MCSA, MCSE, and Windows Server Longhorn certifications

As promised, the link to today's morning presentation: here. Here is a summary: 

  • MCSA and MCSE are still the right certifications if you are working with WS2000 or WS2003.
  • MCSA and MCSE will not retire.
  • In one year, the WS2000 MCSA and MCSE exams will retire (that's the exams, not the credentials); more news of this to publish soon.
  • If you are planning for any of the core MCSA/MCSE 2003 exams, there are offers on related training: e-learning, ALL training kits and a few reference books, and practice tests through April/May 2007. Learn more.
  • There are new elective options for SA/SE tracks
  • Longhorn Server certifications will be in the "new generation" structure of MCTS (3 exams) and MCITP (2 exams, respectively); no details yet on names/exam numbers/paths
  • The first exams will beta at TechEd (June 2007) then MCTS exams available one month after Windows Server "Longhorn" releases to manufacturing (RTM); MCITP exams available 2 months after Longhorn RTMs. For reference RTM is in late October/early November, it sounds like.
  • There is no upgrade path from MCSA/MCSE 2000 to "Longhorn"
  • There is an upgrade path for both MCSA and MCSE 2003 to "longhorn"
  • Customers who hold an MCSA 2003 or MCSE 2003 by June 30, 2007 are eligible for a 40% savings voucher on their upgrade exam to Longhorn. You have to register for this offer in advance.
  • MCPs should see credential path details in May; public announcements in June.

If you would like more information on any of this, please watch the Live Meeting recording. Man, I talk way too fast.

I'm beat.

See you.