| Microsoft is revamping its certification tracks, and will | | | | managers today have a tough time deciding which |
| eventually retire the familiar MCSE certificatons. The | | | | computer certifications best identify job candidates |
| new certification setup is much like Cisco's, where | | | | who best meet their needs. I know it's easy to take |
| there are specialist certifications to go along with the | | | | verbal shots at Microsoft (it'll be an Olympic sport |
| more general CCNA, then mid-level certifications such | | | | one day), but this new series of certs does have |
| as the CCNP, and then a more-advanced practical | | | | appeal for hiring managers, which can only help |
| exam modeled somewhat after the coveted CCIE | | | | qualified candidates. Instead of the more-general |
| certification. | | | | MCSE, which does still suffer from the |
| Microsoft's new specialist exams are the Microsoft | | | | overcertification of NT 4.0 MCSEs back in the day, |
| Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams. As of | | | | these more-specific certifications will make it easier |
| March 2006, there were five separate MCTS Tracks. | | | | for the job candidate to prove that they can do the |
| Three of them deal with .NET Framework 2.0; these | | | | job - and easier for the hiring manager to make an |
| are the Web Application, Windows Applications, and | | | | informed decision. |
| Distributed Applications certifications. Each of these | | | | Microsoft hasn't announced the track that will |
| separate certifications requires the candidate to pass | | | | eventually replace the MCSE, but this track will be |
| two exams. There is also a one-exam SQL Server | | | | revealed with the next client-server Windows release. |
| 2005 certification, as well as a BizTalk Server 2006 | | | | It's up to you to stay informed of these changes, so |
| single-exam certification. | | | | I recommend you visit Microsoft's certification |
| The initial question is "Why is Microsoft doing this?" | | | | website often. "I didn't know" isn't much help once a |
| According to their website, MS feels that IT hiring | | | | certification expires! |