Top 11 Windows Administrator Certifications

Certifications for a Windows administrator are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate is knowledgeable and experienced with the Windows operating system. Certifications also provide a way for employers to easily assess a candidate's level of expertise, as well as their ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly and efficiently. Additionally, certifications can help employers identify potential candidates who may have more advanced knowledge of Windows than others who do not hold certifications. In an increasingly competitive job market, having certifications can give job seekers an edge over other applicants in terms of hiring decisions.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Windows Administrators and explains how they can help to advance a Windows Administrator's career.

What are Windows Administrator Certifications?

Windows Administrator Certification is an official Microsoft certification that verifies a person’s knowledge and expertise in managing the Windows operating system and related technologies. This certification proves that the holder has the necessary skills to successfully manage, troubleshoot, configure, deploy, and maintain Windows-based systems.

Having a Windows Administrator Certification can help professionals in several ways. It demonstrates to employers that they have the right skillset for administering Windows-based systems, which makes them more attractive candidates for job openings. Additionally, it can lead to higher salaries and career advancement opportunities as employers recognize the value of certified personnel. Finally, it gives professionals the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Windows technology so they can better serve their clients or employers.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a Windows Administrator certification, make sure to gain hands-on experience working with the technology. This will help you better understand the concepts and be more prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Windows Administrator do?

Top 11 Windows Administrator Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification from Microsoft that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who design, implement, and maintain an organization’s server infrastructure. The MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification demonstrates that an individual has the expertise to build, configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Windows Server 2012/2016 environments.

The MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification requires passing four exams: three core exams and one elective exam. The core exams are 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012/2016; 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012/2016; and 70-412 Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012/2016 Services. The elective exam can be chosen from a list of approved courses such as Exchange Server 2013 or System Center Configuration Manager 2012 R2.

It typically takes several months to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. Depending on your experience level with Windows Servers, you may need to spend more time studying for the exams or take additional training courses.

To obtain the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification you must pass all four required exams within two years of each other. You must also have at least one year of experience working in a server environment before taking any of the exams.

The cost for each exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam. Additionally, there are training courses available from Microsoft or third-party vendors which can cost anywhere from $500-$3000 USD depending on the course length and content covered.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in deploying, managing, and maintaining Windows Server 2016. With this certification, individuals demonstrate their ability to work with Windows Server 2016 technologies such as Active Directory, Hyper-V, Storage Spaces Direct, and Networking.

How long does it take to get MCSA: Windows Server 2016?

It typically takes around 3 months of studying and preparation to pass the three required exams for the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification. The three exams are: 70-740 Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016; 70-741 Networking with Windows Server 2016; and 70-742 Identity with Windows Server 2016. Each exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

How do I get MCSA: Windows Server 2016?

To obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification you must first pass all three required exams. You can register for these exams through Microsoft’s website or through a third-party testing center such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. Once you have passed all three exams you will receive your certificate from Microsoft indicating that you have achieved the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification.

How much does it cost?

The cost of each exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges between $100-$150 per exam. This means that the total cost of obtaining the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification is usually between $300-$450 USD.

3. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a technician’s knowledge of networking technologies, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security and network management. It is designed to ensure that IT professionals have the skills needed to manage enterprise networks.

The CompTIA Network+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and has a passing score of 720 on a scale from 100-900.

To become certified in CompTIA Network+, you must first pass the exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, you should have at least 9 months experience in network support or administration and be familiar with topics such as network technologies, media and topologies, security, network management tools and protocols. Additionally, it is recommended that you take an approved training course prior to taking the exam.

4. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows Server 2012

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 is a certification program designed to validate an individual's skills and knowledge in administering, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems using the Microsoft Windows Server 2012 operating system. It is an entry-level certification that requires the candidate to pass three exams: 70-410, 70-411, and 70-412.

It typically takes between 6 months to a year to complete the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification depending on the individual’s experience level and dedication to studying. To get the certification, individuals must first register for the three required exams at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of each exam is $165 USD. Once all three exams are passed with a minimum score of 700 out of 1000 points, an individual will receive their MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification from Microsoft.

The total cost for achieving this certification is approximately $495 USD ($165 x 3).

5. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge necessary to configure and maintain an Active Directory environment in a Windows Server 2008 network. This certification is intended for IT professionals who are responsible for managing, deploying, and troubleshooting an Active Directory environment.

To get this certification, you must pass one exam: Exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration. This exam tests your knowledge on topics such as configuring domain controllers, user accounts, groups, organizational units, group policies, DNS settings, replication services, and more.

The cost of the exam depends on your location. In the United States it typically costs around $165 USD. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a professional certification offered by Citrix Systems. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in virtualization technologies, including virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), server virtualization, and application virtualization. This certification validates the skills and knowledge needed to design, deploy, configure, manage, monitor and troubleshoot Citrix XenServer environments.

The CCP-V certification requires passing one exam: 1Y0-311: Citrix XenServer 6.5 Administration. The exam consists of 60 questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration and management of XenServer hosts; networking; storage; resource pools; high availability; disaster recovery; performance monitoring and optimization; security; troubleshooting and more.

To get the CCP-V certification you must first register for the exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. After successfully completing the exam you will receive your official certification from Citrix Systems.

