Top 10 Exchange Administrator Certifications

Exchange administrators play a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization’s email system. As such, it is important for them to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in this field by obtaining certifications.

Certifications provide potential employers with evidence that the exchange administrator has achieved a certain level of competency and proficiency in the areas of Exchange administration, such as configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Exchange servers. This can be especially important for employers who are looking to hire experienced professionals who can hit the ground running and ensure that their organization’s email infrastructure is secure and reliable.

In addition, certifications show that an exchange administrator is committed to staying up-to-date on new technologies and best practices in order to maintain their certification status. This indicates to potential employers that they will be able to rely on the exchange administrator to keep their systems running optimally.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Exchange Administrators and explains how they can help to advance an exchange administrator's career.

What are Exchange Administrator Certifications?

Exchange Administrator Certification is a professional certification program designed to assess and validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who manage Microsoft Exchange Server environments. The certification covers topics such as installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, security, disaster recovery, and performance optimization of Exchange Server.

The certification can help validate an individual’s expertise in managing Exchange Server environments. It demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the product and its features. This can help employers make informed decisions when hiring or promoting personnel to manage their Exchange Server environment. Additionally, it can help candidates stand out from other applicants by showcasing their level of expertise in Exchange Server management. Finally, earning a certification can boost an individual's confidence in their ability to effectively manage an Exchange Server environment.

Pro Tip: When considering an Exchange Administrator certification, make sure to research the different certification levels and requirements for each one. This will ensure that you are obtaining the most up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field. Additionally, seek out reputable training providers who offer comprehensive instruction and support. Finally, remember to keep your certifications up-to-date by attending continuing education courses or workshops to stay ahead of technology trends in your industry.

Related: What does an Exchange Administrator do?

Top 10 Exchange Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Exchange Administrators today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Messaging

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Messaging is a certification designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in messaging solutions based on Microsoft technologies. This certification validates the skills needed to deploy, manage, and maintain messaging solutions for organizations using Microsoft Exchange Server, Skype for Business, and Office 365.

To earn this certification, you must pass three exams: Exam 70-345 Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016; Exam 70-339 Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016; and Exam 70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013. The exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, the cost of an exam ranges from $125-$165 USD per exam.

It can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all three exams depending on your level of experience with the topics covered by each exam and how much time you have available to study for them.

2. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills required of an IT professional in networking technologies. It is designed to demonstrate competency in areas such as network design, installation, configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance. It is also designed to validate the ability to work with various network technologies such as Ethernet, wireless networks and security protocols.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To obtain CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass the exam with at least a score of 720 out of 900 points (80%).

To prepare for the exam, you should take an authorized CompTIA Network+ training course or use self-study materials such as books or online courses. You can also find practice exams online that can help you prepare for the actual test.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Network+ exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD for the exam itself.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365 is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to configure, deploy, manage and support Office 365 services. It validates the skills required to move your company to the cloud, increasing the productivity of your organization.

The MCSA: Office 365 certification requires one exam which covers topics such as configuring and troubleshooting Microsoft Office 365 tenant and service settings, managing identities and requirements using Azure AD Connect, configuring client connectivity to Office 365, managing cloud user identities and authentication and implementing Microsoft identity federation solutions.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the necessary training and pass the exam. The exam can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or online.

The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $165 - $200 USD.

4. Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Certification

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Certification is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in deploying, managing and troubleshooting Exchange Server 2019. It is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular messaging and collaboration platform.

This certification consists of two exams: Exam 70-345: Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016/2019 and Exam 70-341: Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013/2016/2019. Both exams must be passed in order to earn the certification. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the exams, depending on your experience level with Exchange Server. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it from, but generally ranges from $165-$200 USD per exam.

To get started, you should review the official Microsoft Learning website for details on the requirements for each exam and register for them at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. You can also find training resources such as books, online courses, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exams. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Certification badge which will show employers that you have achieved this valuable credential.

5. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in virtualizing applications and desktops using Citrix technologies. The CCP-V certification validates the skills needed to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot a Citrix virtualized environment.

To obtain the CCP-V certification, candidates must pass two exams: 1Y0-311 Citrix XenApp 6.5 Advanced Administration and 1Y0-312 Citrix XenDesktop 5 Advanced Administration. Both exams are 90 minutes long and include 60 questions each. The cost of each exam is $200 USD.

In order to prepare for the exams, it is recommended that candidates have at least six months of experience with Citrix virtualization technologies as well as a good understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, etc. Additionally, there are a variety of training courses available from Citrix that can help prepare for the exams.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, candidates will receive their CCP-V certification which is valid for three years from the date of passing both exams. After three years, you must retake the exams or complete an approved course in order to maintain your certification status.

6. VMWare Certified Professional 6 – Network Virtualization (VCP6-NV)

VMWare Certified Professional 6 – Network Virtualization (VCP6-NV) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting VMWare NSX virtual networks. This certification validates the ability to design, deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot an NSX environment.

