Microsoft is yet again making major modifications to its IT training certification program. Despite the fact that these changes are meant to make the Microsoft certification program much easier to use, there are some drawbacks involved and whoever has or is thinking about getting Microsoft training ought to be aware of just how the program is changing. It should also be pointed out that those who have already got Microsoft certifications also need to be familiar with these new modifications, as they do have an impact upon some Microsoft certificates.
What Improvements Are Going To Be Made?
Microsoft will be phasing out both of the MCITP title plus the MCTS title. These certifications shall be substituted with the MCSE and MCSA titles, which had been the titles that Microsoft had been actually utilizing for the longest period.
However, Microsoft is doing a lot more than just changing the names around. It is also reducing its standing for the MCITP title, rendering it comparable to the MCSA title and not to the MCSE title, which is generally regarded as the superior form of Microsoft certification.
Microsoft is yet again making re-certification required for those who want to keep the new MCSE or MCSD certification. While this is a requirement which angered lots of certification holders when Microsoft initially attempted to introduce it, many people are coming to realize that continuous, rapid changes in the technology world make it impossible for someone to continue to hold to the same level of certification without regular education. 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 Changes?
Microsoft's MCITP and MCTS titles weren't received well by either certificate students or those who were looking to employ graduates from Microsoft's certification program. Many companies were and are still not technologically savvy and thus failed to understand the differences between Microsoft's new certifications forms and the company's old ones. This caused it to be challenging for those who were searching for a job, since these individuals were forced to explain to possible employers just what the new types of certification meant and why they were every bit as valid as the old ones.
One more reason why the initial program change was not appreciated is the fact that Microsoft stated that the new certificates would have to be routinely renewed. However, the company was vague regarding precisely what would have to be accomplished to achieve certificate renewal and when the certificates would expire. Obviously, this created a large amount of uncertainty for those that were thinking of signing up for the Microsoft training program.
The Way To Upgrade Current Certificates
Practically all new MCSE, MCSD and MCSA certification tracks provide special upgrade examinations. These exams concentrate on testing the know-how of a student on the new and changed features of a new technology version. The requirement of these upgrade exams is always one or more valid MCTS or MCITP certifications. Furthermore, if you currently hold a MCITP certification for Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 you can expect to automatically obtain a corresponding MCSA certification.
What Are The Advantages Associated with Upgrading a Microsoft Certificate?
Given that Microsoft has just recently changed the certification rules, it is not imperative for anyone to right away upgrade his or her certification. There are plenty of companies that are more than happy to hire a person with either a MCITP or MCTS certification, especially if this person has experience and can show that he or she is staying up-to-date with new developments associated with his or her line of work.
Having said that, sometime soon it would be beneficial for a person to have new upgraded certifications that reflect Microsoft's new standards and technologies. Whilst it may require some time and cash to acquire a new certification, it will be well worth the effort. Additionally, the skills accumulated under Microsoft's previous program do count for something and can be put towards the study requirements for the new form of accreditation (by way of special upgrade examinations). The need to upgrade current certifications will become more urgent when businesses begin to use the newer Microsoft technology versions (eg. Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 and so on).
Microsoft's new certification program has worried some individuals that are thinking about taking a Microsoft training course or have by now taken this type of course. Whilst the changes are not small or light in nature, they are surely generally beneficial and in the long run will help to correctly represent the level of training and expertise one has in any given area of IT. Any person who is at this time taking a Microsoft course for one of the more recent technologies will already be using the brand new program and thus have nothing to be concerned about. Simultaneously, anyone who has old(er) certificates (or what is now named legacy certification) are able to keep utilizing their old certifications without any problems, although ultimately switching over to a current certification is unquestionably highly recommended.
What Improvements Are Going To Be Made?
Microsoft will be phasing out both of the MCITP title plus the MCTS title. These certifications shall be substituted with the MCSE and MCSA titles, which had been the titles that Microsoft had been actually utilizing for the longest period.
However, Microsoft is doing a lot more than just changing the names around. It is also reducing its standing for the MCITP title, rendering it comparable to the MCSA title and not to the MCSE title, which is generally regarded as the superior form of Microsoft certification.
Microsoft is yet again making re-certification required for those who want to keep the new MCSE or MCSD certification. While this is a requirement which angered lots of certification holders when Microsoft initially attempted to introduce it, many people are coming to realize that continuous, rapid changes in the technology world make it impossible for someone to continue to hold to the same level of certification without regular education. 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 Changes?
Microsoft's MCITP and MCTS titles weren't received well by either certificate students or those who were looking to employ graduates from Microsoft's certification program. Many companies were and are still not technologically savvy and thus failed to understand the differences between Microsoft's new certifications forms and the company's old ones. This caused it to be challenging for those who were searching for a job, since these individuals were forced to explain to possible employers just what the new types of certification meant and why they were every bit as valid as the old ones.
One more reason why the initial program change was not appreciated is the fact that Microsoft stated that the new certificates would have to be routinely renewed. However, the company was vague regarding precisely what would have to be accomplished to achieve certificate renewal and when the certificates would expire. Obviously, this created a large amount of uncertainty for those that were thinking of signing up for the Microsoft training program.
The Way To Upgrade Current Certificates
Practically all new MCSE, MCSD and MCSA certification tracks provide special upgrade examinations. These exams concentrate on testing the know-how of a student on the new and changed features of a new technology version. The requirement of these upgrade exams is always one or more valid MCTS or MCITP certifications. Furthermore, if you currently hold a MCITP certification for Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 you can expect to automatically obtain a corresponding MCSA certification.
What Are The Advantages Associated with Upgrading a Microsoft Certificate?
Given that Microsoft has just recently changed the certification rules, it is not imperative for anyone to right away upgrade his or her certification. There are plenty of companies that are more than happy to hire a person with either a MCITP or MCTS certification, especially if this person has experience and can show that he or she is staying up-to-date with new developments associated with his or her line of work.
Having said that, sometime soon it would be beneficial for a person to have new upgraded certifications that reflect Microsoft's new standards and technologies. Whilst it may require some time and cash to acquire a new certification, it will be well worth the effort. Additionally, the skills accumulated under Microsoft's previous program do count for something and can be put towards the study requirements for the new form of accreditation (by way of special upgrade examinations). The need to upgrade current certifications will become more urgent when businesses begin to use the newer Microsoft technology versions (eg. Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 and so on).
Microsoft's new certification program has worried some individuals that are thinking about taking a Microsoft training course or have by now taken this type of course. Whilst the changes are not small or light in nature, they are surely generally beneficial and in the long run will help to correctly represent the level of training and expertise one has in any given area of IT. Any person who is at this time taking a Microsoft course for one of the more recent technologies will already be using the brand new program and thus have nothing to be concerned about. Simultaneously, anyone who has old(er) certificates (or what is now named legacy certification) are able to keep utilizing their old certifications without any problems, although ultimately switching over to a current certification is unquestionably highly recommended.
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