The entire process can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks depending on when you schedule your exam and how soon you receive your results.

7. VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) is a certification program for IT professionals who have experience with VMware vSphere 5.x products and technologies. This certification validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot a vSphere 5.x environment.

To get the VCP5-DCV certification, you must first complete a VMware authorized training course or pass an approved equivalent course. After completing the course, you must pass the VCP5-DCV exam which covers topics such as virtual networking and storage management, resource management and monitoring, disaster recovery planning, and more. The exam consists of 75 questions and must be completed in 2 hours.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your VCP5-DCV certification from VMware. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically costs around $225 USD.

Overall it should take approximately 2 weeks to complete all of the requirements for this certification if you are taking an authorized training course or equivalent course beforehand.

8. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of system administrators who are responsible for Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a candidate’s ability to configure local storage, deploy and manage network services, and secure systems in line with best practices.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. Candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of basic command-line tools, package management, user management, security, storage configuration, networking configuration, system services and troubleshooting.

To get certified as an RHCSA, candidates must first register for the exam at the Red Hat website. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400 to $500 USD. After registering for the exam, candidates must take an online course or attend a classroom training session to prepare for the exam. Once they have successfully completed their training program or coursework, they can then schedule their exam at a testing center near them.

Once certified as an RHCSA, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and gain access to exclusive resources such as discounts on Red Hat products and services.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Cloud Platform

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Cloud Platform is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, implement and maintain Microsoft Azure cloud solutions. This certification demonstrates the individual’s skills in using the core Microsoft Azure services, including virtual machines, storage, networking and databases.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to obtain this certification depending on the individual's prior experience with Microsoft Azure technologies. To get this certification, individuals must pass two exams: Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions.

The cost of these exams varies based on location but typically ranges from $165 - $200 per exam.

10. Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification

Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who manage cloud services and resources in Microsoft Azure. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to manage Azure subscriptions, implement and manage storage, deploy and manage virtual machines (VMs), configure and manage virtual networks, and manage identities.

The certification exam typically takes around three hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge of the various aspects of Microsoft Azure administration.

To get certified, you must pass an exam administered by a Microsoft Certified Partner or Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

You can prepare for the exam by taking courses offered through Microsoft Learning Partners or online training providers such as Udemy or Pluralsight. Additionally, there are practice tests available online that can help you assess your readiness for the exam.

11. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the areas of network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, and cryptography. It is designed to ensure that IT professionals have the necessary skills to secure a network and protect data from external attacks.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, performance-based questions, drag-and-drop items, fill-in-the-blank items, and hot spot items. The exam covers topics such as risk management, network security fundamentals, authentication methods, access control models, cryptography principles and protocols, wireless networking concepts, system hardening techniques, disaster recovery strategies and more.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must pass the SY0-501 exam administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. You can register for the exam online or by phone. You will need to provide proof of your identity when registering for the exam.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $320-$400 USD.

Do You Really Need a Windows Administrator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Windows Administrator Certificate to be successful in the IT field. However, having one can certainly help you stand out from the competition and open up more opportunities.

A Windows Administrator Certificate is an official certification program offered by Microsoft that tests your knowledge of the Windows operating system and related technologies. It demonstrates to employers that you have a thorough understanding of how to manage and maintain Windows systems. This certificate can also show potential employers that you have taken the time to learn and develop your skills beyond just basic knowledge.

Having a Windows Administrator Certificate can give you an edge in the job market because it shows employers that you are serious about working with their systems and can be trusted with important tasks. It also proves that you understand the complexities of managing Windows networks, which could potentially lead to better job offers and higher salaries. Additionally, having this certification may qualify you for higher-level positions with more responsibilities or even promotions within your current company.

In conclusion, while having a Windows Administrator Certificate is not required to be successful in IT, it certainly helps provide an added layer of credibility that could make all the difference when it comes to landing interviews and job offers. If you are looking for ways to further distinguish yourself from other applicants in the field then pursuing this certificate might be worth considering.

Related: Windows Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Windows Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is a Windows Administrator Certification?

A1. A Windows Administrator Certification is a credential that proves your proficiency in managing and maintaining the Windows operating system. It is an industry-recognized qualification that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in administering the Windows platform.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a Windows Administrator Certification?

A2. Having a Windows Administrator Certification can help you stand out from other job seekers, demonstrate your technical expertise to employers, and open up new career opportunities such as higher pay or more responsibility. Additionally, it can also provide you with additional knowledge about the latest trends in IT and how to best use Microsoft products and services.

Q3. How do I get certified as a Windows Administrator?

A3. To become certified as a Windows Administrator, you will need to pass one or more exams administered by Microsoft or an authorized testing center. These exams may include topics related to installation, configuration, networking, security, troubleshooting, etc., depending on the certification level you wish to attain.

Q4. What types of certifications are available for Windows Administrators?

A4: There are several different certifications available for Windows Administrators including the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect (MCSA). Each certification has its own set of requirements and focuses on different aspects of administering the Windows operating system.

Q5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Windows Administrator?

A5: The cost of getting certified varies depending on which certification exam(s) you take and where you take them from but typically ranges from $100-$300 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking them at an authorized testing center.