Q. Why is Microsoft introducing specializations?

A. Microsoft is introducing specializations because individuals are asking for a way to identify their focus in a particular technical field, and IT managers are asking for a way to identify those individuals. With increasing numbers of individuals pursuing certification, and with expertise being sought after in many specific areas, customers want a way to distinguish proficiency in a given field.

Q. What is the difference between a certification and a specialization?

A. A certification validates and identifies competency in a specific job role. A specialization validates and identifies job role competency applied to a specific technical field. Specializations allow individuals who currently have or who are seeking certifications to highlight their focus in a specific field.

Q. Are MCSA specializations more advanced than the MCSA certification?

A. No. A certification specialization proves and identifies a focus on a specific technical field. However, the job role proficiency that is validated by the certification is the same for an MCSA with or without a specialization.

Q. Which specializations are available today?

A. Messaging and Security specializations are available on Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. Candidates can achieve MCSA: Messaging or MCSA: Security on Windows 2000 today and can start taking exams for MCSA: Messaging and MCSA: Security on Windows Server MCSA 2003. The final exams that are required for MCSA: Messaging and MCSA: Security on Windows Server 2003 will be available later this year.

Q. Can an exam satisfy both the MCSA elective requirement and a specialization requirement?

A. Yes. If you have already taken a specialization requirement to satisfy your MCSA elective requirement, you are one step closer to achieving your specialization.

Q. If I have a Windows 2000 specialization and I upgrade my MCSA certification from Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2003, will my specialization be upgraded also?

A. Upgrade requirements for specializations will vary. You may have to meet additional requirements beyond those necessary to upgrade your MCSE certification. See each specific certification specialization page for full details on upgrade requirements.

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/faq-about-mcsa-specializations/