What
happens
with current Microsoft
certifications?
What should I do if
I'm an MCDBA?
Your MCDBA credential
in SQL Server 2000 continues to be recognized by Microsoft, and you do not need
to do anything to maintain it. Upgrade options for the new Microsoft SQL Server
2005 credentials will be available for those currently certified as MCDBAs. You
can upgrade to the new MCITP: Database Administrator credential with one exam after
earning the prerequisite Technology Specialist credential. The upgrade exam will
be available in early to mid-2006.
What should I do if
I'm an MCSD or MCAD?
Your credentials
continue to be recognized by Microsoft, and you do not need to do anything to maintain
them. Upgrade options for the new Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 credentials will
be available for those currently certified as either MCAD or MCSD in Visual Studio
.NET. If you are an MCAD, you can choose an upgrade path to the new MCPD: Web Developer
or MCPD: Windows Developer credential; this upgrade requires one exam. If you are
an MCSD in Visual Studio .NET, you can upgrade to the new MCPD: Enterprise Applications
Developer; this upgrade requires two exams. These upgrade paths waive the prerequisite
of earning Technology Specialist credentials. The upgrade exams for Professional
Developer credentials will be available in early to mid-2006.
What should I do if
I'm an MCSE?
You do not need to
do anything at this point. No changes are planned for the MCSE certification credentials
for Windows Server 2003. 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 will be offered an upgrade path to the
new credentials.
What happens to my
currently Microsoft 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 continues
to recognize the following certifications:
- Microsoft Certified
Desktop Support Technician
- Microsoft Certified
Systems Administrator on Microsoft Windows Server 2003
- Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows Server 2003
- Microsoft Certified
Systems Administrator on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
- Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows 2000
- Microsoft Certified
Database Administrator on Microsoft SQL Server 2000
- Microsoft Certified
Solution Developer for Microsoft .NET
- Microsoft Certified
Application Developer on .NET
- Microsoft Certified
Solution Developer
- Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
- Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer + Internet on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
- Microsoft Certified
Professional + Internet on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
- Microsoft Certified
Professional +
Site Building
- Microsoft Certified
Professional
Microsoft also continues
to recognize its specializations in Messaging and Security for the MCSA and MCSE
certifications. Exceptions are certifications that have already expired.