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Best windows system administrator certifications
The best certifications for a windows system administrator are Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and ITIL Foundation.
Windows system administrator certifications demonstrate your competency as a windows system administrator to employers. However, not all windows system administrator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best windows system administrator certifications. Obtaining a windows system administrator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
13 best certifications for windows system administrators
13 best windows system administrator certifications
1. Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP)
The enterprise administrator is responsible for the overall Windows Server 2008 R2 environment and architecture. The enterprise administrator translates business goals into technology decisions and designs mid-range to long-term strategies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSE! Global Knowledge will help you create a development track suitable to your job responsibilities and career advancement goals. Our real-world training will provide you with the knowledge needed to obtain your MCSE certification.This certification includes the following tracks: Microsoft 2003 MCSE Boot Camp, Microsoft Windows 2003 MCSE Upgrade Boot Camp, MCSE: Messaging Specialization, and Windows 2003 MCSE.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
3. ITIL Foundation
This LCS-accredited course outlines the ITIL best-practices framework and prepares the participant for the ITIL Foundation certification exam, a prerequisite for all other ITIL certifications. This course provides an understanding of the service lifecycle and processes as well as the best and common practices for IT service management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Fnd Applications (MCTS)
Candidates work on a team in a medium-sized or large development environment that uses Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 Enterprise Developer, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, or Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. Candidates should have at least two to three years of experience developing Web-based, Windows-based, or distributed applications by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0, the .NET Framework 1.1, the .NET Framework 2.0, or the .NET Framework 3.5. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. VMware Certified Professional 5 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV)
As the demand for professionals with virtualization expertise grows, it is more important than ever to distinguish yourself with a certification that validates your technical expertise. The VCP5-DCV certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your data center virtualization expertise, and confirms that you have the skills and ability to successfully install, deploy, scale and manage VMware vSphere environments.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Ready for a new challenge in your daily system and network administration? In only 8 days become part of the hottest multi-exam certification in the industry, the MCSA.Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSA! Global Knowledge will help you create a development track suitable to your job responsibilities and career advancement goals. Our real-world training will provide you with the knowledge needed to obtain your MCSA certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
7. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Boost your IT support career with unmatched validation as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). This credential proves your ability to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It also shows you have the necessary soft skills to educate users and help them solve hardware and software operation and application problems on Windows.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
8. VMware Certified Professional 6 - Cloud (VCP-Cloud)
The VMware Certified Professional - Cloud (VCP-Cloud) certification validates your ability to install, configure and administer a Cloud environment using vCloud Director and related components. Successful candidates demonstrate core vSphere skills in extending data virtualization throughout the cloud by creating and managing vApps, service catalogs, and organization/provider VDCs, as well as administering cloud enabled networking and storage. This competency is built on the skills and knowledge needed to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments along with a solid foundation in basic cloud infrastructure concepts including public/private/hybrid clouds, multi-tenancy, and cloud security.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
9. Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator (MCITP)
A server administrator is responsible for the operations and day-to-day management of an infrastructure of Windows Server 2008 R2 servers for an enterprise organization. Windows server administrators manage the infrastructure, Web, and IT application servers. The Windows server administrators use scripts and batch files written by others or those that they occasionally write themselves to accomplish tasks on a regular basis. They conduct most server management tasks remotely by using Remote Desktop Server or administration tools installed on their local workstation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
10. Certified System Administrator (CSA)
The SCO Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification is the basic level of certification for SCO UNIX products, and is the first step in achieving your ACE or Master ACE advance certifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
11. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
The Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CCNA certification is the first level of Cisco Career certification and indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Computer Service Technician (CST)
The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
What is the best certification for a windows system administrator?
The best windows system administrator certification is Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP). The Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP) is awarded by the Microsoft Corporation. This certification tests for knowledge about the use of proprietary software or hardware products. It is used primarily for computer-related companies.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this windows system administrator certification:
- To become a certified Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for windows system administrators?
The most in-demand windows system administrator certification is Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer based on all active job postings. Having this windows system administrator certification will give you access to more windows system administrator jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a windows system administrator career and salary?
The Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator certification will help you to secure a senior windows engineer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior windows engineer's average salary is $106,541 whereas windows system administrators make an average salary of $79,845.
The most common combination of windows system administrator certifications include: Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and ITIL Foundation.
Online courses for windows system administrators to earn certifications
1. Windows Server 2019 Administration
Learn Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Storage, Backup, Azure integration and More...
2. Essential Tools for Windows System Administrators
[Windows] [System Administration] Learn Windows Builtin Tools & Open Source Tools for Efficient System Administration...
3. Windows Server 2016 Administration
Windows Server 2016: Nano Server, Server Core, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, WDS, WSUS, NLB and more...
4. Introduction to Windows Server 2016 for Beginners
Learn Windows Server 2016: Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, IIS, Group Policy, RDP, WSUS, FSRM, Power Shell, and Much More!...
5. Complete Windows Server Administration Course
Installation and configuration of Domain Controller, Active Directory, DNS, Web Server (IIS), Group Policy, WSUS and more...
6. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access
Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...
7. Mastering Group Policy on Windows Server
An IT person's guide to managing Active Directory Users and Computers with Group Policy...
8. Windows Server 2022 administration course. Lecture and Sims
Learn how to expertly administer Windows Server 2022 with lecture and hands on simulations available 24/7...
9. Active Directory & Group Policy Administration for IT Techs
Active Directory & Group Policy Administration Basics for Helpdesk and Desktop / IT Support Technicians...
10. Beginning Windows System Administration
Get what you need to know to start your career in being a System Administrator...
11. TOTAL: Active Directory with Windows Server 2016
Identity, Access, and Authentication with Microsoft AD and Identity with Windows Server 2016...
12. Active Directory on Windows Server
Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...
13. Domain Name System (DNS) Administration- Windows Server 2016
DNS Server installation and domain name / zone setup on Windows Server 2016 using the Server Manager & DNS MMC Consoles...
14. Windows 10 System Administration & Basic Computer Skills
Learn the basics of system administration for the Windows 10 operating system, as well as some basic computer skills...
15. Mastering DNS on Windows Server
Learn to Install, Configure and Troubleshoot a Windows DNS Server...
16. Windows Server 2012 System Administration: Get an IT Job!
Learn Systems Administration! The easiest way to stack your resume & get a high paying IT Job - Step-by-step guide!...
17. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell
[Power Shell] Simplified practical knowledge for automation & management of [Active Directory] using Windows Power Shell...
18. Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Training for Beginners
Install Windows Server 2016, Build a Windows Domain, Domain Controller, Learn DHCP, Install Windows 10, and much more.....
19. MTA: Windows Server 2016 Administration Fundamentals: 98-365
Windows Server 2016 Edition. Master all core exam topics: AD, DNS, DHCP, DFS, IIS, RDS.....
20. Windows 10 Services Administration and Troubleshooting
Learn how to identify, start, stop, restart and manage key services on Windows 10 as well as their relevant cmd commands...