The Demise of the MCSE

Microsoft's launch of Windows Server 2008 marks yet another major server operating system which will require a whole new set of skills. The release of Server 2008 also comes with an overhaul of the Microsoft certification program. If you're an established MCSE, get ready for some major changes.

Did you know that the MCSE as we know it is going away? In its place comes the MCTS certification. For example, titles such as MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration and MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration are designed to show off your specific technical skills.

Wondering what the new Windows Server 2008 certification program has in store for you? Here's an overview of the new Windows Server 2008 certification program as it relates to the MCSE professionals. Changes are also in store for MCPs and MCSAs. Today, we'll focus sole on MCSE changes and the various MCTS training requirements for transitioning over.

Microsoft is revamping its certifications to address concerns about MCSE being to generic and broad. Instead of certifying generic skills such as the way the MCSE currently works, the new certifications focus on specific job roles and skill sets. Microsoft is overhauling the entire certification program with profound changes for MCSEs involved in Windows Server 2008.

The new program offers two tracks: Technology Series and Professional Series.

For those seeking a MCTS certification, the Technology Series is the track that validates technical proficiency in a specific technical area. For example, a MCTS can specialize in Vista or .NET Framework 2.0. MCTS credentials are extremely focused with an emphasis on technology.

The Professional Series breaks down into two branches: IT Professional and Professional Developer. Since the majority of traditional MCSEs don't generally pursue the Developer track, we'll focus on the IT Professional certifications. These credentials allow you to demonstrate your abilities to perform a specific job such as a Server Administrator. When you successfully earn your IT Professional certification, you earn the title of Microsoft Certified IT Professional, or MCITP.

To earn an MCITP, you must also have earned the equivalent MCTS certification in the corresponding Microsoft product. Expect to pass between one to three exams for each area of specialization.

Two Professional Certifications will likely appeal to most MCSEs: Server Administrator and Enterprise Administrator. Each will require MCTS training and MCITP training as well as passing a series of exams as shown below:

Server Administrator

70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring (MCTS)

70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (MCTS)

70-646: Windows Server 2008 Administrator (MCITP)

Enterprise Administrator

70-620: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client or 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops (MCTS)

70-643: Windows Server 2008 Applications Platform, Configuring (MCTS)

70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring (MCTS)

70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (MCTS)

70-647: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator (MCITP)

These new programs are supposed to make it easier for prospective employers to judge an applicant's skills and talents by having tightly focused certifications that emphasize job roles found in the real world. However, imagine the mouthful your new titles will become as you list your various MCTS and MCITP credentials.

Microsoft strives to keep their certifications current by outing expiration dates on the new certifications. While this move ensures that certified professionals are on top of the latest technologies, it also generates an ongoing revenue stream for Microsoft.

The MCTS certifications actually expire when the specific technology itself does. The MCITP requires renewal and re-certification every three years. This process usually involves passing a single exam which is most likely going to be the latest related MCTS exam.

Does all of this mean you must start at ground zero? Not necessarily. You can upgrade your MCSE skills to Windows Server through different upgrade paths.

For example, if you are an MCSE in Windows Server 2003, you can transfer your skills to the new MCTS track for Windows Server 2008. If you want to move beyond the MCTS, you can continue on to the desired MCITP certification.

Passing exam #70-649: TS: Upgrading your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCTS on Windows Server 2008 will earn you the following three MCTS credentials:

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration

If you don't want to take such a huge exam, you can also take each of the MCTS exams individually.

Microsoft is providing transitional exams to the TS level but doesn't have a plan in place to upgrade MCSEs to the Professional level. Naturally, you can achieve MCITP status but you must first achieve MCTS status before going through the MCITP process.

For example, if you have your MCSE in Server 2003 and want to earn your MCITP Enterprise Administrator certificate you must first transition to the new MCTS by taking exam #70-649 as well as select a desktop MCTS and pass the required exam before finally taking the Enterprise Administrator Professional exam (70-647).

The same is not true if you are transitioning from Windows 2000 MCSE to Server 2008. For any MCSE predating Windows Server 2003, you'll find that there is no established transition path! You have two choices if you want to get on track for Server 2008 certification: Upgrade to Windows Server 2003 and take the transitional path to Server 2008 as described above or start from the ground up and work toward earning your Windows Server 2008 certification.

It's up to you but depending on how far you are in your existing efforts to upgrade to Server 2003, it might be easier to continue upgrading and then transition over to Windows Server 2008. However, you will need to act quickly because the exams that you will need to upgrade your 2000 MCSE to Server 2003 certification will be discontinued on March 31, 2008.

What does all of this mean? It's time to start moving and get the training you need. Some beta exams have already been released and the final exams will likely be released shortly after the technology's "Release-To-Market" (RTM) date:

TS Exam Goals Release Date - 30 days after the RTM

Pro Exam Goals Release Date - 60 days after the RTM