Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Credential: Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Credentialing Agency: Microsoft Corporation
Renewal Period: Lifetime
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is an entry-level certification designed to help individuals take the first step toward a career as an IT professional or developer. Students, those changing careers or just starting, or those exploring a technology career are best suited towards earning an MTA certification. The next step in the Microsoft certification path is Microsoft Technology Specialist (MCTS), which requires hands-on experience with the Microsoft technology platform. There are a number of MTA exams available in the area of IT infrastructure, database or developer. Passing one exam earns the MTA certification.
Note that individuals who already have an in-depth understanding of and hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies, might want to start with a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification or one of the Professional Series tracks. Please review the VA website to check which Microsoft exams in this certification track are eligible for GI Bill reimbursement.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: Lifetime
The MTA certification is awarded after successfully passing one exam. The exams below are geared towards those seeking certification in the area of IT Infrastruture. Other MTA exams related to the Database and Developer tracks can be found on the Microsoft website.
Written Exam Networking Fundamentals: Exam 98-366
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Understanding Network Infrastructures (30-35%)
- Understand the concepts of Internet, intranet, and extranet
- Understand local area networks (LANs)
- Understand wide area networks (WANs)
- Understand wireless networking
- Understand network topologies and access methods
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Understanding Network Hardware (20-25%)
- Understand switches
- Understand routers
- Understand media types
-
Understanding Protocols and Services (45-50%)
- Understand the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model
- Understand IPv4
- Understand IPv6
- Understand names resolution
- Understand networking services
- Understand TCP/IP
Written Exam Security Fundamentals: Exam 98-367
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Understanding Security Layers (25-30%)
- Understand core security principles
- Understand physical security
- Understand Internet security
- Understand wireless security
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Understanding Operating System Security (35-40%)
- Understand user authentication
- Understand permissions
- Understand password policies
- Understand audit policies
- Understand encryption
- Understand malware
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Understanding Network Security (20-25%)
- Understand dedicated firewalls
- Understand network isolation
- Understand protocol security
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Understanding Security Software (15-20%)
- Understand client protection
- Understand email protection
- Understand server protection
Written Exam Windows Server Administration Fundamentals: Exam 98-365
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Understanding Server Installation (10-15%)
- Understand device drivers
- Understand services
- Understand server installation options
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Understanding Server Roles (25-30%)
- Identify application servers
- Understand Web services
- Understand remote access
- Understand the file and print services
- Understand server virtualization
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Understanding Active Directory (20-25%)
- Understand accounts and groups
- Understand organizational units and containers
- Understand Active Directory infrastructure
- Understand group policy
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Understanding Storage (10-15%)
- Identify storage technologies and their typical usage scenarios
- Understand RAID redundancy
- Understand disk types
-
Understanding Server Performance Management (10-15%)
- Identify major server hardware components
- Understand performance monitoring
- Understand logs and alerts, Event Viewer
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Understanding Server Maintenance (15-20%)
- Identify steps in the startup process
- Understand business continuity
- Understand updates
- Understand troubleshooting methodology
Written Exam Windows Operating System Fundamentals: Exam 98-349
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Understanding Operating System Configurations (15-20%)
- Configure Control Panel options
- Configure desktop settings
- Configure native applications and tools
- Configure mobility settings
- Configure and use management tools
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Installing and Upgrading Client Systems (15-20%)
- Identify Windows operating system editions
- Identify upgrade paths
- Understand installation types
- Understand operating system architecture
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Managing Applications (15-20%)
- Configure applications
- Configure user account control (UAC)
- Configure antivirus settings
- Understand services
-
Managing Files and Folders (15-20%)
- Understand file systems
- Understand file and print sharing
- Understand encryption
- Understand libraries
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Managing Devices (15-20%)
- Connect devices
- Understand storage
- Understand printing devices
- Understand system devices
-
Understanding Operating System Maintenance (15-20%)
- Understand backup and recovery methods
- Understand maintenance tools
- Configure updates
Written Exam Database Fundamentals: Exam 98-364
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Understanding core database concepts (20-25%)
- Understand how data is stored in tables
- Understand relational database concepts
- Understand data manipulation language (DML)
- Understand data definition language (DDL)
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Create database objects (20-25%)
- Choose data types
- Understand tables and how to create them
- Create views
- Create stored procedures and functions
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Manipulate data (25-30%)
- Select data
- Insert data
- Update data
- Delete data
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Understand data storage (15-20%)
- Understand normalization
- Understand primary, foreign, and composite keys
- Understand indexes
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Administer a database (10-15%)
- Understand database security concepts
- Understand database backups and restore
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) examination:
- Best Sources
- General References
- Related Courses
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Microsoft Corporation testing process, visit the agency website.
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendors:
Certiport
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the Certiport website:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
- Search for Testing Program
- Learn About Testing for Military Communities
- Agency/Certification Specific Testing Information
- Contact Pearson VUE
RECERTIFICATION
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Renewal Period: Lifetime