A.
We no longer require a "refresh" or recertification of the MCITP certification within three years. To better meet our customers' needs, we now discontinue the availability of a certification when the technology for the certification is two versions old or older (for example, Windows XP is now two versions old and the certifications on this technology are no longer available). When a certification is discontinued, it is designated as "retired" or "legacy." If you earned an MCITP certification before the policy change, no action is required—the updated policy applies to your certification, which remains active until the technology is two versions old.
A.
No, not exactly. The MCITP on Windows Server 2008 certification requires a new skill set—in some cases, a more robust one—that differs from the skill set needed for MCSA and MCSE certifications.
MCITP: Server Administrator certification covers more operations-related job skills than the MCSA certification.
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator maps to an actual job role profile, whereas the MCSE certification does not. The latter combines technology and job skills.
A.
No. The MCSA and MCSE certifications are not being replaced. There is no change to the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 tracks and certifications. The MCTS and MCITP certifications are for Windows Server 2008.
A.
Yes and no. The term MCP is used both as a general term for all Microsoft Certified Professionals and as the name of a certification. As an MCITP, you become part of the Microsoft Certified Professional community, with access to all related benefits, information, and activities. You do not earn a certification titled "MCP." You should use the MCITP certification on your resume and in business collateral, which indicates your specialty and shows that you are a member of the MCP community.
A.
Today, most of our Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) exams retire when the related technology is two versions old. The certifications still appear on your transcript but are listed as "retired" or "legacy." In most cases, an upgrade path, which allows candidates to earn the certification with fewer exams (usually one), is available for individuals who hold the certification on the previous version of the technology.
The legacy Microsoft Certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), currently do not expire, but some may no longer be awarded because all exams are retired or because the related technology is more than two versions old. In most cases, individuals who hold the certification on the previous version of the technology can earn the certification on the next version of the technology with one upgrade exam.
To maintain the relevance and value of our certifications and ensure that candidates possess up-to-date skills on technologies that are constantly changing, recertification may be necessary for some certifications. In these cases, the certification will remain valid as long as the candidate continues to recertify at appropriate intervals. If the candidate does not meet the recertification requirements, the certification will be listed in the "Inactive" section on his or her transcript.
Note that Microsoft reserves the right to retire exams and certifications as well as change its recertification policy at any time. For more details on the certification lifespan policies, review the Certification Lifespan FAQ.
