5) Why Now? Why Not Wait for Server 2012
In my opinion the fact that Microsoft brought the MCSA/MCSE back in between releases of Server is a major marketing blunder. I get it, SQL 2012 & System Center 2012 are released and soon to be released, and you wanted them in the new MCSE program. If that’s the case then announce the MCSA/MCSE is coming back and roll it out with all the new Servers Applications, exams and certifications instead of partially entwining it with the current versions and certifications that have existed for four years now. You have a great opportunity to start fresh, have a clean and clear certification progression pyramid, parades held in your honor by everyone dying to have the good old MCSE back, and instead you’ve got a lot of people scratching their heads. Could Microsoft have saved all this confusion if they had just left the current 2008 certifications alone?
4) Required Recertification
Technology changes so fast that sometimes I think we’re more prone to forge recent history in this field. Back in late 2009/early 2010 CompTIA announced they were going to require anyone who was A+, Network+, Security+ and the rest of their certs to recertify. The backlash was fast and furious. So much so that, on Jan 26, 2010, CompTIA restructured their plans giving not only all current certificate holders life time acknowledgement, but anyone getting certified before the end of the 2010 calendar year lifetime credit as well. This still took backlash, but settled the loudest voices against it.
Now Microsoft steps in and has MCSA/MCSE’s from 2000/2003 that can continue to state their status as a MCSA/MCSE for life, but anyone getting certified on the new solutions (possibly more valuable) has to recertify presumably every few years (this timeframe is yet to be announced.) Most enterprises I know skip at least one version of Server and server applications due to the tremendous deployment costs, testing, and training. That means that more than likely if I’m MCSE on Server 2012 that I will have to recertify 1-2 times while still maintaining the same product. Will I be allowed to take a lesser exam? Will I be forced to take an exam on an application I don’t administer? These questions don’t have answers yet, but hopefully Microsoft will present this info soon while actually considering use cases instead of ideals every time new software comes out.
3) MCSE isn’t Really MCSE anymore
The MCSE used to stand for Microsoft Certified System Engineer and was really an all-encompassing certification that included knowledge in administration, infrastructure design, security, and the Server Family (i.e. Exchange, ISA, etc…). Now, it’s currently shaping up to be nothing more than a candy coated shell over the MCITP.
The new MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert and you can be MCSE in different areas of expertise, starting off with Private Cloud and SQL Server 2012. Really, that is no different than the MCITP where you had to take multiple exams on a given product.
2) MCTS/MCITP Gaining Traction
It took almost 4 years, but the MCTS and MCITP certifications were finally gaining traction. Part of that traction was coming from the fact that people were finally migrating to newer server environments with Windows Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2, but mostly, as with any certification, there needs to be a critical mass of people certified on it for the popularity and value to grow. Companies aren’t going to start hiring people because they have the newest Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, or other certification. They are going to hire people who are talented in the areas they need help, which tend to be with the software they already have deployed. It’s only when they are ready to migrate that those new technologies and certs really gain value.
1) Confusion
Way to launch a half-baked product out into the market without a complete spec sheet. The whole announcement lacked clarity. How does the transition work? What should I get certified in now? Am I a MCITP or MCSE? Is this a new certification or a relabeled one? These are all questions that have come up in the days since Microsoft announced the new certification. As of the Microsoft Management Summit, people could already be getting the new MCSE Private Cloud certification, some MCITPs have received emails that they are now MCSAs, but still a clear direction of how the whole certification is going to shape out isn’t available.
In some people’s opinion, they didn’t remove or simplify the Microsoft Certification environment. They just relabeled and essentially added 3 new titles to those who pursue the certifications; Microsoft Certified Solutions: Associate, Expert, and Master (4 if you include the MCSD or Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer). Now you’re going to have people with resumes that could potentially contain MCSE (old), MCITP, and MCSE (new).
Then you add in the fact that the current 2008 exams are still the same. More confusion. If you were MCITP Server Administrator and took the 70-640, 70-642 and 70-646 previously you’ll be automatically converted to an MCSA, but if you were a MCITP Enterprise Admin (haven taken the 640, 642, 643, 647, and a client exam) you won’t become a MCSE unless you take two more exams covering System Center.
Huh?!? …Exactly, it’s not a very clear map, and is muddled with differences. Part of the reason some of the world’s most successful products are just that is simplicity. They aren’t everything to everyone and that’s a good thing. Hopefully Microsoft is taking a more agile approach with this and they’ll refine the new paths and certification as they prepare for a large amount of product revisions in the next 9 months (System Center 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Office 15 Servers).
Additionally, it’s not all bad. Make sure to check out 5 Successes in Microsoft bringing back the MCSE.