The VCP6-NV certification requires that candidates pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Network Virtualization (VCP6-NV) exam and the VMware Certified Associate 6 – Network Virtualization (VCA6-NV) exam. The VCP6-NV exam is a proctored exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge of network virtualization concepts such as security policies, distributed routing, NAT services, load balancing, etc. The VCA6-NV exam is an online exam that tests a candidate’s basic understanding of NSX technologies.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the VCP6-NV certification. Candidates should have at least six months of hands-on experience with VMware NSX before attempting the VCP6-NV exams. To get started on the path towards achieving this certification, candidates should take an official VMware training course such as “VMware NSX: Install Configure Manage [V6]” or “VMware NSX: Troubleshooting and Operations [V6].” After completing the coursework and gaining hands-on experience with VMware NSX, candidates can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost of taking both exams is $450 USD per person.

7. Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat OpenStack

Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat OpenStack is a certification program that validates an individual's skills and knowledge of Red Hat OpenStack Platform. This certification demonstrates the ability to deploy, configure, and manage private clouds using Red Hat OpenStack Platform.

It typically takes around 6 months of study and practice to prepare for the exam. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and a hands-on lab section. The multiple-choice section tests your knowledge on topics such as networking, storage, security, virtualization, and cloud architecture. The hands-on lab section requires you to demonstrate your ability to install, configure, and manage Red Hat OpenStack Platform.

To get the certification you must pass both sections of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. You can register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online at redhat.com/certification/register/.

The cost for taking the exam is $400 USD (or local equivalent).

8. Cisco CCNA Collaboration

Cisco CCNA Collaboration is a certification program designed to help IT professionals develop and validate the skills needed to manage and deploy Cisco collaboration solutions. It is an intermediate-level certification that provides the knowledge and skills required for working with voice, video, mobility, messaging, and presence applications.

The Cisco CCNA Collaboration certification requires passing two exams: 210-060 CICD (Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices) and 210-065 CIVND (Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices). The exams cover topics such as configuring IP telephony, deploying video conferencing solutions, troubleshooting VoIP systems, implementing presence services, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CCNA Collaboration certification depending on your existing experience level. As part of your preparation process you should review the official course materials from Cisco as well as study guides from third party vendors. You should also practice hands-on labs using actual equipment or simulation software.

You can register for the CCNA Collaboration exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $300 USD.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Database Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Database Fundamentals is a certification program designed to provide an entry-level understanding of database concepts and technologies. The certification covers topics such as relational databases, SQL, data manipulation, and database security. It is intended for those who are looking to gain foundational knowledge in the field of databases and data management.

The MTA Database Fundamentals exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To earn the certification, you must receive a score of 700 or higher on the exam.

You can register for the MTA Database Fundamentals exam through Microsoft’s Learning Portal. The cost of the exam is $127 USD. You may also be eligible to receive a discount if you are part of an academic institution or have purchased an MTA bundle from Microsoft’s Learning Portal.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official MTA Database Fundamentals certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking additional exams or completing other requirements as outlined by Microsoft.

10. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an industry-leading certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the field of security. It is a vendor-neutral certification that provides a foundation for a career in IT security, covering topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography and more.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover the five domains outlined by CompTIA: Network Security (20%), Compliance and Operational Security (20%), Threats and Vulnerabilities (20%), Access Control and Identity Management (15%), Cryptography (15%).

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first pass the CompTIA Security+ Exam SY0-501 or SY0-601. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center worldwide. You can also take the exam online through CertMaster Learn.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Security+ Exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $320 USD for the SY0-501 version and $349 USD for the SY0-601 version.

Do You Really Need a Exchange Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and current qualifications. For those who are just starting out in the world of IT, an Exchange Administrator Certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to move into a more advanced role or specialize in a particular area of Exchange Server administration, then it could be beneficial to pursue such a certification.

In order to become an Exchange Administrator, you must have a good understanding of the Microsoft Exchange Server platform, as well as experience with its various components and features. This knowledge can be acquired through self-study or attending specialized courses. Once you have obtained the necessary experience, you can apply for an Exchange Administrator Certificate from Microsoft or other vendors that offer such certifications.

An Exchange Administrator Certificate will provide you with a professional credential that demonstrates your expertise in the field of Exchange Server administration. It also shows prospective employers that you have taken the initiative to further your skills and gain more knowledge about this technology. Additionally, having this certificate could open up opportunities for promotions within your current organization or qualify you for higher-level positions at other companies.

In conclusion, it is up to each individual to decide whether they need an Exchange Administrator Certificate in order to achieve their career goals. For those who are already experienced in this field and want to gain additional recognition for their skillset, then pursuing such a certification could be beneficial.

Related: Exchange Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Exchange Administrator Certifications

Q1: What certifications are available for Exchange Administrators?

A1: Microsoft offers the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications in Exchange Server Administration.

Q2: How do I become certified in Exchange Server Administration?

A2: To earn certification, you must pass two exams related to Exchange Server Administration: Exam 70-341, Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, and Exam 70-342, Advanced Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013.

Q3: How long does it take to become certified?

A3: It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for and pass the two exams required for certification. However, the time frame may vary depending on your experience level and study habits.

Q4: What types of jobs require an Exchange Administrator certification?

A4: Companies that use Microsoft Exchange Servers often look for individuals with a certification in order to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly manage their server environment. Common job roles include system administrators, IT managers, technical support staff, and network engineers.

Q5: Are there any other requirements for becoming certified?

A5: Yes – you must also have at least one year of hands-on experience working with Exchange servers before you can be eligible for certification.