Alexander’s Blog

Microsoft has released new dates for the Professional (MCITP) exams for the Windows Vista. According to Microsoft, the exams have been delayed to ensure adequate application support coverage. Here are the new dates.

The new generation of Microsoft certification consists of three series and four credentials, shown below.

The Technology Series:
There are currently seven Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications, which consist of one to three exams.

1. Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
2. Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
3. Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
4. Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005
5. Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006
6. Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005
7. Technology Specialist: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications

The Professional Series:
There are currently two professional series certifications, which consist of one to three exams.
1. Microsoft Certified IT Professional
2. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer

The Architect Series:
The Microsoft Certified Architect Program professionals will have to meet certain minimum requirements, such as minimum of 10 years of advanced IT industry experience, at least three or more years of experience as a practicing architect, strong technical and managerial skills, and they’ll need to form an elite community. Unlike other industry certifications, the architect community is the one that grants these certifications. Previously, certified architects will be the members of the Review Board that will assign these credentials.

The Architect Series certifications:
1. Require a rigorous entry process.
2. Require working closely with a Microsoft Certified Architect who acts as a mentor.
3. Require an oral review in front of a Review Board that consists of previously certified peer architects.
4. Require recertification.

More information on the architect program is available here. According to Microsoft, the application process for this certification is closed for now but it will reopen to the public in early 2007.

A suit filed by Microsoft in federal court in Seattle offers an interesting glimpse into the world of IT certification exams. It’s against Testking.com, which offers training materials to help people prepare for certification tests given by Microsoft and other companies. The gist of the complaint:

Microsoft is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that the Microsoft Certification Exam materials defendants sell through Testking.com contain exam questions and answers that are either identical or substantially similar to Microsoft’s copyrighted exam questions and answers. Microsoft has not licensed or authorized defendants to copy or distribute its copyrighted exam content.

Among other things, the suit outlines the measures Microsoft takes to try protect the exams from leaking out. Click here for more information.

To start off, this is NOT a list of overall popularity. If we did that, Microsoft’s MCP would win every year. Instead, we’re looking for the certifications that we think will be the most influential in 2006, the ones that will grow the fastest, the ones that we think will show the true future of IT certification. As a simple analogy, think of it more as a Billboard Hot 100 singles list — instead of the most popular songs, we’re looking for the ones that will rise the fastest.

Also realize that we do base it on some actual research. We start with our annual reader survey, on which we present more than 70 certifications and ask you to tell us which ones you hold and which ones you plan to get within the next 12 months. Positive differences are then converted to a 1 to 20 scale (20 being best), resulting in a “reader interest” score.

More info…

If you are preparing for the MCDST exam, you might be interested in this clinic. This exam preparation clinic provides an overview of the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician credential. This course prepares individuals for MCP exam 70-271 and 70-272. For additional MCDST resources check out Exam Preparation Tools on TechGalaxy’s Microsoft Training and Certification page.

Title: Clinic 2263: Exam Preparation for the MCDST Certification
Course Type: Self-paced Course
Available Offline: Yes
Estimated Time of Completion: 6 Hours
Language: English

More info…