The New Microsoft Certification Program

By Lisa Cooper


Microsoft is once again making significant changes to its IT training certification program. Whilst these changes are supposed to make the Microsoft certification program easier to use, there are a few drawbacks involved and anyone who has or is thinking about getting Microsoft training need to be aware of how the program is evolving. It should also be noted that professionals who have already got Microsoft certifications should also be knowledgeable of these new improvements, as they will have an impact upon a few Microsoft certificates.

What Improvements Will Be Made?

Microsoft is phasing out both the MCITP title and also the MCTS title. These certifications are going to be replaced by the MCSE and MCSA titles, which happen to be the titles that Microsoft had been actually utilizing for the longest period.

Even so, Microsoft is doing a lot more than only changing the names around. It is also decreasing its rating for the MCITP title, defining it as comparable to the MCSA title but not to the MCSE title, which is generally thought of as the superior form of Microsoft certification.

Microsoft is once more making re-certification a requisite for those who wish to keep the new MCSE or MCSD title. While this is a requirement that angered several certification holders when Microsoft initially attempted to introduce it, a lot of people are beginning to realize that continuous, rapid changes in the technology world make it impossible for a person to continue to hold to the same level of qualification without on-going training. MCSE certifications will need to be renewed every 3 years and MCSD certifications every 2 years. MCSA certifications will have no re-certification requirements.

Why the Modifications?

Microsoft's MCITP and MCTS titles weren't received well by either certificate trainees or all those that were trying to employ graduates from Microsoft's certification program. Lots of businesses were and are still not technically savvy and therefore failed to comprehend the differences between Microsoft's new certifications types and the company's old ones. This made it challenging for individuals who were looking for a job, as these individuals needed to explain to prospective employers what the new types of certification meant and why they were as valid as the old ones.

Another reason why the initial program change was not well accepted is the fact that Microsoft said that the new certificates would have to be routinely renewed. However, the company was unclear regarding exactly what needed to be done to acquire certificate renewal and when the certificates would expire. Obviously, this approach created a great deal of uncertainty for individuals who were thinking about getting started with the Microsoft training program.

Tips On How To Upgrade Existing Certificates

Practically all new MCSE, MCSD and MCSA certification tracks provide special upgrade exams. These exams center on testing the know-how of the student on the new and changed functionalities of a new technology edition. The requirement for these particular upgrade exams is always one or more valid MCTS or MCITP certifications. Furthermore, should you currently hold a MCITP certification for Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 you will automatically be given a corresponding MCSA certification.

What Are The Advantages Involved in Upgrading a Microsoft Certification?

Given that Microsoft has just recently changed the certification rules, it isn't essential for someone to instantly upgrade his or her certification. There are lots of companies who are more than happy to employ a person with either a MCITP or MCTS certification, particularly if this individual has experience and can show that he or she is staying up-to-date with new developments associated with his or her type of work.

However, down the road it will be good for people to have new upgraded certifications that represent Microsoft's new systems and technologies. Even though it may require some time and your money to acquire a new certification, it truly is well worth the effort. Furthermore, the skills obtained under Microsoft's previous program do count for something and can be put towards the study requirements for the new type of official certifications (by means of special upgrade examinations). The necessity to upgrade present certifications will get more urgent when companies start using the newer Microsoft technology versions (eg. Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 etcetera).

Microsoft's new certification system has alarmed some people that are thinking about taking a Microsoft training course or have already taken such a training course. Although the changes are not small or light in nature, they are generally beneficial and in the long run will help to properly represent exactly how much training and expertise an individual has in any given subject of IT. Anyone who is at present taking a Microsoft training course for one of the more modern technologies will already be using the brand new program and thus have nothing to worry about. Simultaneously, those who have old(er) certificates (or what is now referred to as legacy certification) are able to keep utilizing their old certifications with no problems, although at some point transitioning to a newer certification is unquestionably highly recommended.




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