Apr 1, 2023

Unlocking Your Career Potential: Becoming a Certified SharePoint Administrator Associate

SharePoint is a popular platform used by many organizations to manage their documents and collaborate with team members. As such, there is a growing demand for SharePoint administrators who can ensure the smooth functioning of this platform. The SharePoint Administrator Associate certification is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to become proficient in managing SharePoint environments.

To become a SharePoint Administrator Associate, individuals need to pass the Microsoft certification exam MS-301: Deploying SharePoint Server Hybrid. This exam tests an individual’s ability to configure and manage SharePoint on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-based environments.

The certification covers various aspects of SharePoint administration, including site management, security configuration, content management, and search configuration. It also includes topics such as configuring hybrid scenarios, implementing disaster recovery strategies, and managing service applications.

Being a certified SharePoint Administrator Associate comes with many benefits. Firstly, it demonstrates that an individual has the necessary skills to manage a SharePoint environment effectively. This can be beneficial when seeking employment opportunities as it shows potential employers that an individual is qualified for the role.

Secondly, being certified can lead to higher salaries. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a SharePoint Administrator is around $70k per year. However, those who are certified can earn up to $100k per year or more.

Finally, being certified means that an individual has access to exclusive resources and support from Microsoft. This includes access to training materials and community forums where individuals can connect with other professionals in their field.

In conclusion, becoming a certified SharePoint Administrator Associate is an excellent way for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in managing SharePoint environments effectively. With growing demand for skilled professionals in this field and the potential for higher salaries and access to exclusive resources from Microsoft, obtaining this certification can be highly beneficial for anyone looking to advance their career in IT administration.

SharePoint Administrator Associate: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I am a SharePoint administrator?
2. What does a SharePoint administrator do?
3. What is the best SharePoint certification?
4. What are the levels of SharePoint admin?

How do I know if I am a SharePoint administrator?

If you are unsure whether you are a SharePoint administrator, here are some indicators that can help you determine if you are:

1. You have access to SharePoint Central Administration: If you have access to SharePoint Central Administration, it means that you have administrative privileges on the SharePoint server, and you are responsible for managing the platform.
2. You manage user permissions: As a SharePoint administrator, you are responsible for managing user permissions and ensuring that users have access to the right content based on their roles and responsibilities.
3. You manage site collections: Site collections are groups of sites that share common settings, such as permissions and templates. If you manage site collections, it means that you have administrative control over those sites.
4. You configure search settings: As a SharePoint administrator, you may be responsible for configuring search settings to ensure that users can find the content they need quickly and easily.
5. You troubleshoot issues: If users experience issues with SharePoint, they may come to you for help. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to troubleshoot issues and resolve them as quickly as possible.

If any of these responsibilities sound familiar to you or if your job title includes “SharePoint Administrator,” there is a good chance that you are a SharePoint administrator. However, keep in mind that different organizations may define this role differently, so it is always best to clarify your responsibilities with your supervisor or colleagues if you are unsure about your role.

What does a SharePoint administrator do?

A SharePoint administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining SharePoint environments within an organization. Their primary role is to ensure that the platform is functioning efficiently and effectively, and that it meets the needs of the organization and its users.

Some of the key responsibilities of a SharePoint administrator include:

1. Installation and configuration: The SharePoint administrator is responsible for installing and configuring SharePoint on-premises or in the cloud. This includes setting up user accounts, permissions, security settings, and other configurations necessary to ensure that the platform is functioning correctly.
2. Site management: The SharePoint administrator manages sites within the platform, including creating new sites, managing site collections, and setting up workflows.
3. Content management: The SharePoint administrator ensures that content within the platform is organized and easily accessible to users. They may also be responsible for setting up content types, metadata, and other features that help users find what they need quickly.
4. Security management: The SharePoint administrator manages security settings within the platform to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information.
5. Troubleshooting: When issues arise with the platform, such as performance problems or errors, the SharePoint administrator troubleshoots these issues to identify their cause and implement solutions.
6. Training and support: The SharePoint administrator provides training to users on how to use the platform effectively. They may also provide ongoing support to users who have questions or need assistance with using specific features or functions within the platform.

In summary, a SharePoint administrator plays a critical role in ensuring that an organization’s SharePoint environment is functioning correctly and meeting user needs. They are responsible for managing all aspects of the platform from installation through troubleshooting issues as they arise while providing ongoing training and support to users as needed.

What is the best SharePoint certification?

The best SharePoint certification depends on an individual’s career goals and experience level. Here are some of the most popular SharePoint certifications:

1. Microsoft Certified: SharePoint Administrator Associate – This certification is designed for individuals with experience in managing and configuring SharePoint environments. It requires passing the MS-301: Deploying SharePoint Server Hybrid exam.
2. Microsoft Certified: Teamwork Administrator Associate – This certification is designed for individuals who manage Office 365 workloads focused on efficient and effective collaboration and adoption. It requires passing the MS-300: Deploying Microsoft 365 Teamwork exam.
3. Microsoft Certified: Developer Associate – This certification is designed for individuals who develop custom solutions using SharePoint Framework, REST APIs, and other technologies. It requires passing the MS-600: Building Applications and Solutions with Microsoft 365 Core Services exam.
4. Microsoft Certified: Expert – This certification is designed for individuals who have advanced skills in designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-level solutions using SharePoint technologies. It requires passing two exams: MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services, and MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security.

Ultimately, the best SharePoint certification depends on an individual’s career goals, experience level, and job requirements. It’s essential to research each certification thoroughly before deciding which one to pursue to ensure it aligns with your career aspirations.

What are the levels of SharePoint admin?

SharePoint administration is a critical role in managing SharePoint environments, and there are different levels of SharePoint admin depending on the organization’s size and complexity. Here are the three primary levels of SharePoint admin:

1. Site Collection Administrator: This is the entry-level role for SharePoint administration. A Site Collection Administrator is responsible for managing a specific site collection within the SharePoint environment. They can create, configure, and manage sites, lists, libraries, and other features within their site collection.
2. Farm Administrator: A Farm Administrator has more extensive responsibilities than a Site Collection Administrator. They are responsible for managing the entire SharePoint farm, which includes multiple site collections and web applications. Their duties include configuring services, managing servers and databases, monitoring performance, and ensuring security.
3. SharePoint Architect: A SharePoint Architect is a senior-level role that requires extensive experience in designing and implementing complex SharePoint environments. They work closely with business stakeholders to understand their requirements and design solutions that meet their needs while adhering to best practices for scalability, performance, and security.

In addition to these primary levels of SharePoint admin, there may be other specialized roles within an organization’s IT team that focus on specific areas such as search configuration or content management. Regardless of the level or specialization, all SharePoint admins play a crucial role in ensuring that the organization’s collaboration platform runs smoothly and meets users’ needs.