Alternatives to MCSA Certifications in 2025
Published by Christopher Porter on March 11, 2024
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification was once a go-to credential for information technology (IT) professionals working with Windows Server, SQL, and other core Microsoft tools. Microsoft certifications have a global footprint, with over 14 million professionals certified across 202 countries, underscoring their widespread recognition and value in the tech industry. But as of January 31, 2021, it’s officially retired.
In 2025, IT professionals need updated certifications that reflect modern roles and cloud-first environments. Microsoft’s role-based certifications address this need by aligning with specific job functions such as administrator, developer, and data analyst rather than focusing solely on individual products.
This article explains why MCSA was phased out, what replaced it, and how to choose the right path forward.
What Is the MCSA Certification?
The MCSA certification was an entry-level certification designed to validate skills in Microsoft technologies. It served as a foundation for professionals such as network administrators, systems engineers, and technical support specialists. Tracks included certifications in Windows Server, SQL Server, Office 365, and Dynamics 365.
To earn an MCSA, candidates had to pass two to three exams, depending on the certification track. These certifications were often prerequisites for more advanced credentials like the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification.
The certification continues to appear on transcripts for historical reference and retains value for professionals managing legacy systems.
Callout
The MCSA certification costs typically range between $330 to $495 USD, depending on the number of exams required.
Why Were MCSA Certifications Retired?
Microsoft retired the MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certifications to align its offerings with today’s evolving IT landscape. The legacy certifications focused on product-specific expertise, which has become less relevant in cloud computing and hybrid infrastructure.
Role-based certifications emerged as a response to industry demand for professionals with practical, job-ready skills. Instead of validating knowledge of a particular software, these new certifications assess an individual’s ability to perform specific tasks within modern IT roles.
This transition ensures that IT certifications remain relevant, helping professionals meet the expectations of employers who prioritize real-world capabilities over theoretical knowledge. Additionally, a 2024 IDC study shows that 70% of organizations view Microsoft certifications as essential for effective skills development and workforce readiness.
Alternatives to MCSA
Microsoft’s role-based certifications offer several key advantages that make them more relevant to today’s IT environment:
Job Relevance: Each certification is tailored to a specific role, ensuring that professionals gain skills directly applicable to their day-to-day responsibilities.
Flexibility: These certifications cover both cloud-based and on-premises technologies, supporting the growing adoption of hybrid IT infrastructures.
Current Content: Microsoft regularly updates the certification exams to reflect evolving technologies and industry trends.
Career Advancement: Earning role-based certifications enhances professional credibility and improves employability across diverse IT roles.
MCSA Alternatives by Track
Microsoft’s role-based certifications are structured to reflect distinct job functions. Below are key alternatives to the former MCSA tracks:
| Certification | Target Job Role | Replaces MCSA Track |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) | Cloud Administrator | MCSA: Cloud Platform |
| Windows Server Hybrid Admin (AZ-800/801) | Systems Administrator | MCSA: Windows Server |
| Azure Database Administrator (DP-300) | Database Administrator | MCSA: SQL Server |
| Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) | Data Analyst | MCSA: BI Reporting |
| Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) | Cloud Developer | MCSA: Web Applications |
| Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) | Solutions Architect | MCSA: Cloud Platform |
| Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) | Security Professional | New focus area |
Shifting to Role-Based Certifications
Microsoft Certifications in 2025
Microsoft first announced its move toward role-based certifications in 2018 and completed the transition by 2021. This shift came in response to industry research showing that employers prefer certifications tied to job roles, like cloud administration or data analysis, over product-specific expertise.
Since then, Microsoft has launched over 30 role-based certifications across six key categories: Azure, Modern Work, Security, Business Applications, Data & artificial intelligence (AI), and Digital App & Innovation. These certifications mirror real-world responsibilities, such as managing hybrid cloud environments, securing enterprise data, and developing business applications.
To help professionals build skills in a structured, job-aligned way, Microsoft organizes its certifications into three levels:
Fundamentals
Introductory-level certifications for beginners or career switchers. These cover basic concepts in cloud, AI, and data (e.g., Azure Fundamentals, AI Fundamentals).
