New Generation of Microsoft Certifications

New Generation of Microsoft Certifications

On the October 25th 2005 Microsoft has announced a new generation of certifications that are more specific and targeted to reflect the detail of what professionals do, and to prove their expertise. The new generation of certifications is designed to reflect today’s business landscape and the needs of people working in many diverse IT job roles.
Read more about the new certifications:
The New Generation of Microsoft Certifications
The new generation of certifications are made of 3 series:

The Technology Series: Proven Core Technical Skills on Microsoft Technologies

The Technology Series certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of and expertise in the broad range of technologies with which they work. Microsoft Technology Specialists are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology.
The Technology Series certifications:

• Typically consist of one to three exams.
• Are focused on a key Microsoft product or technology.
• Do not include job-role skills.
• Will be retired when mainstream product support for the particular technology expires.

The Professional Series: Professional Skills and a Proven Ability to Perform on the Job

Professional Series credentials validate a comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job. These skills include design, project management, operations management, and planning, and they are contextual to the job role. By validating a more comprehensive set of skills, these credentials give candidates and their hiring managers a reliable indicator of on-the-job performance.
The Professional Series certifications:

• Typically consist of one to three exams.
• Have one or more prerequisites from the Technology Series.
• Are focused on single job role.
• Require recertification to maintain active status.

The Architect Series: Exemplary Business IT Skills and a Proven Ability to Deliver Business Solutions

The Microsoft Certified Architect Program identifies top industry experts in IT architecture. These prestigious professionals have a minimum of 10 years of advanced IT industry experience, have 3 or more years of experience as a practicing architect, possess strong technical and managerial skills, and form an elite community. Unlike other industry certifications, this credential was built and is granted by the architect community. Candidates must pass a rigorous review by the Review Board, which is made up of previously certified peer architects.
The Architect Series certifications:

• Have a rigorous and competitive entry process.
• Require the candidate to work closely with a mentor who is a Microsoft Certified Architect.
• Culminate in an oral review in front of previously certified architects.
• Require recertification.

What happens to existing certification holders?

Microsoft states that current certifications will not expire. Professionals who hold any currently recognized Microsoft certification do not need to renew their credentials. Your current credentials will be recognized as long as they are in demand, and they will continue to be supported by Microsoft. Microsoft continues to recognize the following certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows 2000
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator on Microsoft SQL Server 2000
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer for Microsoft .NET
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer on .NET
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
• Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
• Microsoft Certified Professional + Site Building
• Microsoft Certified Professional

Microsoft also continues to recognize its specializations in Messaging and Security for the MCSA and MCSE certifications.

What about the Vista/Longhorn certifications? Will I be able to upgrade my current certification?

When Microsoft releases the next version of the Windows client and server products, the new credentials will follow the new structure, with a Technology and Professional series. MCSEs, MCSAs, and MCDSTs will be offered an upgrade path to the new credentials.

Related articles

You may find these related articles of interest to you:

• Certification Requirements
• MCAP Certification – More Info
• Microsoft Action Pack Subscription – What it is and Why you Need it!
• Microsoft Certifications
• Paper MCSE
• Studying Tips

Links

The New Generation of Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft Next Generation of Certifications: Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft Certifications for IT Professionals