Are you certifiable? There's a new generation of Microsoft Certifications!

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Certified IT Pro

New Microsoft Certifications!

That’s right!  Microsoft is changing the certification program.

“Huh? I’m an MCSE! Why are they changing things?”

I’m an MCSE, too.  But what are your specialties?  You’re obviously an IT Professional.  You’re not a developer (or perhaps you are), but other than that, what do you do, really? 

If you’re certified on a particular technology, let’s call you a Microsoft Certified Techology Specialist. 

If you’ve proven that you’ve mastered several techologies relating to being an IT Professional, then let’s call you a Microsoft Certified IT Professional . 

If you’re a developer (and you know who you are), maybe you should/could be a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer .

And if you’re even more skilled than that, and if you can stand before a panel of experts and actually answer some tough questions about IT Architecture (whether IT Pro or Developer), we’ll call you a Microsoft Certified Architect .

New Certification Heirarchy

Here are some more reasons – straight out of an internal email that was forwarded to me:

Increased Value through Relevance, Efficiency, and Alignment

Today’s announcement marks a milestone toward the increased value of our certification program and its positive influence on deployment and satisfaction with Microsoft.

  • More relevant: aligned with expertise on technology, job roles, and usage scenarios
  • Easier to distinguish: three simple series of credentials; clear logos and branding
  • More targeted: shorter, cost-effective exam paths that are more focused and rigorous 
  • Outstanding return on customer investment: straightforward exam and upgrade paths; continued recognition of old credentials
  • Tightly aligned with the business: redefined certification requirements in the Microsoft Partner Program and deep collaboration with the Visual Studio and SQL Server BGs; similar partnerships are in development for BizTalk Server, Office, Vista, Exchange, and beyond.

Here’s the press release about it all.  And the best information about certifications, as always, is found at the “mcp” page of the Microsoft Learning site.

Questions?  Concerns?  Comments?  Give me a comment, or contact me.