Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification

Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification - Overview

Build your information technology (IT) career with the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 credential. Here's why MCSA can be the right choice for you:

It's relevant. Get started by proving your client side and networking skills with Exams 70-270, 70-290 and 70-291
It's valuable. The MCSA certification was introduced in October 2001. Within the first five months, over 22,000 individuals had earned the certification, making it the fastest-growing Microsoft certification

Experienced to IT?

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administration (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 credential is a new way to enhance and validate the skills you use in day-to-day management of Microsoft technologies.

The 9 day accelerated MCSA 2003 Firebrand Training provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, support, and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows 2003-based networks with a focus on information security in the enterprise. This is an accelerated, residential, fully-immersed course, designed for computer professionals that require effective, real-world skill-building and timely certification. You will live, learn, and test on-site.

The MCSA 2003 Accelerated Course delivers the greatest value on the market for Windows 2003 Certification Training. During the program, students will achieve the following certifications:

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Our MCSA 2003 Program:

Allows you to achieve your certifications in a fraction of the time of 'traditional training' while delivering industry-leading exam passing percentages
Helps students grasp complex technical concepts more easily by identifying and catering to individual student learning styles through a mixed visual, auditory and kinaesthetic-tactual delivery system
Enhances retention by employing accelerated learning techniques focused on committing information to long-term memory

Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification - Benefits

For IT managers, certification is particularly important because it allows them to more easily identify the skills that an individual possesses. When a company has employees that possess certain skills, it can garner a competitive advantage when seeking to attract customers. Certification can also contribute to increased productivity, because studies have shown that certified individuals are generally quicker to implement and design new technologies. And of course by knowing that their employees are certified, IT managers can feel more confident about their ability to implement and support a network infrastructure.

Individuals

Overwhelmingly, individuals with Microsoft certifications have an advanced level of knowledge, expertise and skill, and command more professional credibility
he MCSA is seen as a particularly elite indication of a system administrator's prowess and skill level, and these professionals are highly sought by employers
Individual students may receive college credits to utilize tuition reimbursement programs for their IT training or to complete college coursework

Companies

Reduce the costs of maintaining your workstations and personal computers, and increase the reliability of your network with Active Directory and with the information technology (IT) professionals to back it up
Make a roll out of Windows 2003 Server smooth and successful.
Customers see great value in certification - they want the people on their engagement to have the best skills, and certification provides that proof point
Significantly improved Microsoft security throughout the software but particularly in the Web Server component of Windows Server, IIS; Scalable management tools that improve on the legacy of Windows 2000 Server: enhanced Active Directory features, and new tools such as the Group Policy Management Console
Significant increases in server performance. In internal tests, Windows Server 2003 shows dramatic performance gains over previous versions of Windows server operating systems. For example, file and Web server performance is two times faster than Windows NT Server 4.0
While your organization's performance gains may vary because of unique network and computer settings, Microsoft is confident that the improved performance of Windows Server 2003 will help you deliver faster service for your network solutions

Other accelerated training providers rely heavily on lecture and independent self-testing and study.

Effective technical instruction must be highly varied and interactive to keep attention levels high, promote camaraderie and teamwork between the students and instructor, and solidify knowledge through hands-on learning.

Firebrand Training provides instruction to meet every learning need, including

Intensive group instruction
One-on-one instruction attention
Hands-on labs
Lab partner and group exercises
Question and answer drills
Independent study

This information has been provided as a helpful tool for candidates considering certification. Benefits of certification determined through studies do not guarantee any particular personal successes. Firebrand Training provides a guarantee of obtaining certification at the camp, but does not make any guarantees about personal successes or benefits of obtaining certification.

Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification - Curriculum

Firebrand Training's MCSA 2003 Accelerated Certification Program is the most effective, efficient way to learn how to successfully design, plan, and implement a network infrastructure, Active Directory infrastructure, and client deployment on the Windows Server 2003 platform.

Course Materials

Students attending this blended-learning program will receive a robust set of course materials that caters to each of the three primary individual learning-intake styles (auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic-tactile) - critical for a successful accelerated learning experience.

Daily lectures, labs, and review sessions are supplemented by a combination of:

Proprietary Lab Manual & Microsoft Courseware - developed in conjunction with Microsoft, adapting Microsoft Official Curriculum to address the demands of accelerated learners
Authorised Microsoft Lab Manual & Courseware
Self Test or Transcender Testing Software

Delivery Schedule

The MCSA 2003 Program prepares students to achieve three (3) certifications during the program: MCSA 2003 and MCP.

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional - Exam 70-270
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment - Exam 70-290
Implementing and Administering Security in a Network- Exam SY0-101
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure - Exam 70-291

Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification - Exam Track

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) candidates on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 track are required to satisfy the following requirements:

Core Exams (3 Exams Required)
- 2 networking system exams
- 1 client operating system exam
Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)

The four (4) examinations that a student will take during our program also satisfy the requirements for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) designations.

