 |
Microsoft Certification: The New MCTS Tracks And Exams |
 |
|
Microsoft is revamping its certification tracks, and will
eventually retire the familiar MCSE certificatons. The new
certification setup is much like Cisco's, where there are
specialist certifications to go along with the more general
CCNA, then mid-level certifications such as the CCNP, and
then a more-advanced practical exam modeled somewhat after
the coveted CCIE certification.
Microsoft's new specialist exams are the Microsoft Certified
Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams. As of March 2006, there
were five separate MCTS Tracks. Three of them deal with .NET
Framework 2.0; these are the Web Application, Windows Applications,
and Distributed Applications certifications. Each of these
separate certifications requires the candidate to pass two
exams. There is also a one-exam SQL Server 2005 certification,
as well as a BizTalk Server 2006 single-exam certification.
The initial question is "Why is Microsoft doing this?"
According to their website, MS feels that IT hiring managers
today have a tough time deciding which computer certifications
best identify job candidates who best meet their needs. I
know it's easy to take verbal shots at Microsoft (it'll be
an Olympic sport one day), but this new series of certs does
have appeal for hiring managers, which can only help qualified
candidates. Instead of the more-general MCSE, which does still
suffer from the overcertification of NT 4.0 MCSEs back in
the day, these more-specific certifications will make it easier
for the job candidate to prove that they can do the job -
and easier for the hiring manager to make an informed decision.
Microsoft hasn't announced the track that will eventually
replace the MCSE, but this track will be revealed with the
next client-server Windows release. It's up to you to stay
informed of these changes, so I recommend you visit Microsoft's
certification website often. "I didn't know" isn't
much help once a certification expires!
About the Author:
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage,
home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study
Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages. For a FREE copy
of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and
“How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download
your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam
questions every day! Pass the CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!
|
|
|
|
Relevant Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
Need Cisco Hardware for your Cert? |
|
|
| Call 813.852.6400 now for more information to find the best router or switch to best help you with your certification exam. Having "real" hands-on experience is extremely beneficial not just for testing, but also ensures you are actually familiar with the device you are working on.
|
|
|
|
|
Cisco Routers |
|
|
|
|
|
Cisco Switches |
|
|
|
|
|
