The future of the MCTS?

According to Ed Liberman, microsoft are reverting back to the MCSA & MCSE because the MCTS & MCITP titles didnt really take off. Now so far I know that Microsoft is getting rid of the MCITP for the MCSA & MCSE which I look forward to but he also said that hes quite certain that the MCTS will vanish too. Bearing in mind he said this over a year ago and so far its been true. The SQL MCTS is being retired in a few months.

I am wondering what will happen in future when a person passes one exam in a MCSA set? What will they get to show for it?

Will it go back to the MCP?

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RobertKaucher

It seems it is going to be MS (Microsoft Specialist).

MS(rgb)_1485.png

Mend

I believe every single Microsoft exam rewards the title MCP regardless, so at least that won't change.

This is a topic I've been considering as well. I've been studying pretty regularly for the latest CompTia A+ but I happened to browse the 78-680 (MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration) and it will continue to grant you the MCTS title but only until April 2013.

So now I'm faced with the a choice to continue on the A+ path and forego the departing title or switch gears and cram for the 78-680 to get it.

Akaricloud

On a quick side note, I find it interesting that the MCITP and MCTS didn't take off so instead they are "bringing back" the MCSE and MCSA. The problem with this is the new MCSE and MCSA are completely different certifications than before and the acronyms don't stand for what they used to at all. Now we're going to have the legacy MCSE(Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) and the new MCSE(Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert).

Way to confuse employers!

Mend

Not only that, but the fact that they're saying it never "took off" is pretty misleading (at least in the North East, USA). I'm always on the job hunt and I have seen MCITP listed as a desired qualification A LOT. I would say it is still a relevant and desired certification.

RobertKaucher

Mend wrote: »

I believe every single Microsoft exam rewards the title MCP regardless, so at least that won't change.

This is some what misleading and is a point of confusion for lots of people. Unless you pass an MCP era exam you are only an MCP in the sense that you are a professional who is certified by Microsoft.

It does NOT grant you the title of MCP. Meaning while Microsoft refers to all of those who hold one of their certs as MCPs unless you have specifically passed an MCP era (70-270, 70-290, 70-291 as examples) exam you may not use the MCP logo or title on your resume.

Quote from MS Certification Blog:
Are you a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) if you earn a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)?

Yes, in that you become part of the Microsoft Certified Professional community, with access to the MCP site, benefits (Knowledge Base, etc).
No, in that you do not earn a credential called "MCP."

"So, an MCP and an MCTS walk in to a bar..." - "So, a booth babe and a geek walk in to a bar..." - Site Home - MSDN Blogs
https://www.certificationlogobuilder.com/Downloads/MCP_LogoUsageGuidelines_2012.pdf

ptilsen

It seems to me MS is still offering MCTS titles for current-gen products. I'm taking the training for MCTS: Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager in a couple weeks. Of course, the retroactively renamed the whole 2008-era line, so they may well do the same with the MCTS line.

lsud00d

RobertKaucher wrote: »

Meaning while Microsoft refers to all of those who hold one of their certs as MCPs unless you have specifically passed an MCP era (70-270, 70-290, 70-291 as examples) exam you may not use the MCP logo or title on your resume.

In the logo guidelines .pdf it lists the MCP logo under "Other" at the bottom of the new certifications. I get what you're saying but in the documentation it appears to say using the MCP logo is acceptable if you earn an MCTS, MCSA, MCITP, etc.

DJohnsonRose

So they are replacing the MCTS with the MS or are they getting rid of it complete;y? I have noticed that the MCSA is listed as an entry certification (which is what the MCTS originally was) so I am confused

RobertKaucher

lsud00d wrote: »

In the logo guidelines .pdf it lists the MCP logo under "Other" at the bottom of the new certifications. I get what you're saying but in the documentation it appears to say using the MCP logo is acceptable if you earn an MCTS, MCSA, MCITP, etc.

I disagree. The text above the broad classifications says

The Microsoft Certification Program is designed to provide individuals with even greater opportunities to express
their high degree of competence and expertise in Microsoft technologies, products and industry best practices.
Candidates who successfully complete the Microsoft Certification requirements referenced below and have reviewed
and agreed to the Microsoft Certification Program Agreement in place with Microsoft may use one or more of the
Microsoft Certification logos for the specific certification the candidate has earned, as a graphic symbol to show that
they have demonstrated the expertise required for the applicable certification(s) described below

"Other" is merely a classification for the MCP Certification. If you have not earned an MCP certification, you may not use the logo. It is stated in at least two places on their site.

I think I will send an email off to MCP Help, though just to be certain. My personal opinion is it's a silly policy.

Edit - I just got done chatting with a representative on the MCP site.

Please wait for an agent to respond. You are currently '1' in the queue.
Privacy Statement
You are now chatting with 'Sachin'.
Sachin: Hi Robert.
Robert Kaucher: Hello
Sachin: Thank you for contacting Microsoft Certification Chat Support. Please give me a moment while I review your query.
Robert Kaucher: Ok, take your time. Basically I was wondering if this position had changed: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/trika/archive/2008/01/09/so-an-mcp-and-an-mcts-walk-in-to-a-bar.aspx
Sachin: Robert, you will not be able to use the MCP logo. You can only use the logos for the certifications you have achieved.
Sachin: Is there any thing else I may assist you with today?

nosoup4u

Reaffirms that Microsoft needs to stop changing the name of these things every 4 years.

it_consultant

Like..."private cloud"? That sounds like a bad day...privately.

buzzkill

Akaricloud wrote: »

Way to confuse employers!

Don't blame Microsoft for the new meaning of the MCSE acronym. Blame the self-righteous, indignant, neckbeard pricks of the Canadian professional engineers' association.

Microsoft MCSEs are bogus boffins, say Canadian engineers ? The Register

ptilsen

I actually watched a webinar back when MCITP was the new thing and someone at MS was laughing about how they didn't like being sued, and that that was basically the reason for the change.

The fact that they changed the whole damn system instead of what the acronym stood for is pretty silly. Heck, they could have had it mean something else just within Canada. Even with the new system, MCSE could still mean Microsoft Certified Systems Expert, and MCSA would be unchanged. One word change would not have done 1/10 the damage to the industry that these two major system overhauls have.

Anyway, despite my frustrations, I am definitely pleased that MCSA/MCSE are back. I am not pleased that they haven't made MCITP:EA into MCSE Server Infrastructure and that the exams are retiring in five months, but at least the new MCSE/A are truly worth getting because These Are The Acronyms You're Looking For.

bela456

It seems it is going to be Microsoft Specialist.