The reinvention of the MCSE has spawned a number of questions and concerns. I have spent a lot of time researching as much information as possible on this, and have had multiple discussions with the Microsoft Learning team to make sure that we’re sharing the most correct, up-to-date information with you. If you’re confused about the new MCSE or have questions, keep reading.
The New MCSE & MCSA Certifications
Here is what we know:
- All existing Windows Server 2008 MCITP: Server Administrators and MCITP: Enterprise Administrators have been granted the new MCSA certification for Windows Server 2008.
- The Windows Server 2008 MCSA is a requirement to achieve the new MCSE: Private Cloud certification.
- The MCSE: Private Cloud certification is the only MCSE certification which will be associated with Windows Server 2008.
- MCITP: Enterprise Administrator will remain the premier certification for Windows Server 2008.
Here is what there still seems to be some question about:
What exactly is the new recertification process?
- According to a historically reliable source at Microsoft, the new MCSA certifications will NOT have to recertify because they are product specific.
- According to the same source, the new MCSE certifications will have to recertify every 3 years, but they are looking to simplify the recertification process.
- The explanation for creating the 3 year recertification is that the new MCSE is not designed to be “product specific” and Microsoft sees the industry moving to a cloud based model where software and services are updated frequently.
Will Microsoft have a lineup of MCSEs?
- Microsoft claims to have an entire lineup of MCSEs which will be release in the near future.
- Many people seem to be complaining that there is not a premier level certification which is product based for the upcoming Windows Server 2012.
- Microsoft representatives are asking us to stay tuned; they believe that IT pros will all be very satisfied with the MCSEs they are going to release based on Windows Server 2012.
How will the new MCSE certifications affect my current certification path?
- Anyone still working toward their Windows Server 2003 MCSA and/or MCSE can continue to do so keeping in mind that the exams will be retired soon. This is not new. This was going to happen anyway with the release of Windows Server 2012.
- Anyone still working toward their Windows Server 2008 MCTS and/or MCITP can continue to do so. The only issue here is that it seems like these exams may be retired sooner than expected so don’t waste time, finish up your certifications on Windows Server 2008 as soon as possible.
- The other benefit of continuing the pursuit of MCITP in Windows Server 2008 is that it will automatically give you a clear upgrade path to the new MCSE.
Making Sense of It All
Now here’s my current overall opinion about the new certification program and how I think IT professionals should be approaching it. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am very excited about the return of the clearly branded MCSA and MCSE certifications. If anything, I think Microsoft should have brought it back sooner. I like the fact that Microsoft has included the MCSA in the Windows Server 2008 lineup, but wish they would have come up with a better MCSE solution on Windows Server 2008 than the Private Cloud certification. Microsoft is taking a very strong stand toward being “all in” when it comes to cloud computing, but forcing the issue on a Windows Server 2008 platform which is not being used primarily as a cloud based solution is not appropriate in my opinion.
That said, I think it is premature for us all to be jumping down Microsoft’s throat about these changes. I think that over the next few weeks we will begin to see the dust settle and questions will all be answered. I also think that the release of Windows Server 2012 will allow Microsoft the opportunity to really show us what the future of their certification program has to offer. Microsoft’s certification program has been around and very successful for 20 years now, and that doesn’t happen by accident. I see no reason to believe it is going anywhere. Yes, I’m sure there will continue to be hiccups along the way, but Microsoft takes their certification program very seriously and will make sure it continues to succeed for many years to come.
If you are currently working toward a Microsoft certification then my clear advice is that you continue to stay the course and essentially pretend that nothing has changed. I have seen many of these types of revisions to certification programs and this is the same advice that I have always given throughout the years. I have never had a single student come back and tell me that they regretted continuing their quest toward certification. Certification has played a huge role in the correct placement of IT professionals in their careers and I don’t see that changing any time soon, even with the introduction of the new MCSE.
Please keep the questions coming. I will follow up with more information as it becomes available.