Top 10 Sharepoint Administrator Certifications

Certifications for a SharePoint Administrator are important in the job market because they demonstrate competency and knowledge of the platform. They can help candidates stand out from the competition, as hiring managers often look for candidates who have credentials that prove their technical skills. Certifications also show employers that a candidate has taken the time to invest in their career and stay up-to-date with industry trends. As SharePoint is a complex platform, certifications are an effective way to prove one’s proficiency and understanding of its various features.

This article reviews the top certifications available for Sharepoint Administrators, outlining their value and how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Sharepoint Administrator Certifications?

SharePoint Administrator certification is a Microsoft certification program for IT professionals who specialize in managing and maintaining SharePoint applications. This certification demonstrates expertise in the areas of installation, configuration, deployment, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting of SharePoint applications. It also provides an understanding of how to use PowerShell to manage SharePoint environments.

The benefits of obtaining a SharePoint Administrator certification include:

- Demonstrating expertise in managing and maintaining SharePoint applications;

- Enhancing skillset for job opportunities;

- Improving confidence when working with SharePoint technologies;

- Understanding the best practices for configuring and deploying SharePoint solutions;

- Developing knowledge of how to use PowerShell to manage SharePoint environments;

- Gaining recognition as an expert in the field;

- Increasing credibility with clients.

By obtaining a Sharepoint Administrator Certification, IT professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence while gaining recognition as an expert in the field. This type of certification can help IT professionals secure higher salaries, better job opportunities, and greater levels of success in their chosen profession.

Pro Tip: Before signing up for a SharePoint Administrator Certification program, make sure to research the type of certification that best fits your needs. Also, look into any prerequisites that may be required for the program and ensure you have all the necessary resources available before enrolling.

Related: What does a Sharepoint Administrator do?

Top 10 Sharepoint Administrator Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): SharePoint

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): SharePoint is a certification program that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing solutions with Microsoft SharePoint Server. The MCSE: SharePoint certification demonstrates an individual's expertise in planning, deploying, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting SharePoint environments.

To become certified as a MCSE: SharePoint you must pass the following exams: Exam 70-339 Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016; Exam 70-334 Core Solutions of Microsoft Skype for Business 2015; Exam 70-331 Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013; Exam 70-332 Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on the region you are taking it in. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD. It usually takes between 3 to 6 months to complete all four exams depending on your prior experience with the technology.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365 is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in using Microsoft Office 365 services. It demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and skills to configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Office 365 services.

To get MCSA: Office 365 certification, individuals must pass two exams: Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements; and Exam 70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services. Both exams cover topics such as identity management, service configuration, messaging, client connectivity and access security.

The exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center. The cost of each exam varies by location but usually ranges from $100-$150 USD. Depending on the individual's experience level with Microsoft Office365 services, it typically takes around 3-6 months of study time to prepare for the exams.

3. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): SharePoint Server 2013

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): SharePoint Server 2013 is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who work with Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the expertise to configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot SharePoint Server 2013 solutions.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the training and exams required for this certification, depending on an individual's experience level. To obtain the MCTS: SharePoint Server 2013 certification, individuals must pass two exams: Exam 70-331: Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 and Exam 70-332: Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013.

The cost of these exams varies by country but generally ranges from $100-$150 USD per exam.

4. Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 is a certification that validates a professional’s ability to manage and deploy Windows Server 2008 in an enterprise environment. This certification requires the individual to demonstrate their knowledge of server technologies, networking, security, and system management.

It typically takes around 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for this certification exam. The exam itself consists of multiple choice questions and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

To get the Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification, you must first pass two exams: 70-640 (Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration) and 70-646 (Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration). Both exams cost $125 USD each.

Once both exams are passed, you will receive your Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification.

5. Microsoft Office 365 Certified Solutions Architect

Microsoft Office 365 Certified Solutions Architect is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying Microsoft Office 365 solutions. The certification validates the skills needed to design, deploy, configure, migrate, manage, and troubleshoot Office 365 tenant environments.

To get the Microsoft Office 365 Certified Solutions Architect certification, you must pass two exams: Exam MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services and Exam MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security. It typically takes around 3 to 6 months of studying to prepare for these exams.

The cost of the exams varies depending on your location but usually ranges from around $150 to $200 per exam.

You can find more information about the certification requirements on the Microsoft Learning website (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/office365-certification.aspx).

6. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Implementation and Configuration

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is a customer relationship management (CRM) system designed to help organizations better manage their customer relationships. It provides tools to capture, store, analyze and report on customer interactions, enabling organizations to make informed decisions about how best to serve their customers.

Implementation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 typically takes between 8-12 weeks depending on the size and complexity of the organization. The implementation process consists of four stages: planning, design, configuration, and testing/deployment. During the planning stage, an implementation team is established and goals are identified. During the design phase, the team will develop a detailed plan for the implementation that outlines all aspects of the project including timelines and milestones. During configuration, the system is configured to meet the specific needs of the organization. Finally during testing/deployment, user acceptance tests are conducted and any issues are addressed before going live with the system.

