The New Microsoft IT Certifications

Having been in the IT industry for a good long time now, I was pretty familiar with the Microsoft Certifications. I'm also pretty familiar with the fact that they had a really bad reputation. So what is Microsoft doing to try and change that?

Well, for starters, they've really shaken up the old structure. If you're an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Engineer), then cherish your title, because MCSE is no more. Once that cert expires, it's gone. If you thought the 9 tests you had to take for MCSE was tough, wait until you read about the Master and Architect levels.

It's not just the high end that's getting the changes either. In the old days, if you passed any one test, then you earned your MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) certification. Now, there's a whole slew of titles that you can earn with one test a piece, under the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist titles.

The Low End

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist – (Microsoft’s Site) Considered part of the “Technology Series”. One test gets a highly specialized certification title. There are titles available in SQL Server, .NET Framework, BizTalk Server, Project Management, Live Communications Server, SharePoint, Windows Mobile, 3 different Windows Server 2008 titles, and two different Vista Titles.

Middle of the Road

The next level of certifications are what many consider the next generation of MCSE exams. They don't take as many tests as the MCSE did though, most of them can be achieved with around 3 tests.

Microsoft Certified IT professional – (Microsoft’s Site) Considered part of the “Professional Series”. There is also a certified developer title in this series, but being a IT guy, I wasn’t interested in it. IT related titles in this series are based in Business Intelligence, Consumer Support, Database Developer, Enterprise Messaging, Enterprise Project Management, Enterprise Support Technician, Enterprise Administrator, Server Administrator.

So Far So Good?

So far, you're probably thinking, "well that isn't so bad", unless you have your MCSE, then you're thinking, "wait a stinkin minute!"

And now for something completely different

When we start looking at the Microsoft Certified Master, I think that Microsoft was trying to create a cert that will be more respected than the highly respected titles that are already out there, like CISSP and Cisco's CCIE. I know that Joe IT isn't going to think about pursuing these certifications either.

Microsoft Certified Master – (Microsoft’s Site) You guessed it, considered part of the “Master Series”. The Master certifications are available for Microsoft Exchange Server, SQL Server, and Windows Server Directory. Crazy requirements. You have to:

- Submit your resume and application, with a $125 non-refundable application fee.

- If accepted, you have to pay for a 3 week course, in Redmond, $18,500.

- Of course, pass all of the tests including a lab exam. You get more than one attempt to pass them, but they have their own fee for retakes.

Microsoft Certified Architect – (Microsoft’s Site) Yet again, it’s part of the “Architect Series”. There are architect certifications for messaging, database, infrastructure, and solutions. I saw somewhere that it’s at least $20,000 for the process.

My thoughts

I think the value of the MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) or MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) certifications are going to boil down to how good the tests are. If they’re tough, then those certifications will show that the possessor actually has those skills.

The Microsoft Certified Master and Architect although not nearly as popular, will most likely be really well respected, although I think that Microsoft is setting the bar too high with those. Then again, if a international organization wants to overhaul their network, those are probably the guys who will get the job.