1. The New World of Microsoft Certifications
Mike Wells
Application Architect
Sarasota SQL Server User Group - Leader
SQL Saturday 10 – Tampa 2009

2. Agenda Why Should I Get Certified? What Certification Do I Get?
Review new certification categories
Review different technologies
How Do I Get It?
Starting from scratch
Upgrading from an existing certification
Brief Look At The Master And Architect Certifications.

3. Why Should I Get Certified?
To Prove My Skills
To Keep My Knowledge Current
To Demonstrate Commitment to Continued Development
To Push Myself
I Really Dig All The Letters After My Name

4. Why Should I NOT Get Certified?
Career advancement is for corporate big-shots concerned with success, not for me.
My idea of personal growth is that stuff growing in my belly button.
The whole process of figuring out which certification I should get is just too confusing.
Who has time to study? Certainly not me.
Money can't buy happiness, so why do I need more?

5. What Certification Should I Get?
MCPD
Professional-series with focus on single job-role
Builds on MCTS
2-6 exams total path
MCTS
Validates core technical skills
Focus on single Microsoft technology
Earn multiple MCTS to show breadth or build on MCTS to earn professional-series
1-2 exams
All MCTS and MCPD certifications retire with mainstream product support

6. What Certification Should I Get?
Master Series – The Microsoft Certified Master certifications identify individuals with the deepest technology skills on the Microsoft Platform.
Master
Architect Series – The Certified Architect program makes it easy for companies to identify experienced IT architects who have completed a rigorous peer review process.
Professional Series – Professional credentials validate a comprehensive and current set of skills required to be successful on the job.
Microsoft Certifications feature succinct paths to help you become Microsoft Certified.
Different series highlight technology expertise by job function.
Provides a clear, concise way to highlight your specific skill set and validates your abilities at every stage of your professional development.
Technology Series – Targeted certifications let you gain in-depth skills on specific Microsoft technologies.

7. What Certification Should I Get?
Technologies That We Will Cover:
Developers
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
2005 and 2008
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
Database Professionals
Microsoft Certified IT Professional
IT Professionals
2008

8. Developers .Net 2.0 Framework .Net 3.5 Framework
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
Windows Applications
Web Applications
Distributed Applications
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
Windows Application Developer
Web Application Developer
Enterprise Application Developer
.Net 3.5 Framework
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
Windows Forms Applications
ASP .Net Applications
ADO .Net Applications
Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
Windows Communication Foundation Applications
Windows Workflow Foundation Applications
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
Windows Application Developer
ASP .Net Application Developer
Enterprise Application Developer

9. Developers – MCTS 2005 Required for all MCTS certifications.
70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework, Application Development Foundation
Required for all MCTS certifications.
.NET Framework 2.0, Windows Applications
70-526: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-Based Client Development
.NET Framework 2.0,
Web Applications
70-528: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework Web-Based Client Development
.NET Framework 2.0,
Distributed Applications
70-529: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework Distributed Application Development

10. Developers – MCPD 2005
Windows Developer (.Net 2.0)
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0, Windows Forms Applications +
Web Developer
(.Net 2.0)
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0, Web Applications +
Enterprise Application Developer (.Net 2.0)
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0, Windows Forms Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0, Web Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0, Distributed Applications
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework +

11. Developers – MCTS 2008 Required for all MCTS certifications.
70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework, Application Development Foundation
Required for all MCTS certifications.
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications
70-505: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Applications
70-561: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
70-562: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development

12. Required for all MCTS certifications.
Developers – MCTS 2008 Cont.
70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework, Application Development Foundation
Required for all MCTS certifications.
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
70-502: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
70-503: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Applications
70-504: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Application Development

13. Developers – MCPD 2008
Windows Developer 3.5
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications +
ASP .NET Developer 3.5
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications +
Enterprise Application Developer 3.5
MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 +

14. Database Professionals
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist 2005
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2005: Business Intelligence
Microsoft Certified IT Professional 2005
Database Administrator
Database Developer
Business Intelligence Developer
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist 2008
SQL Server 2008: Implementation and Maintenance
SQL Server 2008: Database Development
SQL Server 2008: Business Intelligence
Microsoft Certified IT Professional 2008
Database Administrator
Database Developer
Business Intelligence Developer

