Windows Server 2008 is generating demand all over the world for skilled IT professionals who can support this new Windows Server operating system. IDC, a global analyst firm, estimates that there will be more than 3.5 million deployments of Windows Server 2008 in its first year (IDC, 2007). Make sure that hiring managers and project leads notice you—with a Microsoft Certification. Combined with hands-on experience, certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your understanding of new features—new Web tools, virtualization technologies, security enhancements, and management utilities—and inspire confidence in your readiness to evaluate, design, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server 2008.
Introducing Windows Server 2008 certificationIn response to accelerating technology lifecycles, changing roles in IT, and your feedback, we are pleased to introduce a new suite of Windows Server certifications. These new certifications differentiate technology skills and job-role skills; reflect industry skills relevant to today's real-world IT functions; and conserve resources with simplified, specific exam roadmaps.
Demonstrating in-depth technology skills: MCTSThe building blocks of Windows Server 2008 certification are three Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications designed to validate your skills on the features and functionality of key technology areas in Windows Server 2008. You can show your depth of knowledge in one specific Windows Server 2008 technology, earn multiple MCTS certifications to show breadth across different products, or build on the MCTS to earn a Professional Series credential. The three MCTS certifications on Windows Server 2008 are:
| • | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration | | • | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration | | • | MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration | | • | Learn more about MCTS certifications |
A fresh take on industry-leading professional skills: MCITP The Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credential is the ideal way to demonstrate your ability to use Windows Server 2008 to excel in a specific, real-world job role. Two paths build on MCTS prerequisites and are tied to professional roles relevant to Windows Server in today’s IT marketplace. The two MCITP certifications reflect distinct job roles—choose the path that makes sense for you.
Ready to get started?No matter what your Windows Server certification history or technology background, there is a certification path that makes sense for you. A practical method for choosing a certification is to become certified for your job role today or on the job role that you see as your next career step. Find your profile in the following table and determine your next career step. I am, or will be, focused on Windows Server 2008 | Choose the MCTS certification on Windows Server 2008 that fits your business needs | I am certified on Windows Server 2003 and plan to work with Windows Server 2008 | Follow your MCSA or MCSE upgrade path to Windows Server 2008 | I work with Windows Server 2003 and will continue to do so for the near future | Work on the MCSA or MCSE credential for Windows Server 2003. Those certifications will not be retired and will continue to hold market value for as long as organizations seek professionals skilled in working with Windows Server 2003. When the time is right, you can take advantage of the Windows Server 2008 upgrade path. Look for new additions to your elective choices, too. | I work with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server | The Microsoft Windows 2000 Server exams have recently been retired; we recommend that you pursue a Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 path. Rest assured that the MCSA and MCSE certifications will not be discontinued; they will remain on your transcript and hold value for organizations that seek professionals who are skilled at working with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. | I am interested in earning up-to-date certifications focused on messaging or security | Consider earning an MCTS or MCITP certification on related technologies (Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2006, or Microsoft Forefront). There will not be messaging or security specializations for Windows Server 2008 certifications; those areas have been broken into separate paths to allow for simplified exam roadmaps. | I am new to certification and work with Windows Vista | Consider earning the MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration certification as your first step. This one-exam certification is an excellent introduction to the MCP community, adds a Windows Vista certification to your resumé, and fulfills a requirement or elective for many of the Windows Server certification tracks. |
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