MCSA

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) was a certification track offered by Microsoft for IT professionals seeking to demonstrate skills in Microsoft technologies. The MCSA served as an associate-level credential across several tracks, most notably Windows Server, Windows Client, and SQL Server. Candidates earned the credential by passing a set of exams aligned with the chosen track, covering topics such as server administration, database management, and networking fundamentals.

In the late 2010s Microsoft restructured its certification program to focus on role-based credentials. As part of this transition, the MCSA, along with MCSE and MCSD, was retired on January 31, 2021. The MCSA is no longer available to earn; current Microsoft Certifications emphasize role-based paths such as cloud, data, and modern workplace specialties. Existing MCSA holders retain their certification status in records, but new exams are not offered for the MCSA track.

Examples of historic MCSA tracks include MCSA: Windows Server 2012, MCSA: Windows Server 2008, MCSA: SQL Server 2012, and MCSA: Windows 7. These tracks reflected the technology focuses common in enterprise IT during the certification's active period.