- 08.11.2025
What's the alternative to MCSA in 2025? A comprehensive guide to modern Microsoft pathways in Saudi Arabia
Introduction: Why are MCSA searches still popular in 2025? Even though it's been about four and a half years since the official retirement of the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) exams on January 31, 2021, searches are still high in 2025 within Saudi Arabia. That's because for years, this certification has been the gold standard for proving that system administrators are competent in Windows Server administration and infrastructure. Many have studied its curriculum or built their expertise around Active Directory, DNS, and Group Policy, and are now asking: Is it still valid? What's the official alternative? In parallel, cloud migration initiatives are accelerating in Saudi Arabia, prompting professionals to seek an up-to-date credential that proves their skills in Azure and Microsoft 365. This guide aims to clear up the confusion: Why the MCSA was discontinued, what the realistic alternatives are, and how to choose the most appropriate path for your job, with a practical 6-8 week study plan and tips to leverage your previous experience without wasting time or effort, so you can confidently transition to the most in-demand Role-based and Applied Skills certifications in the Saudi market today. What is the MCSA certification historically, and when and why was it officially discontinued? The MCSA was a pivotal part of the MCP program, covering tracks such as Windows Server 2012/2016, SQL Server, and Office 365. It represented the intermediate degree before progressing to MCSE, so it appeared in thousands of job descriptions as a standard of technical aptitude. On February 28, 2020, the [...]
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