Keeping Up with Technology and MCITP Refresh Exams

As if earning your MCITP certificationWeren't hard enough, you know have to keep your credentials current! Microsoft's new generation of certifications require extensive Microsoft MCITP training before you even take the first certification exam as well as a new requirement for passing a "refresher" exam every three years.

It doesn't matter which of the current MCITP certification titles that you hold, as soon as you pass the third anniversary, your credential will lapse unless you have passed this refresher exam. Another option exists but it still requires taking and passing an exam. This second option is to take a new MCTS exam that supports the current professional level certification that you are refreshing if one of these new exams comes available. Whether you take a new supporting MCTS exam or a specific refresher exam is up to you but you must do so within three years of your certification date (and continue to do so every three years after) or your credential will lapse.

Why the need for continuous MicrosoftMCITP training and recertification? Because technology three years from now will be different than it is today. Microsoft believes that by enforcing this requirement, it will be easier for hiring managers to recognize that certificate holders have current skills using current technology.

There's a grace period if you miss the three year deadline. However, while this grace period is for a full year, your transcript will show that you have let your certification lapse. You have a full year to rectify this. After the one year grace period expires you will need to start over from the bottom in order to become current.

Because of the extensive work, training, and expense that it takes to earn your MCITP, it doesn't make sense to push your luck. Besides, as an IT professional, it's your business to stay on top of technology. Go with the flow and take the refresher exams or new supporting MCTS exam on time and stay on top of technology. While it's no fun to enroll in further classes and take yet another exam, imagine how aggravating and expensive it will be four years down the road to have to start over from scratch.

If the technology hasn't changed dramatically over the three-year time period, you may luck out. For example, if no new MCTS exam has been issued and the technology remains much the same, Microsoft may extend the time period.