Question about upgrading Certifications

TehToG

I can get reduced price Microsoft exams while I'm a student so I'm planning my exams for the next year.

If for example I get my MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on windows 7 and then upgrade it to the 2012 MCSA with exam 417, do I lose my MCITP when I upgrade or do I keep both certifications?

spiderjericho

I'm a MCSE 2003. I upgraded to MCTIP:SA. I can upgrade that to 2012 and be certified in all three Server OSs.

You lose nothing. It's just a path Microsoft gives for those certified and familiar with their products. The only problem is their upgrade tests can sometimes cram multiple topics like the actual OS, active directory, etc.

TehToG

Ah. So 'upgrading' just means using a previous certification as a 'shortcut' to another exam? You keep all your previous Certs?

spiderjericho

Yes. But again, the difficulty of the exam is higher since you're not tackling an exam focusing on one topic like Server 2012, Active Directory, etc.