* Microsoft launches new certification path based around skills and products
If last week’s newsletter about upcoming changes to Microsoft certifications got you wondering about the future of your Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, Microsoft wants to assure you that those designations will remain relevant for the foreseeable future. But do expect new certification formats as Microsoft begins shipping new products, including Vista and Longhorn.
On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled a new certification path that marries skills credentials based around specific products with three tiers of Microsoft certifications. The idea is that IT execs can be certified as skilled in using a particular Microsoft product at either an entry-level position (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist), a professional level (Microsoft Certified IT Professional and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer), or if appropriate for the product, at the high-end architect level (Microsoft Certified Architect).
“The new framework focuses on technologies and job roles enabling individuals to be certified on a technology,” said Al Valvano, director of Microsoft certifications.”
The first products in which IT execs can be certified in at either or both Technology Specialist and Professional levels are Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005 and BizTalk Server 2006. Certifications for Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005 will be available in early 2006. Details about the certification for BizTalk Server 2006 will be announced at the product’s launch on Nov. 7, Microsoft said.
Each product will have different levels of credentials depending on whether they are credentials for Technology Specialists or Professionals. For instance, there are four credentials for SQL Server 2005: one for the Technology Specialist designation and three for the Professional designation (enterprise database administrator, database developer and business intelligence developer). A Technology Specialist is proficient at using the software, while a Professional is able to show that he knows how to apply the technology, integrate it and when best to use it, Valvano said.
The certification process starts with a free online assessment to determine a candidate’s skills level and a customized learning plan is provided that directs candidates to specific resources, Microsoft said. In the next six months, a slew of new materials, such as books and courses, will be available to help candidates prepare for certifications, Microsoft added.
Valvano said the new framework helps to reflect the full career lifecycle of an IT pro, and hiring managers can be specific as to the level of proficiency they want for a particular technology.
He also said it should take less time to achieve certification. For example, IT pros have to take seven exams to achieve MCSE status, while it takes between one and three exams to achieve the Technology Specialist status and an additional one to three exams to achieve the Professional designation. And some of these exams could count as electives for MCSE status, Valvano said.
Valvano urged MCSE and MCSA professionals to consider getting certified under this new program for new products, such as BizTalk Server 2006 and Exchange 12, as they are released rather than wait to cram everything in when Vista or Longhorn appear. Exams are available typically between four to six weeks after the exams are beta tested. The beta of exams usually coincide with product shipments, Valvano added. As products, Vista is expected in the second half of 2006, while Longhorn is due in 2007.
More information about Microsoft’s latest certifications can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp .
I’d be interested in your thoughts about Microsoft’s changes to its certifications. Do you think this framework is better than it is now, and do you think it will help you in your career? Drop me a line at mailto:lleung@nww.com.
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