We all know how much certificates may help in enhancing career opportunities, especially the credentials that are offered by Microsoft. It is one of the largest and most reputable companies in the IT industry. Getting MCSA may significantly help you boost your career.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate(MCSA) certification will demonstrate your expertise and knowledge of Microsoft technologies. Be mindful that it is just a prerequisite for more advanced levels of the Microsoft certification program.The MCSAcredential is a great first step if you want to becomea Microsoft certified professional. In this article, we are going to discuss how to choose your MSCA certificate and pass the exams for getting it. You will know what opportunities are opened after that.
Types of MCSA certifications
There are many types of the MCSA credentials. For example, they include:
- BI Reporting. This one will help you improve your skills in analyzing data in Excel and Power BI.
- Data Engineering with Azure. You will become an expert in engineering data with Cloud Services and HD Insight, and this certification will be an evidence of your competence.
- Machine Learning. Itproves that you understand how SQL R services and Microsoft Azure machine learning function.
- Dynamics 365. This one is related to customization and configuration of Microsoft Dynamics 365 technologies.
- Dynamics 365 for Operations. For this certification, you will learn how to customize Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations by implementing basic development and technical tasks.
- SQL 2016 BI Development. It shows your skills as a database professional.
- Web Applications. This one proves that a person has gained valued skills as a web application programmer.
- Windows Server 2016. It will prove that you are able to reduce costs and realize your Windows Server 2016 skills.
- Universal Windows Platform. To get this credential, you need to have skills in implementation of Universal Windows Platform apps for a wide range of Windows devices.
- SQL 2016 Database Administration. It is intended for those individuals who are database professionals for on-premises and Cloud-based databases.
All these certifications need four steps:
- Step 1: completion of trainings in order to gain skills needed to pass the exam. For this purpose, you are recommended to visit the PrepAway website with a lot of preparation materials.
- Step 2: passing the exam. If you have prepared well using the Microsoft website, PrepAway, and other resources, you will not have difficulties in passing the test. Type of exams differ depending on the certification type. They are usually comprised of multiple-choice questions.
- Step 3: gettingMCSA. If you have passed the test, you will soon receive your certificate and badge.
- Step 4: continue learning. Even if you have already hadthe MCSA certification, that does not mean that you should stop learning. Technology develops rapidly, and you must keep your skills up-to-date. Microsoft usually offers additional training every couple of years. Check the website once in a while. Besides, visit the PrepAway platform where you can always find something useful for your self-development.
Which type of the MCSA certificate you will choose depends primarily on the IT job you are doing. For example, if you have just started your work as an application programmer, then getting a Web Applications credential is a great match to your job requirements.
None of the certification trainings are free. The price may vary depending on the type of a certificate. Microsoft revises continuously and changes the prices. Most of them cost no more than a couple of hundred dollars. Some of them are even cheaper. The price of the certification program will also depend on the language you choose to complete it. For most of the trainings, English and Japanese languages are available.
What benefits will you get?
No matter how much the certification programs cost, you should try to get one of the certificates. According to the Microsoft website, those professionals who have the MCSA credential earn 15% higher salaries than ones who do not hold it.Note that these credentials can be a prerequisite for achieving the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certificates, which have a bit higher value considering they require certain experience in the field of interest.
The MCSA credentials were previously focused more on a specific job role. However, today’s MCSA certifications are improved and concentrated on the skills needed to design technology solutions.
Is it worth to earn MCSA certification?
Of course, it is. Getting MCSA will provide you with essential skills for an entry-level position in the IT industry. Even if you do not have a degree in IT, holding this certificate will probably be enough to step into the field. Considering that IT offers well-paid jobs, many people want to change their sphere of work and becomecertified professionals.
If you have decided to change your professional life at the age of 35 or more, be sure that you can do it. To switch career to the IT sector is not easy, but it is undoubtedly possible. Completing the MCSA certification program will allow you to receive the credential and start your development. Although you may be not happy to be a newbie again, the salary may be much better than at your previous work. Then, you can continue education and get a promotion. There are a lot of resources to help you with this. For example, PrepAway website, which is full of reliable materials.
Conclusion
Therefore, the MCSA credentials are ideal for those who want to get a first job in the IT industry. Nevertheless, these certificates will provide you with enough skills and knowledge to create something on your own (a website or an application). If you have plenty of fresh ideas, but you do not have IT skills, then the certification programs are great match to your needs.Prepare for your tests with PrepAway and other resources, and be rewarded! After that, you should work towards getting the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certification, which is more complex but also a valuable credential that you can get in order to boost your career.
Sponsored Post