15. Database Professionals - 2005
Database Administrator
70-443: PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure
70-444: PRO: Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution
SQL Server 2005
Database Developer
70-431: TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ Implementation and Maintenance
70-441: PRO: Designing Database Solutions w/ SQL Server™ 2005
70-442: PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data w/ SQL Server™ 2005
SQL Server 2005
Business Intelligence Tools
Business Intelligence Developer
70-445: TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Business Intelligence - Implementation and Maintenance
70-446: PRO: Designing and Developing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005

16. Database Professionals – MCTS 2005
SQL Server 2005
70-431: TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ Implementation and Maintenance
SQL Server 2005, Business Intelligence
70-445: TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Business Intelligence - Implementation and Maintenance

17. Database Professionals – MCITP 2005
Exam : PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure
Exam : PRO: Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution
Database Administrator
MCTS: SQL Server 2005 +
Exam : PRO: Designing Database Solutions w/ SQL Server™ 2005
Exam : PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data w/ SQL Server™ 2005
Database Developer
MCTS: SQL Server 2005 +
Exam : PRO: Designing and Developing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005
Business Intelligence Developer
MCTS: SQL Server Business Intelligence +

18. Database Professionals – MCTS 2008
SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
SQL Server 2008, Database Development
70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development
SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
70-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

19. Database Professionals – MCITP 2008
Exam : PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Database Administrator
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance +
Exam : PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Database Developer
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development +
Exam : PRO: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Business Intelligence Developer
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance +

20. IT Professionals Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
Active Directory, Configuration
Network Infrastructure, Configuration
Application Infrastructure, Configuration
Microsoft Certified IT Professional
Server Administrator
Enterprise Administrator

21. IT Professionals – MCTS 2008
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration
70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration
70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure, Configuring

22. IT Professionals – MCITP 2008
Focus is day-to-day operations and management
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
Server Administrator
70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008 Administrator
Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration
70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring

23. IT Professionals – MCITP 2008 Cont
Focus is on Windows infrastructure design
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
Enterprise Administrator
70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator
Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration
70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration
Tip: (MCDST upgrade) fulfills the requirement
70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure, Configuring
Windows Vista
70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client or
70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Vista Client and 2007 Office System Desktops

24. Price Reduction On Retiring Exams
Complete your Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification or upgrade your certifications to Visual Studio 2005 or SQL Server 2005 with a 40 percent automatic price reduction on retiring and upgrade exams. The price reduction is valid on:
All exams scheduled to retire on March 31, 2009
Upgrade exams from MCAD and MCSD to Visual Studio 2005 and from MCDBA to SQL Server 2005 MCITP... you benefit from the shorter upgrade path AND you get set up for another upgrade path to 2008
Here are the exams with reduced price:
Exam : Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam : Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam : Upgrade: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Exam : Analyzing Requirements and Defining Microsoft .NET Solution Architectures
Exam : Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0
Exam : Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Exam : Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Exam : Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework
Exam : Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Exam : Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Exam : Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework
Exam : Implementing Security for Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET
Exam : Implementing Security for Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET
Exam : Upgrade: MCAD Skills to MCPD Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Exam : Upgrade: MCAD Skills to MCPD Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Exam : Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 1
Exam : Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 2
Exam : Upgrade: MCAD Skills to MCTS Windows Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Exam : Upgrade: MCAD Skills to MCTS Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework

25. Upgrade Paths Visual Studio SQL Server Windows Server
MCAD/MCSD .Net 1.1 to MCPD 2005
MCAD .Net 1.1 to MCTS 2005
MCPD 2005 to MCPD 2008
SQL Server
MCDBA to MCITP Database Administrator 2005
MCITP 2005 to MCITP 2008
Windows Server
MCSA 2003 to MCITP 2008
MCSE 2003 to MCITP 2008

26. MCAD/MCSD to MCPD 2005
Convenient upgrade paths for current credential holders: Exams will focus on professional skills and technology not covered in current credential paths
Enterprise Application Developer
2 Exams
70-553: UPGRADE: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 1
70-554: UPGRADE: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 2
Windows Developer
1 Exam
70-552: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Web Developer
1 Exam
70-551: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework

27. MCAD to MCPD Enterprise Apps
First, take both MCAD upgrade exams
1 Exam
Windows Developer
70-552:UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
1 Exam
Web Developer
70-551: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Then, take two additional exams
.NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
Enterprise Application Developer
70-529: Microsoft® .NET Framework Distributed Application Development
70-549: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework

