more but may be beneficial if you need more guidance or support.

Regardless of which route you take, it is important to remember that passing the exams does not guarantee certification; you must also meet certain requirements such as having at least one year of experience working with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 in order to become certified.

3. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows Server 2012/2016

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows Server 2012/2016 is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to manage and maintain the Windows Server 2012/2016 operating system. This certification is designed for IT professionals who have experience in managing, deploying, and troubleshooting Windows Server 2012/2016 environments. The MCSA: Windows Server 2012/2016 certification demonstrates a professional’s expertise in configuring and administering the server platform.

How long does it take to get it?

The time taken to obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2012/2016 certification depends on a variety of factors such as prior experience and study habits. Generally speaking, it takes approximately six months of dedicated study to prepare for the exam and pass it successfully.

How to get it?

In order to obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2012/2016 certification, you must first pass three exams: 70-410, 70-411, and 70-412. These exams cover topics such as installation and configuration of servers, networking fundamentals, Active Directory management, storage solutions, Hyper-V virtualization technology, remote access solutions, server security management, and more. You can find more information about these exams on Microsoft's website. Additionally, there are many online courses available that can help you prepare for these exams.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining the MCSA: Windows Server 2012/2016 certification varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD. Therefore the total cost for all three exams would be approximately $450 USD.

4. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to prove a technician’s ability to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions covering topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, network troubleshooting and industry standards/best practices. The exam costs $329 USD.

In order to receive the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass the Network+ exam with a score of 720 or higher on a scale of 100-900. To prepare for the exam, there are several study materials available online from CompTIA as well as third-party vendors. Additionally, some learning institutions offer instructor-led training courses that can help prepare you for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, your name will be added to the official CompTIA Network+ Certification Registry and you will receive your certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

5. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is an industry-leading certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the field of cybersecurity. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their mastery of core security topics, such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To earn the certification, candidates must achieve a passing score on the exam. The cost for the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $320-$400 USD.

To become certified, individuals must first obtain a CompTIA Security+ voucher from an approved training provider or purchase it directly from CompTIA. Once they have obtained their voucher, they can register for the exam at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. After passing the exam, candidates will be issued a digital certificate with their name and unique certification number.

CompTIA also offers several training options to help prepare for the Security+ exam. These include self-study materials such as books or online courses, instructor-led classes at approved training centers or through vendors such as Microsoft Learning Partners or Certiport Authorized Testing Centers (CATCs).

6. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in managing and deploying Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. It demonstrates the ability to work with Active Directory, network infrastructure, applications, security, and other core technologies.

It takes approximately 6-12 months of study to prepare for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification exam. To get certified, you must pass three exams: 70-640 (Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration), 70-642 (Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration) and 70-646 (Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator).

You can purchase exam vouchers from Microsoft or Pearson VUE to take the exams. The cost of each exam voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $150-$200 USD per exam.

7. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Configuration Manager 2012/2016

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Configuration Manager 2012/2016 is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in configuring, deploying, and managing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012/2016. This certification validates an IT professional’s ability to use the tools and features of Configuration Manager to efficiently manage the complex IT environments of today.

To become certified as a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Configuration Manager 2012/2016, individuals must pass two exams: 70-243: Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager and 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012. The exams are designed to test an individual’s knowledge of the tasks required to configure, deploy, and manage a System Center Configuration Manager environment.

The exams typically take between 90 minutes to 2 hours each to complete. The cost for each exam is $165 USD. To register for the exams, individuals must visit the Microsoft Learning website at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/.

8. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in System Center Configuration Manager 2007/2012/2016

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in System Center Configuration Manager 2007/2012/2016 is a certification program provided by Microsoft that validates an individual's technical skills and knowledge on the latest version of System Center Configuration Manager. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting the System Center Configuration Manager platform.

It usually takes around 5-6 months to get the MCP certification depending on how much time you can dedicate for studying. In order to get the MCP certification, you need to pass one or more exams from a list of available exams related to System Center Configuration Manager 2007/2012/2016. The cost of each exam varies depending on the region and it typically ranges from $100 - $200 USD per exam.

