This post is just a reminder to those considering taking one of Microsoft’s new certifications – MCTS, MCITP or MCPD on Windows Server 2008.

Microsoft have updated their exam retirement policy, unlike the MCSA & MCSE certifications on Windows Server 2003 which once passed will at the time of writing never retire, Microsoft have introduced a lifecycle policy for the MCTS, MCITP or MCPD, to ensure that these certifications are kept relevant and up to date.

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Microsoft started offering a free second chance to take and pass a Microsoft IT Professional, Developer, or Microsoft Dynamics certification exam back in September 2007, this offer was originally going to end on 31 January 2008, however due to demand Microsoft Learning and Prometric have just announced that they are extending the offer through to 30 June 2008

Of course being well prepared you will pass first time and will not need this, but just in case I will list a couple of useful links below:

For answers to your FAQ’s Click Here

To register for this offer visit Microsoft Learning,

Good Luck

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I recently received the Microsoft January MCP Flash. In this Microsoft encourages people to be amongst the first to become Windows Server 2008 qualified, which is unsurprising, however there was also an article focusing on the Windows Server 2003 certification.

Even though Windows Server 2008 is due for release next month and I will admit that from my experience and from what I have seen it is a great operating system, I know of a number of companies that I have been in contact with recently that are running Windows Server 2003 in an Active Directory environment and at this stage do not intend to migrate to Windows Server 2008, recognising this Microsoft can still see there is a demand for individuals with the appropriate skills and the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE 2003 certifications

The newsletter stated “These certifications will not change or retire with the release of Windows Server 2008. MCSA and MCSE will continue to be recognized and supported by Microsoft, and will be valued by organizations seeking skilled professionals on the Windows Server 2003 infrastructure all over the world. In the future, you can leverage your Windows Server 2003 certification for a shortened path to Windows Server 2008 certifications, when that makes sense for you.“

If you are still interested in these certifications and the upgrade paths available to Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has released a number of alternative electives, for example: exam 70-620 –TS on Windows Vista client, Configuring - can also be used as a core client or general elective exam on the MCSA or MCSE 2003 certification. For a list of the exams needed for MCSA 2003 click here, for MCSE 2003 click here.

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Happy holidays everyone. Several of you have recently asked where are our Windows Vista Courses and when will they be released.

I have been developing these courses for some time now, but have delayed their release in the hope that SP1 would be available, I have a few finishing touches that I want to undertake and expect both of them - The INTRO and MCTS course (which includes the INTRO course) - to be released late January 2008.

Unlike our previous courses, both will feature a downloadable PDF lab book with exercises. No written notes will be provided instead a more visual and detailed instructor led video simulation series will be available to assist with online self study, in responce to your feedback

Further courses covering Windows Server 2008 are also under development and should be available mid to late March 2008.

As soon as any new courses are available I will announce it here.

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Cisco Systems announced this week that it has instituted a new policy which will take effect over the next 12 months, whereby all candidates must have a digital photo taken and provide a digital signature at the Pearson Vue test center before being allowed to sit any Cisco exam.

This new identity authentication appears to take aim at those who may attempt to have others take their exams for them as well as help track those who are taking or retaking exams just to memorize questions to sell on or give away to other candidates.

A Pearson Vue statement said that the company estimates the process will add approximately 5 minutes to the testing check-in time. “We’re dedicated to candidate authentication procedures that allow us to quickly verify a test taker’s identity, without compromising candidate privacy and convenience,” the company stated.

Cisco is the only major IT certification vendor to implement this policy and they have indicated that these are the first of many new procedures that will be taken to further improve test security.

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One of my readers - Anne Frank - has asked me a question which I am regularly asked, so I have posted it and my reply in this post.

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“I am confused as to which Microsoft certification to study for - My company is running Windows Server 2000 and 2003. Should I continue to look at obtaining the MCSE or restart my studies on Windows Server 2008? If I study for Windows Server 2008 what exams must I study for?”

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Firstly there will be no MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) or MCSE Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) on Windows Server 2008, these qualifications are currently only available with Windows Server 2003 and will be replaced by the new qualifications – MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) and MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional).

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The CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) A+ certification provides an entry point into an IT career and is the industry standard to validate foundational skills, designed to cover the latest skills needed by computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software manufacturers, distributors and resellers.

The CompTIA A+ confirms a technician’s ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

The updated CompTIA A+ credential (2006 version) requires two examinations to be passed:

•   A+ Essentials (Exam 220-601)

This exam validates the basic skills needed by any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment. Skills covered will include Operating System installation, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive maintenance, with additional elements of security and soft skills.

Plus any one of the following:

•  A+ IT Technician (Exam 220-602 )

This exam is for those who work or intend to work in a mobile or corporate technical environment with a high level of face-to-face client interaction

Examples job roles include:

· Enterprise Technician

· IT Administrator

· Field Service Technician

· PC Technician

•   A+ Remote Support Technician (Exam 220-603)

This exam is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in a remote-based work environment where client interaction, client training, operating system and connectivity issues are emphasized.

Example job roles include:

· Remote Support Technician

· Help Desk Technician

· Call Center Technician

•   A+ Depot Technician (Exam 220-604)

This exam is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in settings where hardware related activities are emphasized.

Example job roles include:

· Depot Technician

· Bench technician

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For more information Visit the CompTIA Web Site

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The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification is a new qualification which acts as the first step towards achieving the recognised CCNA certification

The CCENT is for those who install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. And validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions..

One exam is required:

• Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) – exam 640-822

 

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NOTE: Exam 640-822 is scheduled for release on 1 August 2007.

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