The New Generation of Microsoft Certifications

The new generation of Microsoft certifications is more specific and targeted to reflect the detail of what you do and to prove your expertise to those who need to know.

Consisting of four series and five credentials, the new generation of Microsoft certifications provides a simpler and more targeted framework for IT managers to validate core technical skills, professional skills, advanced skills, and architectural skills. It also provides professionals in the IT industry with a more relevant, flexible, and cost-effective way to showcase their skills.

Microsoft is changing the certification program to better meet the needs of our customers. Microsoft received feedback from their customers:

• IT managers that the proliferation of credentials is making it more difficult to understand which credentials best meet the needs of their businesses.
• Individuals told Microsoft that they wanted to be able to distinguish themselves from other IT professionals. In response, we created a framework that keeps the number of credntials to a minimum while still allowing individuals to highlight specialization.

In response, Microsoft has created a framework that keeps the number of credentials to a minimum while still allowing individuals to highlight specialization.

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The value for you is:

For you, the new program makes your certification path simpler and more targeted. The program allows you to choose a credential path as either Technology Specialist or Professional, and you will be able to display your specific skills directly on your certification logo. The new program works in tandem with current credentials. Your current credentials will be recognized for as long as they are in demand. New lifecycle policies for MCTS, MCITP, and MCPD certifications help ensure that your Microsoft certification signifies that you have up-to-date, relevant skills on current Microsoft technologies. Unlike older certification programs, the New Generation certifications require less time to achieve, have fewer exams, and are more focused. Microsoft took into account client feedback when they designed the New Generation model.

The new certification program is designed to be more relevant and simpler to understand and use. Relevant certification credentials more fully validate the breadth and depth of a candidate's technology skills. Exams validate professional job skills, best practives, and industry knowledge. Fewer credentials and logos make it easier to understand qualifications, yet still offer the level of distinction needed to use certification as a recruiting tool. The new program makes it simple:

• For organizations to know how to leverage certification and skills in their business
• For hiring managers to know who to hire, and for what job role
• For candidates to communicate their skills sets and knowledge to their companies, clients, or prospective employers

The value for your employer is:

for your organization, certification provides increased value. Studies have shown that organizations with 25 percent or more of their staff certified demonstrate the following skills:

• Deploy projects on time and within budget more often
• Rely less on external support
• Have less downtime
• Have higher user satisfaction with their IT staff

Microsoft Certification Structure

• Technology Series: Specialist certifications train IT professionals in implementation, building, troubleshooting, and debugging of a specific Microsoft technology.
  
  
• Professional Seriess: Professional credentials validate the skill set required for a particular job.
  
  
• Master Series: Master certifications identify individuals with the deepest technical skills available on a particular Microsoft product.
  
  
• Architect Series: The Certified Architect program makes it easy for companies to identify experienced IT architects who have completed a rigorous peer review process.

The New Generation Certification Exam Map contains a list of certifications and associated exams now available, and how they map to certification requirements for Microsoft Partner Program Competencies and Specializations.

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