The cost of implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 depends on several factors such as number of users, customization requirements and technical support needed. Generally speaking it can range from $10K - $50K or more for larger implementations.

7. CompTIA A+ Certification for IT Professionals

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in areas such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

The CompTIA A+ certification exam consists of two parts: 220-901 and 220-902. The first part covers hardware topics such as motherboards, CPUs, memory, power supplies and other components. The second part covers operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and mobile operating systems.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. During this time you should study course materials from a variety of sources including books, online courses and practice tests. You should also gain hands-on experience with computers by working on projects or internships.

To get the CompTIA A+ certification you must pass both the 220-901 and 220-902 exams. The exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center. Each exam costs $219 USD (as of 2018). After passing both exams you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certificate in the mail within four weeks.

In total it costs around $438 USD to get the CompTIA A+ certification (excluding any study materials or training courses).

8. Citrix Certified Administrator for XenApp 6

Citrix Certified Administrator for XenApp 6 is a certification program that validates an individual’s ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Citrix XenApp 6.x environments. This certification is designed to demonstrate the skills required to successfully deploy, manage, and maintain a XenApp 6.x environment.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the exam. The exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. It costs $200 USD to take the exam.

To get this certification, you must first register for the exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric (depending on your region). After registering, you can purchase self-study materials such as books and practice tests from Citrix or other third-party vendors. You can also attend instructor-led training courses provided by authorized Citrix partners if you prefer more structured learning. Once you feel prepared, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric and take it at a testing center near you.

9. VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization

VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who install, configure, and manage VMware vSphere 5.x environments. This certification is intended for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in virtualizing data centers with VMware vSphere 5.x.

To get the VCP5-DCV certification, you must first complete a VMware authorized training course and pass the associated exam (exam code: VCP550). The training course can be taken online or in person at a certified training center. Once you have completed the training course and passed the exam, you will receive your VCP5-DCV certification.

The cost of the VCP5-DCV certification varies depending on which type of training course you take (online or in person). Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD. The duration of the training courses also vary depending on which type you take; typically they are 2-3 days long.

Once you have obtained your VCP5-DCV certification, it is valid for two years from the date of issue. After two years, you must renew your certification by passing an additional exam (exam code: VCAP510).

10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program from Cisco Systems that validates an individual's skills in networking and routing. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

The CCNA Routing and Switching certification is recommended for individuals who have at least one year of experience working with Cisco networking devices. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2).

It typically takes between three to six months of study time to prepare for the exam. The cost of the exam varies by region but usually ranges from $250-$400 USD. Additionally, there are several online courses available which can help you prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Sharepoint Administrator Certificate?

No, you do not need a Sharepoint Administrator Certificate to be a successful SharePoint administrator. Although having a certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to the field, it is not always necessary for success.

SharePoint administrators must have a strong understanding of the system's capabilities, as well as how to use them efficiently and effectively. They should also possess excellent problem-solving skills and be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical personnel. Having hands-on experience in managing SharePoint deployments is also essential.

The most important factor for success is having the right skillset and knowledge of SharePoint technologies. With the right training and experience, anyone can become a successful SharePoint administrator without needing an official certification. However, if you are looking to further your career or gain more credibility in the field, then getting certified may be beneficial. Certifications demonstrate that you have proven expertise in particular areas of SharePoint administration and can help employers recognize your qualifications when considering you for positions or promotions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a SharePoint Administrator Certificate depends on your goals and objectives. If becoming certified will benefit you professionally or personally, then it may be worth obtaining one. However, if it is not necessary for your current role or desired career path, then there is no need to pursue certification at this time.

Related: Sharepoint Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Sharepoint Administrator Certifications

1. What is a SharePoint Administrator Certification?

Answer: A SharePoint Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing, configuring and deploying Microsoft SharePoint technologies.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a certified SharePoint Administrator?

Answer: Becoming a certified SharePoint Administrator provides tangible benefits such as career advancement opportunities, increased credibility and improved job prospects. Additionally, having a certification can help you gain more knowledge about the latest features and best practices related to SharePoint administration.

3. How do I become a certified SharePoint Administrator?

Answer: To become a certified SharePoint Administrator, you will need to pass the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exam for Microsoft Office 365 or the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) exam for Windows Server 2016. Both exams require prior experience in working with SharePoint technologies and comprehensive study of the official curriculum material from Microsoft Learning.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking the MCSA/MCSE exams?

Answer: Yes, in order to take the MCSA/MCSE exams, you must have at least one year of hands-on experience working with Microsoft Office 365 or Windows Server 2016 respectively.

5. How long is a SharePoint Administrator Certification valid?

Answer: The validity period of a SharePoint Administrator Certification depends on which certification you have obtained but typically it is valid for two years after which you will need to renew your certification by passing an updated version of the relevant exam(s).