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Professionals who hold any currently recognized Microsoft certification have the opportunity to upgrade their certification as new products are released. Your current credentials will be recognized as long as they are in demand, and they will continue to be supported by Microsoft.
The new Microsoft certification program is designed to emphasize both the primary technology skill set and the job role of the individual. By focusing on core technical or professional skills, individuals can work toward a certification that meets their needs.
The program provides shorter certification paths that are targeted to specific job roles or technologies, so individuals can more quickly acquire relevant credentials to prove their expertise. Additionally, organizations can quickly ensure that IT professionals have the best skills for their projects. These shorter certification paths are also more cost-effective.
Exam objectives - links for the upgrade table
If you are currently
| • | MCP? Your MCP credential is not affected by the new certifications. If you are interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Microsoft SQL Server 2005, or Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006, please review the credential requirements. |
| • | MCSE, MCSA, or MCDST? You do not need to do anything at this point. When Microsoft releases the next version of the Microsoft Windows client and server products, the new credentials will follow the new structure with a Technology and Professional series. MCSEs, MCSAs, and MCDSTs will be offered an upgrade path to the new credentials. |
| • | MCDBA? Your MCDBA credential in SQL Server 2000 continues to be recognized by Microsoft, and you do not need to do anything to maintain it. Upgrade options for the new Microsoft SQL Server 2005 credentials will be available for those who are currently certified as MCDBAs. You can upgrade to the new MCITP: Database Administrator credential with one exam after you earn the prerequisite Technology Specialist credential. |
| • | MCSD or MCAD? Your credentials continue to be recognized by Microsoft, and you do not need to do anything to maintain them. Upgrade options for the new Visual Studio 2005 credentials will be available for those who are currently certified as either MCAD or MCSD in Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. If you are an MCAD, you can choose an upgrade path to the new MCPD: Web Developer or MCPD: Windows Developer credential; this upgrade requires one exam. If you are an MCSD in Visual Studio .NET, you can upgrade to the new MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer; this upgrade requires two exams. These upgrade paths waive the prerequisite of having to earn Technology Specialist credentials. The upgrade exams for Professional Developer credentials will be available in early to mid-2006.Please see the upgrade paths for current certifications. |
| Current Certification | Upgrade Exams | Exam # | New Generation Credential | New Generation Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCDBA | 2 Exams | 70-431 70-447 | Microsoft Certified IT Professional | Database Administrator |
| MCAD | 1 Exam | 70-552 | Microsoft Certified Professional Developer | Windows Developer |
| 1 Exam | 70-551 | Microsoft Certified Professional Developer | Web Developer | |
| 4 Exams | 70-552 70-551 70-529 70-549 | Microsoft Certified Professional Developer | Enterprise Application Developer | |
| MCSD | 2 Exams | 70-553 70-554 | Microsoft Certified Professional Developer | Enterprise Application Developer |