New Microsoft Certifications

[mendhak]

I just got this email and thought I'd share it. Perhaps those of you considering MCSDs for 1.1 might want to rethink that.

Dear Microsoft Certified Professional:

You already know about the newest versions of Microsoft® SQL Server™, Microsoft Visual Studio®, and Microsoft BizTalk® Server. We'd also like you to know that we're complementing these new products by introducing new Microsoft Certifications.

Consisting of four credentials in three series, the new generation of Microsoft Certifications provides IT managers with a simpler and more targeted framework to validate your skills. Better yet, they give you a tool to showcase your skills in a more relevant, more flexible, and more cost-effective way. And, as Microsoft releases new products, we'll introduce additional certifications.

The enhancements to Microsoft Certifications are based on extensive customer feedback and research. However, it's important to note that the hard work you've done in the past will continue to be recognized—Microsoft Certified Professionals will not be required to renew their current credentials, and your current credentials will remain valid. What's more, MCDBAs, MCADs and MCSDs on Visual Studio .NET enjoy straightforward upgrade paths for achieving new Microsoft Certifications in early 2006.

Microsoft Certified Professionals are a key component of the Microsoft family. During the last twelve years, over three million Microsoft Certifications have been issued—making this the largest certification program in the IT industry. The goal of this new program is simply to improve the value of your certification—for you as well as for the IT and hiring managers who rely on them.

To learn more, please read the informative FAQ at www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/newgen/faq or visit the new generation of Microsoft Certification website at www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/newgen.

[RobDog888]

Yes, I read that in my email that I got on Monday too. This means that they are going to make it a very hard and grueling process to get thte new certifications. You have to pass a rigorous review by a "Review Board", which is made up of previously certified peer architects, have 10+ years working experience, have 3 or more years of experience as a practicing architect, possess strong technical and managerial skills, and form an elite community.

Plus, you have to renew your certification but I dont know what the interval is.

[mendhak]

10 years.... I'm still too young for this. I've only got 2 years. By that time VS may no longer exist.

[RobDog888]

But its 10 years for the Architect level. You could go for the MCTS which I think is the new equilivalent of an MCP as it only takes 2 exams and no minimum years of experience needed.

[kaihirst]

Microsoft being complete arse*oles on the matter of qualifitactions again!!! however, in a small case they are tryig to restore the balance and prestigousness of these qualifications as you can get them from any fly by night tuition centre.

so I agree with them as I took them when they actaully meant something and were a hightly regarded certification.

so I partially agree with them, but for all the younger developers (im only 27!! adn sounding like my dad!!) who are wanting qualifiacation to progreess tehm is not a good position to be in.

good and bad...

[dRAMmer]

I actually like what MS did. I've always wanted to have my skills on database programming tested, not just by experience as we all know that if someone doesn't have the skills in his current position then he/she can bid goodbye to his/her employer, I mentioned that just imply that I'm doing fine with my job. Again I wanted to know how i am doing it the MS way. But I don't really wanted to be a DBA (not yet) and I was glad that the new "breed" of MS certifications are targeted to a more specific technology or job position.

[RobDog888]

Do you guys think there will be a rush to get the MCAD and MCSD before they retire them since it looks like it much harder to get the new MCTS?

[mendhak]

I don't think so. The last thing they want is something like the Paris Revolutions on their hands