9. Citrix Certified Administrator for XenApp & XenDesktop

Citrix Certified Administrator for XenApp & XenDesktop (CCA-X) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who install, configure, manage and troubleshoot Citrix virtualization solutions. The CCA-X certification is vendor neutral and covers the latest version of Citrix’s flagship product, XenApp & XenDesktop.

The CCA-X certification requires that candidates pass two exams: Exam 1V0-701 (Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Administration) and Exam 1V0-721 (Citrix NetScaler 12 Essentials and Unified Gateway). The exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

It typically takes several months to prepare for the CCA-X certification depending on a candidate’s experience level in working with Citrix products. Candidates are encouraged to review the exam objectives before taking the exam. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help candidates prepare for the exams such as practice tests, study guides, self-paced training courses and official Citrix training programs.

The cost of taking the CCA-X certification exams varies by country but generally ranges from $200-$300 per exam.

10. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification program offered by VMware that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in virtualizing data centers. It is designed to demonstrate the ability to design, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot a vSphere environment.

The VCP-DCV exam consists of multiple choice questions on topics such as vSphere installation and configuration, networking and storage management, security, resource management, availability and scalability. The exam also covers advanced topics such as automation and orchestration with vRealize Automation and Operations Manager.

It typically takes about three months to complete the training requirements for the VCP-DCV certification. This includes taking a course from an authorized VMware Training Partner or completing the online self-paced courses on VMware’s website. After completing the training requirements, candidates must pass a proctored exam in order to earn their certification.

The cost of the VCP-DCV certification varies depending on which training option you choose. The cost of taking a course from an authorized VMware Training Partner ranges from $2,500-$3,000 USD while self-paced courses range from $1,200-$1,500 USD. In addition to this cost there is also a fee for taking the proctored exam which is currently $250 USD.

11. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is an Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification that validates a candidate’s ability to deploy, manage, and operate distributed applications on the AWS platform. This certification requires a comprehensive understanding of AWS services such as EC2, S3, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Route 53.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam. To get certified, candidates must pass the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam. The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions and is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of deploying and managing applications on the AWS platform.

The cost of taking the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam varies by country but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

Do You Really Need a Configuration Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career plans. If you are looking to become a system administrator or IT manager, having a Configuration Manager Certificate can be very beneficial. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for managing complex networks. Furthermore, having this certification may make it easier for you to get hired in certain positions since employers tend to look favorably upon those with certifications.

At the same time, not everyone needs a Configuration Manager Certificate in order to do their job. If you already have experience working with networks and understand the basics of configuration management, then you may not need this certificate at all. Additionally, if you are just starting out in the IT field and don’t yet have any experience working with networks, then obtaining a Configuration Manager Certificate may not be necessary either.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual person to decide whether or not they need a Configuration Manager Certificate in order to further their career goals. Only you can weigh the pros and cons of getting certified against the cost and time involved in doing so.

Related: Configuration Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Configuration Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Configuration Manager Certification?

A1: A Configuration Manager certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the design, implementation, and support of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

Q2: What are the different types of Configuration Manager Certifications?

A2: There are two types of certifications available for SCCM – MCSA and MCSE. MCSA covers topics such as installation, configuration, and management. MCSE covers topics such as advanced deployment, automation, and security.

Q3: How do I prepare for a Configuration Manager Certification exam?

A3: You can prepare for a Configuration Manager certification exam by taking a course or self-studying using online resources. Additionally, Microsoft offers official practice tests to help you become familiar with the exam format and content.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified in Configuration Manager?

A4: It typically takes at least 6 months to get certified in Configuration Manager depending on your experience level and how much time you devote to studying.

Q5: What are the benefits of becoming certified in Configuration Manager?

A5: Becoming certified in Configuration Manager can open up job opportunities that may not otherwise be available. Additionally, it shows employers that you have the skills necessary to design, implement, and support SCCM solutions successfully.