NE1 here would be interested in MCAS ?

gomcse2002

Hi guys

Just curious anyone here would be interested in Microsoft Certified Application Specialist of Windows Vista (coming in Aug 2007) ?

More info at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/msbc/datasheet/default.mspx

Please advise.

candycorn

Thats odd, so are they throwing out the MOS/MOUS and replacing it with this MCAS?

Yeah, I guess I would be interested. It's nice to stay current with their products, if you have the time.

pllegends

Yes, I plan to go for the MCAS because I plan to teach it. Its just a little frustrating right now because the step by step books just don't fit my style of learning and there is not much out there that approaches the MCAS as lessons. Most publishers just give you everything regardless of your skill level. I prefer and will be using the Microsoft Official Academic Courses offered by Wiley which will be coming out soon or customized lessons plans that are published by CustomGuide. I am currently in the process of evaluating them. The way I figure, if I can learn and pass from them, so will my students. I may continue and do the MCAP since I have quite a bit of years in the corporate world doing most of what they are testing. I'll just have to learn the "Microsoft" version of doing tasks.

P.S. the MOS/MOUS will still be around. These new certs coming out are just Microsoft's way of making the certs more specific and meaningful to employers since the "...4sure"/"...king" memorizing crowd has been hurting the value of our certs by not actually knowing their job. (Apologies to those who do learn and just use them for practice).

candycorn

Makes sense....

Thanks Luis.

What are we looking for price wise? $150 a pop?

gomcse2002

I believe is around US $ 89.00 for the MCAS Voucher (get in Canada / US)

candycorn

It appears (January 2007) that a new set of qualifications will replace the MOS/MOUS certifications for Office 2007. The direct application specific skills are the “Microsoft Certified Application Specialist” (“MCAS”) for each Office 2007 Application. And, a new “Microsoft Certified Application Professional” (“MCAP”) based on how to complete more common business tasks. While these qualification exams will be managed by Certiport it appears other exam providers may also become involved.

Stupid Wikipedia.