The New Microsoft Certification Program Explained

By Susan Tucker


Microsoft is once again making significant modifications to its IT training certification program. Whilst these changes are designed to make the Microsoft certification program easier to use, there are some disadvantages involved and anyone who has or is looking at getting Microsoft training ought to be aware of how the program is changing. It should also be noted that those who already have Microsoft certifications must also be knowledgeable of these new improvements, since they do have an impact on some Microsoft certificates.

Just what Changes Will Be Made?

Microsoft is phasing out both of the MCITP title and the MCTS title. These certifications will be substituted with the MCSE and MCSA titles, which were the titles that Microsoft had been formerly using for the longest time.

Even so, Microsoft does a lot more than only changing the names around. It is also decreasing its standing for the MCITP title, rendering it equivalent to the MCSA title and not to the MCSE title, which is widely regarded as the premium form of Microsoft accreditation.

Microsoft is once more making re-certification a requisite for those who wish to retain the new MCSE or MCSD title. Although this is a requirement that angered several certificate holders when Microsoft initially attempted to introduce it, a lot of people are coming to realize that ongoing, rapid changes in the computer world make it extremely hard 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 have no re-certification requirements.

Why the Changes?

Microsoft's MCITP and MCTS titles weren't received well by either certificate trainees or those who were trying to hire graduates from Microsoft's certification program. Lots of companies were and are still not computer savvy and therefore failed to understand the differences between Microsoft's new certifications types and the company's old ones. This meant it was difficult for individuals who were looking for a job, since these individuals needed to explain to possible employers what the new types of certification meant and why they were just as valid as the old ones.

One other reason why the initial program change was not appreciated is the fact that Microsoft said that the new certificates would have to be periodically renewed. However, the company was confusing regarding precisely what would have to be accomplished to achieve certificate renewal and also when the certificates would expire. Obviously, this created a large amount of uncertainty for those who were contemplating getting started with the Microsoft training program.

How to Upgrade Current Certificates

Practically all new MCSE, MCSD and MCSA certification tracks provide special upgrade examinations. These exams concentrate on evaluating the knowledge of the student on the new and changed functionalities of a new technology edition. The precondition for these upgrade exams is always one or more valid MCTS or MCITP certifications. Moreover, should you presently hold a MCITP certification for Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 you can expect to automatically receive a corresponding MCSA certification.

What Are The Advantages Associated with Upgrading a Microsoft Certification?

Because Microsoft just recently changed the certification rules, it isn't imperative for someone to right away upgrade his or her certification. There are many companies that are more than happy to hire a person with either a MCITP or MCTS certification, particularly if he or she has experience and can demonstrate that he or she is staying abreast of new developments related to his or her type of work.

Nonetheless, at some point it will be good for people to have new upgraded certifications that represent Microsoft's new systems and technologies. Although it might require some time and funds to secure a new certification, it really is well worth the effort. Additionally, the skills acquired under Microsoft's former program do count for something and can be put towards the study requirements for the new type of official certifications (through special upgrade examinations). The necessity to upgrade present certifications will become more urgent when businesses begin to use the more recent Microsoft technologies (eg. Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 etcetera).

Microsoft's new certification program has worried some individuals who have been thinking of taking a Microsoft training program or have already taken this type of study course. Whilst the changes are not small or light in nature, they are generally beneficial and in the long run will help to correctly represent the level of training and knowledge a person has in any given area of IT. Anyone that is at the moment taking a Microsoft course for one of the more recent technologies will already be using the new program and so have nothing to be concerned about. At the same time, individuals who have old(er) certificates (or what is now referred to as legacy certification) can keep utilizing their old certifications without any problems, whilst eventually transitioning to a newer certification is definitely advisable.




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