ExamForce

So with looming Microsoft retooling of its certification program to the “New” MCSA and MCSE track many of us are feeling a little confused as to what exactly that means for the existing certifications or the one you may be currently working on. With that, here are 5 questions you may be asking yourself.

1) Will I retain my MCSA and MCSE certifications on Windows 2000
and/or 2003?

If you have an older MCSA/MCSE, it’ll still be reflected on your transcript under the modified recertification rule, which states that you will retain the certification on your record, BUT it will be “versioned” on your transcript.

What Microsoft Learning is now making mandatory however is that MCPs must recertify, and as one goes through the certification and recertification process, each version of the exams will be reflected on the transcript.

The bottom line is you can still say you’re an MCSA/MCSE, BUT your transcript will reflect how recent your certification is. You can bet there will be a time soon when the “HR filter” for a potential employer will want to see you’re familiar with recent technologies, so it may behoove you to recertify anyhow.

2) Can I still earn the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification and the MCITP:
Server Administrator certification?

• The short answer is Yes, the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification and the MCITP: Server Administrator certification will continue to be awarded until July 31, 2013. After July 31, 2013, these certifications will be discontinued, but the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification will remain in market.

3) I’m part way through my MCITP on Windows Server 2008. Should I finish it, or should I wait for the new exams to release for the MCSE certifications?

• If you are close to achieving an MCITP on Windows Server 2008, you may as well complete it. Remember by achieving multiple certifications, you show continued dedication to learning new skills and you increase your value to your organization.

4) Is the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification replacing the MCITP:
Server Administrator certification?

• No. At this time, if you pass Exams 640, 642, and 646 you will earn both the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification and the MCITP: Server Administrator certification. After July 31, 2013, the MCITP: Server Administrator certification will be discontinued, but the MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification will remain available.

5) Will there be an upgrade path from MCITP to the new MCSE?

• Yes, Microsoft Learning has an upgrade path from MCITP to the new MCSE: Data Platform or MCSE: Business Intelligence titles posted on their site here. For those moving from MCITP to the MCSE: Private Cloud, go here.

Considering today’s employers are more reluctant to pay for employee training or certification Microsoft Learning is also providing incentive for examiners. Always be on the lookout Special Offers at the Microsoft Learning site that can make paying for exams less stressful. Better yet, if you can take exams during the beta period — beta exams are free and just as valid as the live exams that you have to pay for.

-James Haun