Microsoft certificationsare laid out as a pyramid, with each level of certification leading learners to higher, more specialized, complex certifications. At the base of the Microsoft pyramid, IT professionals develop the foundation of knowledge with theMTA (Microsoft Technology Associate). The next level is theMCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)andMCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer), which include many of the most popular IT certifications offered by Microsoft, including Server 2012, Office 365, and Azure. Finally, the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solution Expert)represents the highest level of certification offered by Microsoft and provides learners with the opportunity to develop specializations related to MCSA-level content.