Saturday, April 20, 2013
A Look At The Newly Designed Microsoft Certification Program
By Edward Curtis
Microsoft is yet again making substantial modifications to its IT training certification program. While these changes are meant to make the Microsoft certification program easier to use, there are a few disadvantages involved and whoever has or is considering getting Microsoft training should pay attention to how the program is evolving. It should also be noted that professionals who have already got Microsoft certifications must also be alert to these new modifications, since they have an impact upon a few Microsoft certificates.
What Modifications Will Be Made?
Microsoft is phasing out both of the MCITP title as well as the MCTS title. These particular certifications shall be replaced by the MCSE and MCSA titles, which happen to be the titles that Microsoft was originally using for the longest time.
Even so, Microsoft is doing much more than merely changing the names around. Also, it is lowering its standing for the MCITP title, rendering it equal to the MCSA title and not to the MCSE title, which is generally viewed as the premium form of Microsoft qualification.
Microsoft is once more making re-certification a requirement for people who wish to keep the new MCSE or MCSD title. Although this is a requirement that angered many certification holders when Microsoft initially attempted to introduce it, more and more people are beginning to realize that continuous, rapid changes in the computer world make it impossible for an individual to continue to hold to the same level of qualification with no ongoing training. MCSE certifications will have to be renewed every 3 years and MCSD certifications every 2 years. MCSA certifications are going to have no re-certification requirements.
Why the Changes?
Microsoft's MCITP and MCTS titles were not well accepted by either certificate students or those who were trying to hire graduates from Microsoft's certification program. Lots of recruiters were and are still not technically savvy and therefore did not 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 every bit as appropriate as the old ones.
One other reason why the initial program change was not well received is the fact that Microsoft said that the new certificates would have to be periodically renewed. However, the company was vague regarding what needed to be accomplished to acquire certificate renewal and even when the certificates would reach their expiration date. Naturally, this approach created a great deal of uncertainty for those who were thinking about getting started with the Microsoft training program.
Tips On How To Upgrade Current Certificates
Practically all new MCSE, MCSD and MCSA certification tracks provide special upgrade exams. These examinations concentrate on testing the know-how of a student on the new and changed features of a new technology edition. The requirement for these upgrade exams is always one or more valid MCTS or MCITP certifications. Besides, should you presently hold a MCITP certification for Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 you will automatically obtain a corresponding MCSA certification.
Are There Any Benefits Involved in Upgrading a Microsoft Certificate?
Given that Microsoft just recently changed the certification rules, it isn't essential for anyone to right away upgrade his or her certification. There are numerous organisations that are more than happy to hire a person with either a MCITP or MCTS certification, especially if this person has experience and can demonstrate that he or she is staying current with new developments associated with his or her line of work.
Even so, sometime soon it becomes good for an individual to have new upgraded certifications that represent Microsoft's new systems and technologies. Whilst it might require some time and your money to obtain a new certification, it will be well worth the effort. Additionally, the skills obtained under Microsoft's past program do count for something and can be put towards the study requirements for the new kind of accreditation (by way of special upgrade exams). The necessity to upgrade current certifications will become more urgent when enterprises begin using the more modern Microsoft technology versions (eg. Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 etc).
Microsoft's new certification program has worried some individuals who are thinking of taking a Microsoft training course or have by now taken such a training course. Whilst the changes are not small or light in nature, they will be generally advantageous and in the long run will help to correctly reflect just how much training and expertise a person has in any given subject of IT. Any person who is at present taking a Microsoft training course for one of the more modern technology versions will already be using the new program and for that reason have nothing to be concerned about. At the same time, anyone who has old(er) certificates (or what is now known as legacy certification) can keep using their old certifications without any problems, despite the fact that ultimately switching over to a current certification is unquestionably highly recommended.
What Modifications Will Be Made?
Microsoft is phasing out both of the MCITP title as well as the MCTS title. These particular certifications shall be replaced by the MCSE and MCSA titles, which happen to be the titles that Microsoft was originally using for the longest time.
Even so, Microsoft is doing much more than merely changing the names around. Also, it is lowering its standing for the MCITP title, rendering it equal to the MCSA title and not to the MCSE title, which is generally viewed as the premium form of Microsoft qualification.
Microsoft is once more making re-certification a requirement for people who wish to keep the new MCSE or MCSD title. Although this is a requirement that angered many certification holders when Microsoft initially attempted to introduce it, more and more people are beginning to realize that continuous, rapid changes in the computer world make it impossible for an individual to continue to hold to the same level of qualification with no ongoing training. MCSE certifications will have to be renewed every 3 years and MCSD certifications every 2 years. MCSA certifications are going to have no re-certification requirements.
Why the Changes?
Microsoft's MCITP and MCTS titles were not well accepted by either certificate students or those who were trying to hire graduates from Microsoft's certification program. Lots of recruiters were and are still not technically savvy and therefore did not 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 every bit as appropriate as the old ones.
One other reason why the initial program change was not well received is the fact that Microsoft said that the new certificates would have to be periodically renewed. However, the company was vague regarding what needed to be accomplished to acquire certificate renewal and even when the certificates would reach their expiration date. Naturally, this approach created a great deal of uncertainty for those who were thinking about getting started with the Microsoft training program.
Tips On How To Upgrade Current Certificates
Practically all new MCSE, MCSD and MCSA certification tracks provide special upgrade exams. These examinations concentrate on testing the know-how of a student on the new and changed features of a new technology edition. The requirement for these upgrade exams is always one or more valid MCTS or MCITP certifications. Besides, should you presently hold a MCITP certification for Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 you will automatically obtain a corresponding MCSA certification.
Are There Any Benefits Involved in Upgrading a Microsoft Certificate?
Given that Microsoft just recently changed the certification rules, it isn't essential for anyone to right away upgrade his or her certification. There are numerous organisations that are more than happy to hire a person with either a MCITP or MCTS certification, especially if this person has experience and can demonstrate that he or she is staying current with new developments associated with his or her line of work.
Even so, sometime soon it becomes good for an individual to have new upgraded certifications that represent Microsoft's new systems and technologies. Whilst it might require some time and your money to obtain a new certification, it will be well worth the effort. Additionally, the skills obtained under Microsoft's past program do count for something and can be put towards the study requirements for the new kind of accreditation (by way of special upgrade exams). The necessity to upgrade current certifications will become more urgent when enterprises begin using the more modern Microsoft technology versions (eg. Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 etc).
Microsoft's new certification program has worried some individuals who are thinking of taking a Microsoft training course or have by now taken such a training course. Whilst the changes are not small or light in nature, they will be generally advantageous and in the long run will help to correctly reflect just how much training and expertise a person has in any given subject of IT. Any person who is at present taking a Microsoft training course for one of the more modern technology versions will already be using the new program and for that reason have nothing to be concerned about. At the same time, anyone who has old(er) certificates (or what is now known as legacy certification) can keep using their old certifications without any problems, despite the fact that ultimately switching over to a current certification is unquestionably highly recommended.
About the Author:
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