Top 11 Windows Server Administrator Certifications

Certifications for a Windows Server Administrator are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and expertise with Microsoft technologies. Certifications provide proof that the individual is knowledgeable in specific areas, such as installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Windows Server systems. This serves to validate an administrator’s experience and can make them more attractive to employers when compared to other applicants who do not have these certifications. Additionally, having certifications can help administrators advance their careers by opening up opportunities for higher-paying jobs or promotions within their current organization.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Windows Server Administrators and explain how they can enhance a Windows Server Administrator's career.

What are Windows Server Administrator Certifications?

Windows Server Administrator Certification is a certification program offered by Microsoft to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in managing and configuring Windows Server environments. This certification proves that the individual has the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, manage, and maintain Windows Server systems. By obtaining this certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their technical proficiency in Windows Server administration, which can help to secure better job opportunities or career advancement opportunities.

The benefits of having a Windows Server Administrator Certification include:

• Demonstrating your expertise in managing and configuring Windows Server environments
• Improving your chances of success when applying for new jobs
• Improving your understanding of Windows Server technologies
• Enhancing your credibility with employers
• Becoming more confident when working with complex tasks such as troubleshooting security issues or performance problems
• Gaining recognition from peers and colleagues for expertise in Windows Server administration.

Overall, having a Windows Server Administrator Certification can help individuals advance their career by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in managing and configuring Microsoft’s server environment. With this certification, individuals can gain the necessary skills to become successful administrators of Microsoft’s server environment.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a Windows Server Administrator certification, it is important to focus on both the technical and business aspects of the role. Having a good understanding of networking, system architecture, and server management is essential for passing the exam. Additionally, having an understanding of industry best practices and standards can help you stand out from the competition.

Related: What does a Windows Server Administrator do?

Top 11 Windows Server Administrator Certifications

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

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and implementing a Windows-based server infrastructure. It is designed for IT professionals who plan, design, implement, and manage the physical and logical components of a Windows Server environment. This includes server hardware, operating systems, storage solutions, network topology, security features, virtualization technologies, and more.

It typically takes 6 to 12 months to get MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified depending on your experience level and study habits. To become certified you must pass the following exams: 70-410 Installing & Configuring Windows Server 2012; 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012; 70-412 Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services; 70-413 Designing & Implementing a Server Infrastructure; and 70-414 Implementing an Advanced Enterprise Server Infrastructure.

The cost of becoming MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified varies depending on the country you are located in and the method of studying you choose (e.g., self-study or instructor led). Generally speaking it can range from $500 - $2000 USD.

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 running a Windows Server 2016 environment. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to implement, configure, manage, and maintain the core infrastructure services in a Windows Server 2016 environment.

To get this certification, individuals must pass two exams: 70-740 Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016 and 70-741 Networking with Windows Server 2016. The exams are designed to validate the skills needed to deploy, configure, manage and maintain Windows Server 2016 core infrastructure services such as identity management, storage, networking and virtualization.

It typically takes between six months to one year of study and practice to prepare for the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 exams. Individuals should have experience working with Windows server environments prior to attempting the certification exams.

The cost of each exam is $165 USD or local currency equivalent. The total cost of the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification will vary depending on the number of exams taken and any discounts or offers available at the time of registration.

3. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-leading certification for IT professionals. It validates the knowledge and skills necessary to troubleshoot, configure, and manage wired and wireless networks. The certification is designed to help IT professionals gain a better understanding of networking technologies, network security, network design, and more.

The CompTIA Network+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have at least 9 months of experience in networking or a related field.

To get CompTIA Network+, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). The exam fee is $319 USD. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Network+ certification from CompTIA. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed with continuing education credits or by taking the current version of the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007).

4. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates your skills and knowledge in IT security. It is an entry-level certification designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their competency in system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, and organizational security.

The Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses or self-study materials such as books and practice tests. Additionally, there are several training providers that offer instructor-led classes to help you better understand the material.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam typically costs between $320-$400 USD.

5. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Windows Server Administration Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an entry-level understanding of Microsoft technologies. The Windows Server Administration Fundamentals certification is one of the MTA certifications and is intended for those who are just starting out in the IT field.

The Windows Server Administration Fundamentals certification covers topics such as server roles, server installation, storage solutions, server security, and more. It also provides an introduction to Windows PowerShell scripting. The exam consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To get the MTA: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals certification, you must pass Exam 98-365: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals. You can take this exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Microsoft Learning website.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and method of taking it. Typically, it costs around $127 USD for a Pearson VUE test center or $112 USD for an online exam through Microsoft Learning.

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

Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's expertise in virtualizing applications and desktops using Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop. This certification covers the following topics:

• Installing, configuring, and managing Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop
• Troubleshooting application and desktop delivery issues
• Implementing secure access to applications and desktops
• Optimizing performance of applications and desktops
• Managing user experience with Citrix policies
• Integrating with other products such as Microsoft Active Directory
• Utilizing the latest features of XenApp and XenDesktop, including HDX 3D Pro, AppDNA, EdgeSight, SmartAuditor, etc.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the CCP-V certification program depending on your experience level. To get started you must first register for the CCP-V exam through the Citrix website. The cost of the exam is $250 USD. After passing the exam you will receive your official CCP-V certificate from Citrix.

7. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in the area of virtualization using VMware vSphere 6. This certification is intended for IT professionals who have experience with VMware vSphere and want to demonstrate their expertise in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting vSphere environments.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the VCP6-DCV certification process. The process consists of taking a VMware authorized course, passing the associated exam, and completing a hands-on lab exam. The course can be taken either online or in person and typically lasts between three and five days depending on the provider. After completing the course, you must pass the VCP6-DCV exam which consists of multiple choice questions as well as some drag-and-drop scenarios. Finally, you must complete a hands-on lab exam which tests your ability to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot a vSphere environment.

The cost of obtaining the VCP6-DCV certification varies depending on where you take your training course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD depending on the provider and length of the course. Additionally, there is an exam fee associated with taking both exams which usually ranges from $225-$400 USD.

8. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCSA certification is the most popular and widely recognized Linux certification available today.

The RHCSA exam tests your knowledge of system administration tasks such as installation, configuration, maintenance, security, networking, storage management and troubleshooting. To become certified you must pass the RHCSA exam which is administered by an authorized testing center.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study time to prepare for the exam. You can find study guides and practice exams online to help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several training courses available that can help you gain the necessary skills to pass the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the test at certain locations or if you need to reschedule your test date.

9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking. It is one of the most popular certifications for network engineers and administrators, as it provides a foundation for further studies and career development.

The CCNA certification typically takes around 6-12 months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge. In order to get the certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). These exams cover topics such as routing protocols, switching technologies, network security, IPv4/IPv6 addressing schemes, network troubleshooting, and more.

The cost of obtaining the CCNA certification varies depending on which exam route you choose. The combined ICND1/ICND2 exam route costs $325 USD while the single CCNA exam route costs $300 USD. Additionally, there are often discounts available from third-party vendors such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced software developers who build applications for the Microsoft platform. The MCSD: App Builder certification demonstrates a professional's expertise in developing Windows Store, Windows Phone, and cloud-hosted applications using Microsoft Visual Studio and other Microsoft development tools.

The MCSD: App Builder certification requires candidates to pass three exams: Exam 70-480 (Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3), Exam 70-486 (Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications), and Exam 70-487 (Developing Windows Azure and Web Services). Candidates must also complete one elective exam from a list of available options.

The exams typically take 3 to 4 hours each to complete, depending on the complexity of the questions. It is recommended that candidates spend at least two months preparing for each exam before attempting it.

The cost of taking the exams varies by country but generally ranges from $150 - $200 per exam. The total cost of obtaining the MCSD: App Builder certification will depend on how many elective exams are taken as well as any discounts or promotions that may be available at the time of registration.

11. Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification

Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates your skills in administering and managing Microsoft Azure cloud services. This certification is designed to prove that you have the technical skills necessary to manage a cloud-based infrastructure, including virtual machines, storage, networking, and security.

The exam for this certification consists of two parts: AZ-103 (Azure Administrator) and AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Advanced). The AZ-103 exam covers topics such as deploying and configuring virtual machines, managing identities, implementing storage solutions, managing data security, monitoring resources, and troubleshooting. The AZ-104 exam focuses on more advanced topics such as designing a hybrid environment, creating an automated deployment strategy, and leveraging Azure DevOps.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the exams if you are already familiar with the basics of Azure administration. If you are new to Azure administration then it can take up to 6 months or more depending on how quickly you learn the material.

To get certified as an Azure Administrator you must pass both exams within 12 months of each other. You can register for the exams through Microsoft’s Learning Portal or through a third party testing provider such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

The cost of the exams vary depending on where you take them but typically range from $165 - $200 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Windows Server Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you are hoping to achieve with your Windows Server Administrator Certificate. If your goal is to become a Windows Server Administrator, then yes, you will need a certificate. A certificate can help demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job. Additionally, some employers may even require certification as part of their hiring process.

However, if you are already an experienced Windows Server Administrator and just want to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, then a certificate may not be necessary. You could instead choose to take courses or attend conferences and seminars in order to stay current on the latest developments in the field. This option may be more cost effective than obtaining a certificate and could provide you with the same level of expertise needed for the job.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a Windows Server Administrator Certificate is worth your time and money. Consider your career goals and the requirements of potential employers before making your decision.

Related: Windows Server Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Windows Server Administrator Certifications

Q1. What are the different Windows Server Administrator Certifications?

A1. Microsoft offers several certifications for Windows Server Administrators, including Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in Windows Server 2016, MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, and MCSE: Productivity.

Q2. How do I become a certified Windows Server Administrator?

A2. To become a certified Windows Server Administrator, you must pass one or more of the Microsoft-administered exams associated with each certification level. You can find information about the required exams on the Microsoft Learning website.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a certification?

A3. The duration of a certification depends on the number of exams required and your individual preparation time. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete all of the required exams and earn a certification.

Q4. What is the cost of becoming certified in Windows Server Administration?

A4. The cost of becoming certified in Windows Server Administration varies depending on which certification you pursue and how many exams you need to pass in order to earn it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars for each exam that needs to be taken and passed in order to become certified.

Q5 Are there any prerequisites for taking the exams?

A5 Yes, some exams have prerequisites such as having certain knowledge or skills before taking them or completing other certifications first; make sure to check out each exam’s requirements prior to registering for it so that you’re aware of any prerequisites that may be necessary for successful completion of that exam