Certified or Certifiable?

April 10, 2008

Ok, so you’ve been around the block a few times and think you know your stuff when it comes to Microsoft technologies. What better way to prove it than to obtain a formal certification in your field of expertise? Well for one, where do you start? In a sea of dizzying acronyms (MCSD, MCSA, MCITP, MCPD, MCTS, MCSE, MCDBA…), how is one to survive the turbulent waters and inherent confusion of this journey? Better yet, how are your customers supposed to understand these 4 character “feathers in your cap” that everyone displays proudly on their resume and business cards? Good questions…

A number of our own LÛCRUM certifiables have navigated these waters in the past and to date they are the proud recipients of 15 such certifications.

Thankfully Microsoft has taken a fresh approach at this process. Certifications now fall under 1 of 3 categorizations.

Technology Series – This series exhibits core technology skill on a particular product/technology. Basically nuts/bolts stuff. Typically requires 1-3 exams. Certifications in this series retire when Microsoft product support ceases, thus they have a limited lifetime.

Professional Series – A “step up” from the Technology Series, this series adds job roles in addition to technology competency. It demonstrates your ability to deliver solutions within that role. This series typically requires 1-3 exams with a Technology Series certification prerequisite. It also requires periodic recertification.

Architect Series – The Mac Daddy of Microsoft certifications. This series displays your business IT prowess in addition to in-depth technology acumen to deliver enterprise capable business solutions. This involves a rigorous entry process and a formal oral review board (conducted by peers already possessing an Architect certification) at the conclusion of the certification process. It requires periodic recertification as well.

Across all of these series, only 4 certifications remain from the previous multitude of acronym chaos. They are Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and finally Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA). Each of these certifications allows for specialization in a variety of areas, however, the certification remains consistent. Once obtained, your branding for resumes and business cards simplifies to your certification plus specialty (i.e. MCITP – Server Administrator).

So how does one obtain these new certifications? Depending on the series…study, study, study and perhaps practical work experience. Microsoft has detailed all the required exams for each certification/specialty combination. Of course a wealth of choices exists for getting you to the exam desk. Books, webinars, study groups, classroom learning, user groups, and conferences are all viable vehicles. Practical work experience just takes time and exposure. As a result, certification takes time and patience and is not something done overnight.

If you’re interested in more information, check out Microsoft’s certification website… http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/default.mspx

Happy learning…

Dave

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