The New Generation of Microsoft Certifications
The new generation of Microsoft certifications is more specific and targeted to reflect the detail of what you do and to prove your expertise to those who need to know.
The Technology Series:
The Technology Series certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of and expertise in the broad range of technologies with which they work. These certifications typically consist of one to three exams, are focused on a key Microsoft product or technology, do not include job-role skills, and will be retired when mainstream product support for the particular technology expires.
The Professional Series:
Professional Series credentials validate a comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job. These skills include design, project management, operations management, and planning, and they are contextual to the job role. By validating a more comprehensive set of skills, these credentials give candidates and their hiring managers a reliable indicator of on-the-job performance.
The Professional Series certifications typically consist of one to three exams, have one or more prerequisites from the Technology Series, are focused on a single job role, and require recertification to maintain active status.
The Architect Series:
The Microsoft Certified Architect Program identifies top industry experts in IT architecture. These prestigious professionals have a minimum of 10 years of advanced IT industry experience, have 3 or more years of experience as a practicing architect, possess strong technical and managerial skills, and form an elite community. Unlike other industry certifications, this credential was built and is granted by the architect community. Candidates must pass a rigorous review by the Review Board, which is made up of previously certified peer architects.
There are five distinct certifications available for Windows Server 2008: three Technology Specialist certifications and two Professional certifications. Below is an overview of the certifications or click here for more details.
Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist Certifications
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MCTS: Active Directory Services
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MCTS: Infrastructure Services
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MCTS: Application Platform Services
Click here for details.
Windows Server 2008 IT Professional Certifications
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MCITP: Server Administrator
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MCITP: Enterprise Administrator
Click here for details.
Windows Server 2008 Upgrade Information
There are transition exams available for both the MCSA and MCSE for Windows Server 2003. Click here for details.
There are six Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications that demonstrate your understanding of application development. Each certification focuses on the features and functionality of key technology areas in the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.
There are three Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) paths which build on the MCTS prerequisites. The MCPD credential is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your expertise using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 in a specific, real-world job role.
Below is an overview of the certifications or click here for more details.
Visual Studio 2008 Technology Specialist Certifications
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MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
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MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
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MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Applications
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MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications
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MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
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MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Applications
Click here for details.
Visual Studio 2008 Certified Professional Developer
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MCPD: Windows Developer 3.5
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MCPD: ASP.NET Developer 3.5
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MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer 3.5
Click here for details.
MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSAs) administer network and systems environments based on the Microsoft Windows platforms.
MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) design and implement an infrastructure solution based on the Windows platform and Microsoft Servers software.
MCDBA - Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBAs) design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases.
MCAD - Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs) use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.
MCSD - Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) design and develop leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Windows architecture.