Why the New Generation of Microsoft Certifications Was Created

Microsoft created a new generation of Microsoft certifications to meet the demands of our customers more effectively. Before making changes, we asked our customers to tell us what they wanted. Having heard all of the requests we have realized that the program needs to be:

• Targeted and flexible.
• Rigorous and credible.
• Relevant and simple.

IT managers complained that the proliferation of different kinds of credentials makes it more difficult for them to understand which credentials meet their business requirements best. Individuals told us that they wanted to distinguish themselves from other IT professionals. In response, we created a framework that decreases the number of credentials to minimum, nevertheless allowing individuals to lay stress on their specialization. The new certifications emphasize on the primary technology skill set and the job role of each individual and focus on core technical and professional skills. In addition, the new framework makes it easier for managers to choose candidates that meet specific job criteria.

Targeted and Flexible

The statement we heard most frequently from our certified clients was that an improved program needs to be more flexible in order to reflect the reality of today's IT workforce. To meet this request, we designed the new certifications that could reflect specific and well-understood job roles while also enabling individuals to uniquely identify their various skills. More targeted certification directions allow IT professionals to gain a certification that truly meets their needs. We have also reduced terms of new certification programs, so individuals can acquire relevant credentials to prove their qualification more quickly.

Rigorous and Credible

Our current credential holders emphasized on the importance of maintaining and even increasing of the rigor and credibility of the program. As part of our commitment to ensure a rigorous program, in 2005 we introduced performance-based testing using simulation technology during two of our Windows Server 2003 core exams. At the heart of the new MCP program there is an ongoing commitment to implement new testing technologies that reflect the real-world needs of candidates and companies more effectively. The new exams are designed to be more understandable and straightforward; exams are able to validate rigorously the knowledge and skills of candidates.

Relevant and Simple

The new certification program is designed to be more relevant and simple for understanding and use. Relevant certification credentials more fully validate the depth of a candidate's technology skills, and exams validate professional job skills, best practices, and industry knowledge. Fewer credentials and logos make it easier to understand qualifications, nevertheless offer the level of distinction needed to use certification as a recruiting tool. The new program simplifies many processes for organizations, hiring managers and candidates: organizations get to know how to leverage certification and skills in their business more easily; hiring managers can easily choose candidate for appropriate job position; and it is much easier for candidates to show their skills and knowledge to their clients, or prospective employers.

Skilled IT Professionals Are Still in Demand

13 years had passed since Microsoft launched what is now called the Microsoft Certified Professional program. During this period we have helped millions of people to realize their potential. Almost 3 million certifications had been issued—almost 300,000 people had been certified in the last 12 months alone. Today there is strong demand for individuals in all types of IT professional positions, from developer to system engineers on Windows Server 2003.

However, the situation today is different than it was in 1992— the software structure is more complex, more interdependent, and more prevalent. People working in IT are more experienced and sophisticated, and job roles are becoming both more diverse and more specialized. In order to correspond to these changes, Microsoft designed the new generation of certifications, which could reflect today's business situation and the needs of people working in different IT spheres. Based on a successful, well-known, and well-established program, it's designed to appeal to more IT professionals and developers than ever before.