What You Should Know About the New Microsoft Streamlined Certifications

9 January, 2017 | Della Wyler | Careers in IT, IT Certifications
microsoft learning partners1

As Microsoft learning partners, we provide some of the most valuable certifications in the tech industry.  Constantly striving for improvement, Microsoft has recently streamlined its technical certifications.  This format allows you to gain credentials in industry-recognized areas of competence.  Here’s what you need to know.

Microsoft Learning Partners Explain Streamlined Certifications

Recently released are the five new MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) and MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) specialties.  These credentials are used to identify specialty skills that are familiar to Microsoft learning partners and customers.  These include the following:

MCSE:  Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

This indicates that the credentialed individual has specialty skills relating to Windows Server and Microsoft Azure.  

MSCE:  Data Management and Analysis

Both on-premises and cloud-based Microsoft data product and service skills.

MCSE:  Mobility

Windows Client and Enterprise Mobility Suite management.

MCSE:  Productivity

Skill validation for Office 365, SharePoint, Exchange, and Skype for Business.  

MCSD:  App Builder

This focuses on skills validation for web and mobile app development

What is truly unique about these credentials is that they are only available after earning, and therefore added to, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate certification.  The additional credentials are added after passing an elective exam.

While the certification will never expire, the industry does look at your willingness and ability to stay current.  The date of the achievement will be posted.  Luckily, you can renew the certification annually, by taking an additional exam.  The new date will replace the old certification.  

If you already have an active MCSE or MCSD certification, don’t worry.  Any individuals who hold the following certifications will automatically earn the new similar certification without having to take an additional exam.  These are:

  • MCSE: Server Infrastructure
  • MCSE: Private Cloud
  • MCSE: Data Platform
  • MCSE: Business Intelligence
  • MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps
  • MCSE: SharePoint
  • MCSE: Communication
  • MCSE: Messaging
  • MCSD: Universal Windows Platform
  • MCSD: Web Applications
  • MCSD: SharePoint Applications

Just make sure you find out where you stand as soon as possible.  The following existing certifications will be retired on March 31st, and you will no longer be able to receive them.  However, if you’ve already earned one of these, it will stay on your transcript.  

  • MCSE: Server Infrastructure
  • MCSE: Private Cloud
  • MCSE: Data Platform
  • MCSE: Business Intelligence
  • MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps
  • MCSE: SharePoint
  • MCSE: Communication
  • MCSE: Messaging
  • MCSD: Application Lifecycle Management
  • MCSD: Universal Windows Platform
  • MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect
  • MCSD: Web Applications
  • MCSD: SharePoint Applications

Our certification specialists can help you figure out the new changes with Microsoft Streamlined Certifications.  

Sources:

microsoft.com