The two most important Microsoft certifications that IT executives cherish are MCSE MCSA. Each has its own importance in different domains. MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, whereas MCSA stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator.

Let us take a look at some of the differences between the above two Microsoft certifications, which may help you to get a clearer idea about them:

MCSE, when compared to MCSA, is an advanced level certification.

As an MCSA, you need to know how to implement, manage, and troubleshoot the existing network and system environment based on the Microsoft Windows® Operating Systems.

As an MCSA, you will not have to set up new systems and networks as a part of your job function. But as an MCSE, knowledge about the design and deployment of new systems and networks is essential.

As an MCSA, you will be able to implement, manage, and maintain typically complex computing environments of medium to large sized companies. On the other hand, as an MCSE, you will be able to plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures in medium to large sized companies.

Microsoft has offered the MCSE certification for many years. This credential is mostly about networking with Microsoft products. It is a rigorous course of study and candidates must pass seven gruelling exams to achieve the MCSE certification. The MCSA credential also is about networking with Microsoft products. However, in the case of the MCSA certification, candidates need only pass four (or perhaps fewer) equally gruelling exams to become certified.

To achieve these certifications requires a different duration of experience. To achieve the MCSA certification requires 6Â-12 months of experience of administering client and network operating systems, while to achieve the MCSE certification requires at least one year of experience to implement and administer desktop operating systems and network operating systems.

An MCSA can bag jobs such as that of a network administrator, systems administrator, network operations analyst, information systems administrator, technical support specialist, or a network technician. An MCSE can bag jobs such as that of a network engineer, systems engineer, network analyst, systems analyst, or a technical consultant.

The MCSA certification provides you credentials that represent a skill set which can be used as a platform, if you plan to later try to achieve the MCSE certification. Therefore, achievement of the MCSA certification will help you to use these credentials and acquire the MCSE certification later through an upgrade path to the MCSE norm.

If you observe carefully, these two exams specialize in two different areas, although they are similar to each other. A clear understanding of the differences between the two different MCSE MCSA certifications is required before you can choose the one which suits your profile and interest.