Microsoft Technologies test industry expertise of individuals through advanced Microsoft certificate programs. Often, distinguished certifications like the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) were a prestigious mark on a candidate’s technical acumen. But this is no longer the same!
Over the years, Microsoft has brought significant updates regarding these certifications. In 2018 Microsoft hinted at the complete phasing out of MCSA, MCSD and MCSE certifications to keep their professional programs current. However, it was very recently that this came into complete effect. Recently, Microsoft announced the retirement of the entire MCSA, MCSE and MCSD Certification Courses by January 31, 2021. However, you can still get these certifications before it retires on January 31, 2021. If you want to get hold of MCSA certification which is valid for another 2 years start your MCSA Training in Abu Dhabi today.
Listed below are all the certifications in the retirement plan of Microsoft:
MCSA Certifications
- SQL 2016 BI Development
- SQL 2016 Database Admin
- SQL 2016 Database Dev
- SQL Server 2012/2014
- BI Reporting
- Dynamics 365 for Operations
- Web Applications
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2016
- Universal Windows Platform
MSCE Certifications
- Data Management & Analytics
- Productivity
- Business Applications
- Core Infrastructure
MCSD Certifications
Along with these 15 certifications, all the 42 exams required to achieve these certificates will also be retired by January 31, 2021. Worried about your certification journey? Here is why you need not.
What should you do if you are appearing or already holding one of these certificates?
If you are all set with your preparations, you need to make sure to give the respective exams before January 31, 2021. Till then you have the chance to get MCSA Training and Certification in Abu Dhabi. Even after the certifications retire, your MCSE, MSCD and MCSA certifications will remain on your Microsoft certification transcript for two years from January 31, 2021. After which they will be moved into the “inactive” section of your transcript. The same happens to existing MCSE, MSCD and MSCA holders.
Now, you must be wondering about the alternative option that Microsoft has to offer? Well, when Microsoft bids goodbye to “technology-based” certifications, it has come up with something to replace the vacuum calling them, “role-based” certifications.
What are role-based Certifications?
The technical skills required for each job role is distinct and keeps changing with new business trends emerging and leaving. Keeping this in mind, Microsoft has designed its new role-based certifications. With these certifications, you acquire the skill sets specific to your job role to gain recognition in that specific field. Although Microsoft kickstarted on the role-based certifications back in 2018, they have been working on its progress since then. In fact, about a total of 34 certifications have been added to their portfolio across Azure, Modern Workplace, and Business Applications. Some of the specific job roles covered include Developer, Data Scientist, Administrator, AI Engineer and so on.
Three major advantages of role-based certifications are that
- They help you remain competitive in the cloud-based environment.
- They are updated frequently with all the features that Microsoft constantly adds to enhance cloud solutions.
- They are profession-specific and as a result, bridges the skill gap that may arise during performance.
Alternative Paths to MCSD and MSCE in Role-based Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft is yet to introduce complete equivalents to all MCSA, MCSD and MCSE certifications. Here are a few recommendations by Microsoft in role-based certifications instead of MCSD and MCSE certificate paths.
MCSD: App Builder
- Start with the Azure Developer Associate Program
MCSE: Productivity
- Start with either of these: Teams Administrator Associate, Messaging Administrator Associate, Security Administrator Associate
- Then choose: Enterprise Administrator Expert
MCSE: Core Infrastructure
- Start with either of these: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate.
MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
- Start with any of these: Azure Database Administrator (coming soon), Data Analyst Associate (coming soon), Azure Data Engineer Associate
Azure AI Engineer Associate, Azure Data Scientist Associate
Additionally, note that only the above mentioned MCSE, MCSD and MCSE are affected by retirement. No Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certificates are disrupted through this retirement.
Since there are huge deletions and new additions, it’s important to identify the ideal one for your job role. Update your certificate goals today and skill up right away.
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