New Microsoft certification plans announced

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Here I am, partway through the exams for the MCSA, and we announce "a new generation of Microsoft certifications". I click frantically through the FAQ, trying to find out if my efforts have been wasted. Then, a sigh of relief -- I'm not wasting my time and should continue along this track to complete the MCSA.

So, now that I've been reassured that current certifications are still valid and recognized, these new plans actually look quite interesting. To quote, from the FAQ:

"The program introduces three series of credentials:

  • Technology Specialist (MCTS): This series validates core technology and product skills, such as how-to or implementation skills.
  • IT Professional and Professional Developer (MCITP and MCPD): This series validates specific job-role skills outside of core technology, such as operational processes and procedures, and analyzing business problems.
  • Architect (MCA): This series validates the skills required to successfully impact business IT. These include technical breadth, technical depth, communication, strategy, organizational politics, process, and leadership."

The first credentials and certifications to become available are SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, and BizTalk Server 2006. For Windows folks, "When Microsoft releases the next version of the Windows client and server products, the new credentials will follow the new structure, with a Technology and Professional series. MCSEs, MCSAs, and MCDSTs will be offered an upgrade path to the new credentials."

I found this Q&A interesting also:

"Do the job-role certifications cover only Microsoft technologies?
No. Although Microsoft technologies will remain the primary focus, we recognize that our technologies are often used in heterogeneous environments. The Professional Series credentials require candidates to understand core job concepts and have the ability to work across multiple environments, while focusing mainly on Microsoft technologies."

The more I read on it, the more promising this sounds.