Generation of certifications

What is the new generation of certifications?

The new Microsoft certification program is designed to emphasize both the primary technology skill set and the job role of the individual. By focusing on core technical or professional skills, individuals can work toward a certification that meets their needs.
The program provides shorter certification paths that are targeted to specific job roles or technologies, so individuals can more quickly acquire relevant credentials to prove their expertise. Additionally, organizations can quickly ensure that IT professionals have the best skills for their projects. These shorter certification paths are also more cost-effective.
The new framework makes it easier for managers to distinguish candidates that meet specific job criteria. Fewer credentials and logos make it easier to understand qualifications while still offering the level of distinction that is needed to use certification as a recruiting tool.

The program introduces three series of credentials:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)

This series validates core technology and product skills, such as how-to or implementation skills.

•Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) & Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

This series validates specific job-role skills outside of the core technology, such as operational processes, operational procedures, and analyzing business problems.

•Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)

This series validates the skills that are required to affect business IT successfully. These skills include technical breadth, technical depth, communication, strategy, organizational politics, process, and leadership.

What does the new program mean to me?

The new program makes your certification path simpler and more targeted. The program allows you to choose a credential path as either Technology Specialist or Professional, and you will be able to display your specific skills directly on your certification logo.
The new program works in tandem with current credentials. Your current credentials will be recognized for as long as they are in demand. New lifecycle policies for MCTS, MCITP, and MCPD certifications help ensure that your Microsoft certification signifies that you have up-to-date, relevant skills on current Microsoft technologies.

What happens to my current certification?

Professionals who hold any currently recognized Microsoft certification do not need to renew their credentials. Your current credentials will be recognized as long as they are in demand, and they will continue to be supported by Microsoft.

Microsoft also continues to recognize specializations in Messaging and Security for the MCSA and MCSE certifications, with the exception of certifications that have already expired.

How long will it take to become certified?

The total time required to complete your certification will depend on how quickly you learn the new technologies and can pass the required exams. Generally, it will take less time to become certified because there are fewer exams to pass.

Why did Microsoft introduce the new certifications?

Microsoft is changing the certification program to better meet the needs of our customers. We heard from IT managers that the proliferation of credentials is making it more difficult to understand which credentials best meet the needs of their businesses. Individuals told us that they wanted to be able to distinguish themselves from other IT professionals. In response, we created a framework that keeps the number of credentials to a minimum while still allowing individuals to highlight specialization.

Why should I become certified?

Studies have shown that certified individuals realize many benefits. Among them are the following:

• Increased opportunities on the job. These opportunities range from salary and bonus increases to project involvement and promotion.

• Increased breadth of knowledge. Certification is a catalyst for learning new technologies in a structured and comprehensive way.

• Increased value to the organization. Organizations with 25 percent or more of their staff certified have been shown to deploy projects on time and within budget more often, rely less on external support, have less downtime, and have higher user satisfaction with their IT staff.

What is Microsoft doing to increase the value of certification?

Microsoft has focused on three ways to help increase the value of certification:

• Redesigning the program based on customer feedback to better address the needs of our customers.

• Adding performance-based testing to certification portfolios.

• Increasing the level of professional skills in the Professional Series exams.

Posted By: R.v.KirubaKaran
Microsoft Certified Professional