Associate
For professionals with hands-on experience. These certifications validate specific job skills and are considered the modern successors to the MCSA certification. (e.g., Azure Administrator Associate, Windows Server Hybrid Administrator.)
Expert
Designed for experienced professionals ready to tackle architecture, security, or DevOps challenges. These certifications typically build upon an Associate-level foundation (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
Role-based exams are highly practical, often featuring scenario-based questions and hands-on labs that reflect real challenges IT professionals face in the field.
Further Reading: For an overview of the transition from MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certifications to Microsoft’s role-based certifications, see Microsoft’s official announcement: MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire; with continued investment to role-based certifications. It provides detailed information on the retirement of legacy certifications and the introduction of role-based credentials aligned with today’s industry roles and demands.
Microsoft’s Role-Based Certifications
Certification Categories
Microsoft arranges its certifications into six categories, each aligned with specific job domains and responsibilities:
Each category offers certifications at different levels, allowing professionals to build competencies progressively based on their current roles and career goals.
Choosing the Right Certification
Selecting the right certification starts with identifying your current role or the role you want to move into. Microsoft’s structure makes it easier to align certifications with your career path. Here’s how to approach it:
Are you focused on systems administration, development, data, or security? Start by clarifying the type of work you do—or want to do.
Choose a Fundamentals certification if you’re just getting started. Go for Associate or Expert level if you have hands-on experience or are ready to take on more responsibility.
Browse Microsoft Learn for role-based certification paths grouped by domain (e.g., Infrastructure, Data & AI). Each has a clear description of the skills covered.
If you prefer self-paced online learning, instructor-led courses, or bootcamps, Microsoft offers tailored options to match your schedule and learning style.
Use Microsoft Learn resources, practice exams, and official documentation to study. While MCSA certification cost was higher due to multiple exams, most current Microsoft role-based certifications are priced around $165 USD per exam, making them more affordable and modular.
For those who prefer structured guidance, Training Camp offer bootcamps that align with Microsoft’s certification paths.
MCSA vs Role-Based Certifications
The following comparison highlights the key differences between the retired MCSA certification and Microsoft’s current role-based certification model:
| Aspect | MCSA | Role-Based Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Product-specific | Job role-specific |
| Availability | Retired as of January 31, 2021 | Active and regularly updated |
| Exam Structure | 2–3 exams focused on a single product | 1–2 exams, often hands-on and scenario-based |
| Technology Scope | Primarily on-premises | Covers cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments |
| Career Impact | Validated entry-level technical knowledge | Enhances employability across evolving IT roles |
Ready to Advance Your IT Career with Microsoft Certifications?
The retirement of the MCSA certification marks a clear shift in Microsoft’s approach, transitioning from product-focused credentials to role-based training. The new certifications validate practical, job-relevant skills in cloud administration, data analysis, systems management, and other modern IT roles critical in today’s hybrid and cloud-first environments.
Microsoft certifications now offer structured learning paths, regularly updated resources, and hands-on exam preparation designed to effectively equip IT professionals with real-world skills. To further streamline your path to certification, we provide structured courses and intensive bootcamps specifically tailored to Microsoft certifications, ensuring efficient preparation, expert guidance, and accelerated career advancement.
Ready to Advance Your Microsoft Certification?
Training Camp offers accelerated certification courses to help you transition from legacy certifications to Microsoft’s new role-based model. Our expert instructors and exam pass guarantee ensure you’re prepared for success in today’s cloud-focused IT landscape.
References
Adkinn. (n.d.). Professional and technical credentials and certifications. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/
Bipach. (n.d.-a). Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate – Certifications. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-database-administrator-associate/
Bipach. (n.d.-b). Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate – Certifications. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/windows-server-hybrid-administrator/
Certification Camps. (2025, April 5). Microsoft Certifications Training: Complete Guide 2025. https://www.certificationcamps.com/microsoft-certifications-guide/
Microsoft. (2025). Role-based. https://arch-center.azureedge.net/Credentials/Certification-Poster-en-us.pdf
Micsullivan. (n.d.). MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire; with continued investment to role-based certifications. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/posts/mcsa-mcsd-mcse-certifications-retire-with-continued-investment-to-role-based-certifications
