Microsoft cert changes match expertise with real-world needs

by Erik "Eckel Network+, MCP+I, MCSE" | Mar 05, 2007 8:00:00 AM

Tags: Quality, Erik Eckel Network+, MCP+I, MCSE, Microsoft Corp., Microsoft Certified, certification, accreditation, Microsoft Windows

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Takeaway: By realigning certifications to better address the real-world needs organizations and IT departments possess, Microsoft's made it easier for IT professionals to improve their skills while enhancing their marketability.

Several years ago, seemingly everyone flocked to the information technology field. The dotcom boom drew staggering numbers of new administrators and support professionals.

Many seeking newfound fortune in the technology sector were quick to earn accreditation. Industry veterans were subsequently pressured to earn their own certifications just to maintain pace.

When many newly minted MCSEs, freshly transitioning from other professions, struggled to apply their book knowledge on the job, the veterans had a field day. In addition to chastising newcomers, veterans were quick to discount the value of industry certification.

Following the dotcom bomb, tens of thousands of IT professionals left the field altogether. Left behind are those seeking long-term technology careers.

The professionals surviving the shakeout appear to have softened on certification's importance, though. Microsoft counts some 275,358 IT professionals as possessing Windows 2000 MCSEs. However, only 40,985 have earned Windows 2003 MCSE accreditation.

The decline should come as no surprise, particularly when you consider some MCSEs earn less today than in 2000. Year 2000 salary survey data from MCP Magazine reveals that an MCSE in 2000 earned, on average, $67,800. According to MCP Magazine's most recent statistics, average base salary for a Windows Server 2003 MCSE is only $67,057.

So, are certifications history? In short, no. Here's why.

While Microsoft's platform-specific MCSE accreditation may no longer possess the luster it did a half-dozen years ago, professionals owning other Microsoft certifications are doing just fine. Windows 2003 Security-focused MCSEs report base salaries over $72,000, a nice increase above that reported by MCSEs at the height of the dotcom boom. IT pros owning just a Windows 2003 MCSA, meanwhile, report base salaries of $71,250.

Microsoft deserves some of the credit. Redmond's actively responded both to changes in the technology industry and changes within IT departments themselves. By realigning certifications to better address the real-world needs organizations and IT departments possess, Microsoft's made it easier for IT professionals to improve their skills while enhancing their marketability.

The Tracks

Microsoft now essentially focuses its certification training on seven distinct tracks:

Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS)
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Microsoft Certified Architect Program

Six additional Microsoft accreditations include:

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC)
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Office Specialist

Each certification is targeted at a specific focus, or "spectrum," within the IT profession. By designing tracks that specifically address real-world needs, Microsoft's making it easier for IT professionals to demonstrate proficiency in high-need areas, while simplifying for organizations the hiring and promoting of properly qualified candidates.

Read on for an overview of each Microsoft certification track.

Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist

The Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist measures one's ability to implement, build, troubleshoot, and debug specific Microsoft technologies. As of this writing, some 17 technology specialist tracks exist, including .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications, SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Application Development and Windows Vista Configuration. Typically candidates must pass one to two exams, depending upon the specialization, to earn the accreditation.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional

The Microsoft Certified IT Professional accreditation measures knowledge associated with a specific Microsoft product. MCITP certification expertise is demonstrated in one of four specific tracks: database development, database administration, business intelligence development and enterprise support. Typically candidates must pass two or three exams to earn MCITP standing.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

One of Microsoft's most popular tracks, the MCSA demonstrates a candidate's expertise administering networks and systems powered by specific Microsoft operating systems. Specializations are available for in both messaging and security. Four exams are required, whether the candidate is pursuing the Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 track.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

The MCSE measures the knowledge and expertise required not only to administer and maintain networks and systems powered by specific Microsoft operating systems, but also one's ability to design and implement such networks and systems. Specializations are available in both messaging and security tracks. Candidates must pass seven exams to earn the accreditation, whether sitting for the Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 track.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator

The MCDBA confirms the ability of database administrators, analysts and developers to design, implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. Candidates must pass four exams, covering everything from the SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition to Windows Server 2003 platforms, to earn the title.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician

The MCDST certification measures a support professional's technical acumen and customer service expertise required to successfully troubleshoot and repair hardware and software problems within Windows networks. Candidates must pass two core exams to earn the accreditation.

Microsoft Certified Architect Program

Addressing the growing need for IT lifecycle design and management skills, the Microsoft Certified Architect Program measures ones capacity for creating and designing technology systems and infrastructure that meet specific business requirements. The certification is vendor independent and provides three tracks of study: infrastructure, solutions and messaging. Candidates earn certification by demonstrating expertise via a Review Board process.

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer

The MCPD demonstrates a developer's expertise building .NET Framework 2.0-powered applications and programs that leverage Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 technology. Specializations are available within three tracks: Web Developer, Windows Developer and Enterprise Applications Developer. Two exams are required to earn Web Developer and Windows Developer accreditations; five exams must be passed to earn Enterprise Applications Developer certification.

Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant

The Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant credential is appropriate for Microsoft Certified Trainers who frequently design and deliver training solutions to clients. MCLC candidates must apply to Microsoft for consideration; a prerequisite is applicants must possess MCT status. To earn MCLC standing, MCTs must submit to Microsoft a case study that proves knowledge and expertise mastering IT assessment, design, development and evaluation processes.

Microsoft Certified Trainer

Long the credential of some of Microsoft's best trainers (and required to teach official Microsoft curriculum), MCT accreditation recognizes training expertise demonstrated by trainers and instructors. In addition to the initial certification requirements, MCTs are required to maintain their accreditations by annually proving high levels of knowledge and practical expertise. MCTs must annually maintain valid MCP or Microsoft Business Solutions certification, prove their training-based presentation expertise and complete the MCT application program.

Microsoft Certified Application Developer

An MCAD recognizes a developer's ability to create and maintain department-level programs and plug-ins as well as Web-based apps, desktop systems and even server-side data services powered by Microsoft .NET Framework 1. and 1.1 and Visual Studio .NET technologies. Candidates must pass three exams to earn MCAD certification.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer credential tests one's expertise designing and developing Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0- and 1.1-powered enterprise solutions. Five exams (one each covering Web Application Development, Windows Application Development, Web Services and Server Components Development and Solution Architecture and a single elective) are required to receive MCSD accreditation.

Microsoft Office Specialist

The long-standing MOUS certification, now shortened simply to MOS, measures a candidate's desktop productivity software expertise. Specifically, the certification tests one's mastery of Office 2003, Office XP or Office 2000. Candidates must pass four exams to earn the Master Certification title. Expert certification is earned when passing a single Expert-level exam, whereas Specialist accreditation is earned whenever passing a single Specialist test.

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