Microsoft Learning has announced a new generation of certifications. Today they announced the availability of credentials and certifications for SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, and BizTalk Server 2006.
The program introduces three series of credentials:
- Technology Specialist (MCTS): This series validates core technology and product skills, such as how-to or implementation skills.
- IT Professional and Professional Developer (MCITP and MCPD): This series validates specific job-role skills outside of core technology, such as operational processes and procedures, and analyzing business problems.
- Architect (MCA): This series validates the skills required to successfully impact business IT. These include technical breadth, technical depth, communication, strategy, organizational politics, process, and leadership.
Current certifications will not expire. Current MCSD's and MCAD's will have upgrade paths with special exams limiting the total number needed to receive the new premier credentials of MCPD.
There are no current plans to release new exams with simulations. However, Microsoft will continue to invest in new performance-based testing, and exams with simulations are possible in the future.
Additional information may be found at Microsoft Learning MCP site, Microsoft's New Generation of Creditials FAQ and the press release posted today.