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional - Exam:70-270, Requirement: Client OS Core
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment - Exam:70-290, Requirement: Networking System Core
Implementing and Administering Security in a Network - Exam:SY0-101, Requirement: Security
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure - Exam:70-291, Requirement: Networking System Core

Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification - What's Included

Firebrand Training offers top-quality technical education and certification training in an all-inclusive course package specifically designed for the needs and ease of our students. We attend to every detail so our students can focus solely on their studies and certification goals.

Our Certification Programs includes

Intensive Hands-on Training Utilising our (Lecture | Lab | Review)^TM Delivery
Comprehensive Study Materials, Program Courseware and Self-Testing Software
Fully instructor-led program with 24 hour lab access
Examination vouchers *
On site testing **
Accommodation, All Meals, Beverages, and Snacks
Transportation to/from designated local railway stations
Examination Passing Policy

Please note

* Exam vouchers for our (ISC)2 certifications need to be purchased directly from (ISC)2
** On site testing is not included in our ISACA, or ITIL Managers and Revision Certifications

Our instructors teach to accommodate every student's learning needs through individualised instruction, hands-on labs, lab partner and group exercises, independent study, self-testing, and question/answer drills.

Firebrand Training has dedicated, well-equipped educational facilities where you will attend instruction and labs and have access to comfortable study and lounging rooms. Our students consistently say our facilities are second-to-none.

Examination Passing Policy

Should a student complete a Firebrand Training Program without having successfully passed all vendor examinations, the student may re-attend that program for a period of one year. Students will only be responsible for accommodations and vendor exam fees.

Microsoft MCSA 2003 Certification - Prerequisites

Students that are successful in the MCSA 2003 Accelerated Certification Program should possess six to twelve months of experience implementing, administering, networking, and managing an existing Windows 2000 or 2003 network infrastructure. Specifically, the following skills are recommended:

An understanding of the Windows 2000/2003 domain vs. workgroup environment
Basic IP fundamentals including IP addressing and subnet mask formats, default gateways, and DNS
Hands-on experience in an Active Directory environment

Firebrand Training staff interview all potential students regarding their technical background, degrees and certifications held, and personal fortitude. This screening process ensures a successful match between the customer and Firebrand Training toward accelerated training and certification.

Firebrand Training is an aggressive training environment. You must have an attitude aimed for success. The above prerequisites are guidelines, but many students with less experience have other background or traits that have enabled their success in accelerated training through Firebrand Training.

MCSA 2003 Certification Testimonials

"Fantastic, the most knowledgable instructor I have ever been taught by on a course. Given the long lecture hours kept lessons fresh and very interesting. Every member of staff very helpful and the food was great."
Lee Pidgeon, Halifax Computers.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (2/4/2007 to 10/4/2007)

"It's extremely hard work but a perfect environment to learn in, I came out with an infinite amount more knowledge than when I went in! Great instructors they certainly know there stuff..."
Andy Campbell, n/a.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (23/1/2006 to 31/1/2006)

"I was technically below par when entering the camp but was rabidly able to take on board the concepts introduced and learnt a lot of useful knowledge. If you think you know your subject 15hours a day, every day won't be difficult for you."
Tony Morris, Office Technology Corporation Ltd..
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (19/2/2007 to 27/2/2007)

"A real jolt at first, but you soon get into the "zone" of some serious information absorption. Long intensive days and obviously very accurately focussed towards the goal of exam success. NOTE: spend time pre-reading (essential) and areas of little experience ideally best explored beforehand to keep pace with the course!"
Matthew Saul, Mitsubishi Electric Europe.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (13/11/2006 to 21/11/2006)

"Environmentally Quiet. Intellectually Challenging. Experientially Superb!"
Kizito Mpanga, Local Government.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (<--Please Select-->)

"Without a doubt, Firebrand* has been a very rewarding experience. Classes last about 12 hours per day, but be prepared to put in additional time just to get through the material. The instructor knew the subject matter and exam technique inside out, and was always prepared to stay until the early hours to provide additional tuition or guidance. If I decide to pursue other certifications, I would definitely go back to Firebrand*."
Lee Vessey,
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (26/7/2004 to 3/8/2004)

"My experience with Firebrand* was a blend between self actualisation and discipline - the two elements anyone would need to survive in an ever changing IT World!"
Kizito Mpanga, Adur District Council.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (12/3/2007 to 20/3/2007)

"Overall a great experience, I learnt some much in a short space of time."
Adrian Wahalatantri, Carshalton College.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (11/4/2005 to 19/4/2005)

"Environmentally Quiet. Intellectually Challenging. Experientially Superb!"
Kizito Mpanga, Local Government.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (<--Please Select-->)

"Thanks very much, I never imagined I would get 3 exams in 7 days! Im sure I will be able to pass my last exam once I've given my body and brain a chance to recover from the regime of the last week!"
Gary Tovell, Medway Council.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (21/5/2007 to 29/5/2007)

"Fantastic course. Very intense but does exactly what it says on the tin. Not an easy course but good fun and the tutors are brilliant."
Justin Pease, Corporate Computing.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (2/4/2007 to 10/4/2007)

