Choosing to take a certification exam in one of the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification tracks is a recommended entry point for IT certification. After passing just one certification exam in one of these tracks, you will be able to demonstrate a superior preparation for IT jobs over your peers. This can help increase your chances in the technological employment field. The first step to taking MTA certification exams is deciding whether you want to pursue a certification path in database design, software development, or IT infrastructure.
The MTA IT Infrastructure track is recommended for you if your career plans include desktop infrastructure, server infrastructure, and private cloud computing. You can earn certification through passing any of the following exams: 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals, 98-365 (click here) Windows Server Administration Fundamentals, 98-366 Networking Fundamentals, or 98-367 Security Fundamentals.
If you want to build a career through the administration of data platforms or in business intelligence, you may wish to pursue the MTA database track. The 98-364 Database Fundamentals certification exam is needed in order to pursue this certification path. If you would rather pursue a career as a software developer, the first certification in your path to the MCSD certification should be the MTA Developer track. You may pursue certification by passing any of the following certification exams: 98-361 Software Development Fundamentals, 98-362 Windows Development Fundamentals, 98-363 Web Development Fundamentals, 98-372 .NET Fundamentals, 98-373 Mobile Development Fundamentals, 98-374 Gaming Development Fundamentals, 98-375 HTML5 App Development Fundamentals, and 98-379 Software Testing Fundamentals.