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Last week I watched a video cast announcement from Microsoft regarding the changes in structure to their server certification program which affects Longhorn. I was impressed by what I saw. Here are some of the highlights.
The next Windows server release from Microsoft is due out by the end of the year. It has been in beta for a couple of years now and is almost ready for primetime. Its arrival will usher in a new era in server certification from Microsoft.
With the arrival of Longhorn, the MCSE will be replaced with a new certification path and associated credentials. However, for those who have already obtained the MCSE title, it will not be removed from your transcripts.
An upgrade path from the Windows Server 2003 MCSE to the Longhorn MCTS (the first level of Longhorn certification) will be available. Details of how this upgrade path will work are forthcoming. There will be no upgrade path from the MCSE to the Longhorn MCITP (the second level of Longhorn certification).
There will be no upgrade path from the Windows 2000 MCSE. This was done to satisfy a request by the Windows server team at Microsoft. The team feels that the skill set of a Windows 2000 system engineer and that of a Longhorn engineer are very different.
In addition, an upgrade exam from Windows 2000 to Longhorn would be excruciatingly long. This was a common complaint of the Windows 2003 upgrade exams, and Microsoft does not want a repeat of that experience for test takers.
Longhorn exams will expire as soon as mainstream product support for Longhorn expires. The expiration date is set for a number of years after the technology is no longer in use (about 10 years after its initial release). Exams and the earned credentials they affect will be removed from transcripts at expiration.
Obtaining the Windows Server 2003 MCSE by June 30, 2007, entitles you to register for a 40% discount on the upgrade exams.
Beta exams for Longhorn will be available at TechEd ‘07 for free. There will (probably) be a public beta for previously certified individuals after TechEd. If so, early birds will be able to achieve Longhorn certification before general release of the exams.
I have been dragging my feet on upgrading my Windows 2000 MCSE to Windows 2003. I now have even more incentive to do this before the end of June ’07; discounted exam prices along with access to beta exams are very appealing.
The changes to the certification program seem drastic if for no other reason than it is not longer called the MCSE. But I welcome these changes. I think it will restore some luster to the Microsoft certification program.
Tagged: Certification Help, It Training News, Longhorn, LongHorn Certifications, MCSE, Microsoft, windows longhorn, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista
Dave Paul Says:
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
I have been dragging my feet on my MCSE for W2K, however I do not work in the field presently. I have been researching other certifications such as Linux, ITIL, and Cisco etcetera and have gained much insight into the needs and desires of the job market by talking to those either in management positions or field engineers. I am encouraged by the interesting feedback I have received. It appears that other certifications are just as desirable and with MS now and in the past phasing out support for their products along with the recent announcement that Longhorn certification is vastly different, they continue to create their own market by either failing to support old operating systems or applications and introducing new ones that cannot be upgraded through testing. As long as I can avoid MS certs in the future and still secure a good paying job I will pursue other tracks and certifications.
Yuval Says:
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:06 pm
just a question,
the MCSE ceritfactions gives you %40 discount for the upgrade exam but can you take the exams after june??