28. MCAD to MCTS 2005
Convenient upgrade paths for current credential holders: Exams will focus on technology skills
1 Exam
Windows Applications
70-558: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCTS Windows Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
1 Exam
Web Applications
70-559: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCTS Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework

29. MCPD 2005 to MCPD Windows
Windows Developer (.NET 2.0)
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCPD Windows Developer Skills to MCPD Windows Developer 3.5
Take
1 Exam
Windows Developer 3.5
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications
Earn
2 Credentials

30. MCPD 2005 to MCPD Web
Web Developer (.NET 2.0)
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCPD Web Developer Skills to MCPD ASP.NET Developer 3.5
Take
1 Exam
ASP.NET Developer 3.5
.NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
Earn
2 Credentials

31. MCPD 2005 to MCPD 2008 -Enterprise
Enterprise Application Developer (.NET 2.0)
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCPD Enterprise Application Developer Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer 3.5, Part 1
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCPD Enterprise Application Developer Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer 3.5, Part 2
Take
2 Exams
Enterprise Application Developer 3.5
.NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
.NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Applications
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications
Earn
5 Credentials

32. MCDBA to MCITP 2005
Database Administrator
Exam : UPGRADE: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2005
Exam : TS: Microsoft® SQL Server™ Implementation and Maintenance

33. MCITP 2005 to MCITP 2008
Database Administrator 2008
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Administrator Skills to MCITP Database Administrator 2008
MCITP: Database Administrator 2005 +
Database Developer 2008
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Developer Skills to MCITP Database Developer 2008
MCITP: Database Developer 2005 +
Exam : Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Business Intelligence Developer Skills to MCITP Business Intelligence Developer 2008
Business Intelligence Developer 2008
MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2005 +

34. MCSA 2003 to MCITP 2008 One transition exam to two MCTS certifications
70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist =
Earn MCITP: Server Administrator in two exams total
Server Administrator
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration

35. MCSE 2003 to MCITP 2008
One transition exam to earn all three MCTS certifications or =
Earn MCITP: Enterprise Administrator in three exams total
Enterprise Administrator
70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Window Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration
Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration =
Earn MCITP: Server Administrator in two exams total
Server Administrator
Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration

36. That’s Not All! www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certifications.mspx
Windows Vista, Configuration
BizTalk Server 2006
Exchange Server 2007
Office Communication Server 2007
Live Communication Server 2007
Business Desktop Deployment
Microsoft Project and Microsoft Project Server
Office Groove 2007, Configuration
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Network Infrastructure or Application Infrastructure
Forefront Server
ISA Server
System Center Configuration Manager or Operations Manager
Business Intelligence
SharePoint Server or Services, Configuring
.NET Framework 3.5 Web, Windows, or Distributed Applications
Workflow, WPF, or WCF
Mobile 5.0
SharePoint Services or Server, Application Development
…and more
Your choice here!

37. Microsoft Certified Master
Design | Build | Troubleshoot
Provide the highest level of technical certification on the Microsoft platform that recognizes the ability of an IT Professional to meet complex business requirements using Microsoft products and technologies.

38. Microsoft Certified Master

39. + + + Master - Requirements Do you have what it takes?
3. Speak, understand and write in fluent English
2. Resume submission
1. Minimum 5 years hands-on experience on the respective technologies
For Exchange
MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
MCSE OR Exam : TS: Windows Server Active Directory, Configurin g
For SQL
MCITP: Database Developer certification
MCITP: Database Administrator certification
For Directory
MCSE 2000 or 2003, or MCITP: Enterprise Administrator
Exam Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure
OR Exam Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure + + +

40. Master Pricing Package: $18,500 Retakes 3 weeks of training
3 written tests
1 Qualification Lab
Retakes
Written tests: $250 each
Lab Test: $1,500

41. Master Rollout 1st Year Training in Redmond
Total number trained = 250 (40% internal, 60% external)
Increase instructor pool
Starting July 2009, begin worldwide rollout
7 locations: 3 United States. 2 EMEA, 2 APAC
Total number trained = 500

42. Microsoft Certified Architect
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) program registration is suspended while the program undergoes some restructuring. The restructured program will include, in part: a new registration site, new pricing, and additional program tiers to better align with the needs of architects of all experience levels.

43. Questions?

44. Resources
- Official Microsoft Learning site
- Blog for Developer and SQL Certifications
- Blog for announcing Beta Exams
- No longer with MS Learning, but still filled with great info
- Official MCP site – must be certified to login!