"I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to advance their career & improve their product & technical knowledge"
Anne Nimmo, Fujitsu Services.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (15/5/2006 to 23/5/2006)

"I found Firebrand* experience to be a challenging and positive experience. The instructor was exceptional, providing a deep knowledge of the subject area and the psychology of the learning process."
Anon.,
formely JT International SA.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (6/6/2005 to 14/6/2005)

"you won't believe me on this but i actually miss Firebrand*!, not the long days and all the work but the wealth of knowledge that surrounds you!, you will truly find this a unique way of filling your head with the stuff you need to know, be prepared, be very prepared!"
John Marsh, BCC Group.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (23/8/2004 to 31/8/2004)

"The instructor helped to ease what was a large task due to his vast knowledge and numerous analogies. "
Jeremy Huntington, Leicestershire County Council.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (2/4/2007 to 10/4/2007)

"Third time I've been to Firebrand* - if it wasn't worthwhile I wouldn't keep coming back!"
Dai Williams, Orange.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (29/8/2005 to 6/9/2005)

"From what I had read I fully expected the course to be hard work; this certainly proved to be the case. As with everything in life though, the more effort you put into something does effect the ouFirebrand*ome. Excellent training facilities, staff and accommodation made this a very satisfying experience."
Richard Otter, The Woodland Trust.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (20/2/2006 to 28/2/2006)

"To come from a background with little to no experience of Windows 2003 and pass not one but 2 exams only goes to prove that your method works"
Lawrence Burns, unemployed.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (7/8/2006 to 15/8/2006)

"I was skeptical of the existing testimonials, and whether such an intensive course would be beneficial, but I was quickly won over. The facility and learning methods were first class, and the instructor provided that personal touch and real world experiance you just cant gain from books, as well as the ability to explain things you have never understood in the past. It is very, very tiring, and you do have to be focused, but it is worth it at the end of it, and the superb food and unlimited snacks make up for the long days!"
Greg Hughes, Kennet School.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (10/10/2005 to 18/10/2005)

"From start to finish the Firebrand* was spot on. "G" was great from start to finish and got me through 3 exams but I failed my 4th and that was due to being tired which is no way a fault of Firebrand*. it is hard work but worth every minute and every penny. I walked away with more than I went 2 MCPs and my Security+ but more important was the massive amount of knowledge I gained from "G"."
Craig Wallace, Withers LLP.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (6/8/2007 to 14/8/2007)

"Fantastic course. Very intense but does exactly what it says on the tin. Not an easy course but good fun and the tutors are brilliant."
Justin Pease, Corporate Computing.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (2/4/2007 to 10/4/2007)

"Fantastic, the most knowledgable instructor I have ever been taught by on a course. Given the long lecture hours kept lessons fresh and very interesting. Every member of staff very helpful and the food was great."
Lee Pidgeon, Halifax Computers.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (2/4/2007 to 10/4/2007)

"Great camp, never knew you can learn so much in 9 days and pass. There is no other camp I will choose over this one!"
Andre Mellet, Universal Telecom.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (18/9/2006 to 26/9/2006)

"Pleasant environment with approachable & knowledgable instructors. It was hard work and long hours but learnt a lot in a small amount of time."
Lee Turnbull, Steria UK.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (8/1/2007 to 16/1/2007)

"They said it would be long days and they were not wrong! But everyone in my class worked together and encourage each other along. And the instructor, well he did more hours than us i think? He couldn't of been more help full and was always available to us any time of the day or night! A very intensive course but a great place to learn and achieve. We even managed one night out for a pint!"
Adam Lenton, RBS.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (<--Please Select-->)

"Firebrand* has not only secured me professional certification to go with my experience as an IT administrator, but also added a breadth and depth of knowledge I wouldn't have thought possible in such a short time. The study is extremely intense with very long hours, but I am looking forward to coming back. "I will be back!""
Duncan Robert Mark, No one at present (self-employed).
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (29/8/2005 to 6/9/2005)

"By far an very enjoyable experience, from induction through to taking the exams the expertise of the instructor is without a doubt top noFirebrand*h. I can honestly say my experience has doubled during my time at Firebrand* and I will be definately be coming back to acheive other recognised qualifications."
Craig Mckay, Certa Communications.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (24/10/2005 to 1/11/2005)

"This method of learning isn't for the faint of heart. If you're short on time, but high on motivation, then go for it, you won't regret it.....however, if late nights aren't your thing, stay well away!!!"
Nathan Pullen, Cordek Limited.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (28/6/2004 to 6/7/2004)

"Having come from a project orientated background, I was not sure whether I had the experience to do well at my MCSA. My instructor had other ideas; the course was run superbly. The instructor knew his stuff, putting the most complex of ideas across in a simple and logical form. A well thought out course with high quality tuition."
A.C., Pendragon Global Consulting.
Microsoft MCSA 2003 (9 Days) (24/10/2005 to 1/11/2005)