Microsoft Certifications

Since the very early 90’s, Microsoft has been offering computer certifications in one form or another, enabling I.T. professionals to train and subsequently qualify their expertise by gaining credentials in everything from supporting the Microsoft Office suite of desktop applications right through to systems architecture.

The fact that Microsoft software is the most prolific in use across the globe is also reflected in the range of certifications available and the subsequent interest in those certifications. In fact, the sheer number of tracks available can make choosing the right Microsoft certification track a daunting challenge in its own right.

In fact, choosing which track to take is even more difficult right now as Microsoft are in the process of releasing a new generation of certifications that will better reflect Microsoft’s new technologies and the changing demands of the I.T. The first wave of the new generation certifications have already been released, but with Microsoft holding back the release date on a number of its products (namely Windows Vista, Exchange 12 and Office 12), the full complement of new generation tracks won’t be available for some time to come. Currently therefore the standard by which to measure one’s proficiency in using Microsoft software is a mixture of both old certification tracks and the new generation certifications.

While peripheral certifications such as MOS and MCT will remain intact, old favourites such as MCSE, MCSA, MCDBA and MCDST will be phased out to be replaced by the new certification tracks. At present (early 2006) new certification tracks are already in place that will supercede the MCDBA, MCAD and MCSD, although these certifications will run concurrent to the new generation credentials for some time. Replacement tracks for the MCSE and MCSA are likely to follow after the release of Microsoft’s new OS, slated for 2007. More information on the new generation Microsoft certifications can be found here.

The full list of Microsoft certifications currently on offer are:

New generation certifications

• MCTS - Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
• MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional
• MCPD - Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
• MCA - Microsoft Certified Architect

System administration/Engineer certifications

• MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
• MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

Developer/Database certifications

• MCDBA - Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
• MCAD - Microsoft Certified Application Developer
• MCSD - Microsoft Certified Solution Developer

Other certifications

• MOS/MOUS - Microsoft Office Specialist
• MCT - Microsoft Certified Trainer
• MCDST - Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
• MCLC - Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant

 

• MCP – Microsoft Certified Professional