Microsoft Certifications – How They Know You Know The New Generation of Microsoft Certifications

2 13 Years of Microsoft Certifications  3.2M certifications granted  1.8M unique MCPs  Most Growth: New Entrants, MCAD, MCDST, MCSE 2003 MCP MCSE MCSA MCDST MCDBA MCAD MCSD

3 “The tests should be much harder and should involve simulations” “Change what my manager thinks about the program.” ”7 exams to become an MCSE costs too much and takes too much time for what you get.” ”I have 5 years of experience with an updated MCSE; we just hired a new person (new to IT) that also has an MCSE.” IT ManagersIndividuals ”I need someone who has proven hands on skills.” ”The certification does not take into account everything needed to do the job.” Customer Feedback

4 Design Principles  Technology exams verify depth in using technology  Professional exams verify relevant job role skills  Advance testing technology using simulations, case study, and other complex methodologies  Create straightforward exams paths that test more completely and accurately  Create certifications that reflect specific job roles  Create credentials that allow individuals to identify custom skill sets Create more targeted, relevant and cost-effective certifications Targeted & Flexible Rigorous & Credible Relevant & Simple    Principle

5 New Generation Framework CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS Proven skills on Microsoft technologies  1-3 exams  Certification retires with product support  Focused on key product or technology  Does not include job role skills PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Proven ability to perform on the job  1-3 exams  Technology Specialist Prerequisite  Focused on single Job Role  Recertification required BUSINESS IT SKILLS Proven ability to deliver business solutions  Rigorous entry process  Work closely with mentor  Culminates in oral review board  Recertification required

6 Applying the New Framework Recruit an employee with a validated level of knowledge or for specific technology application Architect long term IT solutions to business problems Validate skills for custom IT infrastructure, process or project Recruit & develop staff in common IT job roles with the right professional skills

7 CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS Proven skills on Microsoft technologies 1-3 exams Certification retires with product support Focused on key product or technology Does not include job role skills PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Proven ability to perform on the job 1-3 exams Recertification required Technology Specialist Prerequisite Focused on single Job Role BREADTH SKILLS Proven skills across multiple technology, job role and solutions Allows generalists, consultants and experienced professionals to show broad skill sets Allows specialists to show depth New Generation Of Certifications Technology Series Professional Series Technology Series As a result of customer & partner feedback: More flexible to reflect the reality of today’s IT workforce Reflects specific and well-understood job roles Allows individuals to be able to uniquely identify their skill set

8 Certification Paths Database Administrator Business Intelligence Developer Enterprise Data Management Developer Productivity Business Intelligence SQL Server 2005 Integration with Visual Studio and.NET Native XML technology Interoperability via Web Services Integrate and Transform Data Analyze, Store and Mine Data Report and Interact with Data High availability Key security and performance Focus on self manageability and optimization Database Developer

9 IT Professional Technology Specialist PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ PRO: Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ PRO: Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ PRO: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ PRO: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Analysis Services TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ Implementation and Maintenance TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ Implementation and Maintenance Database Developer Database Administrator Business Intelligence Developer : UPGRADE: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Microsoft Confidential SQL Server 2005

10 Database Administrator SQL Server 2005 Database Developer Business Intelligence Developer : TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ Implementation and Maintenance : PRO: Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ : PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ : PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ : PRO: Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ : PRO: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Analysis Services : PRO: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005

11 Disclaimer: Dates presented here are not final and are subjected to change anytime without notice…

12 Certification Paths  Distinguished: Focused towards specific developer job roles  Technical Depth: Exams specific to the technology  Relevant: Validating applicable professional skills required for the job role.Net Framework 2.0 Windows Applications Windows Developer.Net Framework 2.0 Web Applications Web Developer.Net Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications Web Applications Windows Applications Enterprise Application Developer Windows App Developers Web Application Developers Enterprise Developers

13 Whidbey Certification Family Web Application Developer (70-547) Web Application Developer (70-547) Windows Application Developer (70-548) Windows Application Developer (70-548) Enterprise Application Developer (70-549) Enterprise Application Developer (70-549) Web Client Development (70-528) Web Client Development (70-528) Windows Client Development (70-526) Windows Client Development (70-526) Distributed Application Development (70-529) Distributed Application Development (70-529) Microsoft.Net Framework 2.0 Foundation (70-536) Microsoft.Net Framework 2.0 Foundation (70-536) Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) MCTS Web Client Development MCTS Windows Client Development MCTS Distributed Application Development MCPD Web Application Developer MCPD Windows Application Developer MCPD Enterprise Application Developer

14 Web Developer.NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications Windows Developer Enterprise Application Developer : TS: Microsoft®.NET Framework Application Development Foundation : TS: Microsoft®.NET Framework Web-based Client Development : PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft®.NET Framework.NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications : TS: Microsoft®.NET Framework Application Development Foundation : TS: Microsoft®.NET Framework Windows®- based Client Development.NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications : TS: Microsoft®.NET Framework Application Development Foundation : TS: Microsoft®.NET Framework Distributed Application Development : PRO: Designing and Developing Windows® Applications by Using the Microsoft®.NET Framework : PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft®.NET Framework * Requires all 3 Technology Specializations

15 Disclaimer: Dates presented here are not final and are subjected to change anytime without notice…

16 New Logo and Visual Identification Windows Developer Enterprise Application Developer Web Developer CredentialsCertifications Easier to understand and to identify the right individuals Easier to distinguish for hiring, promoting, and consulting Cost effective paths The new generation will be composed of: 3 Series4 Credentials Many Certifications Simple framework to understand

17 Benefits Rigorous, flexible curriculum to enhance technical knowledge and skills A framework that helps you differentiate yourself in the marketplace Targeted and flexible - invest in the areas that are important to you or your employer A proven benchmark for managers in making successful recruiting & staffing decisions Tighter integration into the Partner program Certified = current in both technology & job role Choice in training & study materials - assessments, books, training, and eLearning – in a variety of form factors for both self-paced and instructor led

18 What About Current Certifications? Current certifications do NOT expire… MCDBA, MCAD, MCSD Current credentials in SQL Server 2000 or Visual Studio.NET continue to be recognized by Microsoft, and you are not required to perform any action to maintain them Upgrade paths for the new Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 credentials MCDST, MCSA, MCSE No change – still the premier IT Pro credentials for Microsoft Upgrade paths will be available with Longhorn Server MCP No change - MCP credentials are not affected by the new certifications Get certified in Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005, or BizTalk Server 2006, please review the credentials requirements MCT No change unless you want to teach a course on SQL Server 2005 or Visual Studio 2005 For those courses, you must attain the relevant Professional series certification

19 Upgrade Paths Web Developer Windows Developer Convenient upgrade paths for current credential holders: Exams will focus on professional skills and technology not covered in current credential paths Enterprise Application Developer Database Administrator 2 Exams 1 Exam MCDBA MCSD MCAD MCAD + 551

20 Visit for complete exam details & learning planshttp:// Free skills assessments at Free e-Learning at Related courseware – starting February 2006 Related MS Press titles – starting Spring 2006 Get Certified: Resources

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