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SQL Server and Visual Studio Certification Quick Guide

What should I do if I'm currently an:
  • MCP? Your MCP credential is not affected by the new certifications. If you are interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Microsoft SQL Server 2005, or Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006, please review the credential requirements.
  • MCSE, MCSA, or MCDST? You do not need to do anything at this point. When Microsoft releases the next version of the Microsoft Windows client and server products, the new credentials will follow the new structure with a Technology and Professional series. MCSEs, MCSAs, and MCDSTs will be offered an upgrade path to the new credentials.
  • MCDBA? Your MCDBA credential in SQL Server 2000 continues to be recognized by Microsoft, and you do not need to do anything to maintain it. Upgrade options for the new Microsoft SQL Server 2005 credentials will be available for those who are currently certified as MCDBAs. You can upgrade to the new MCITP: Database Administrator credential with one exam after you earn the prerequisite Technology Specialist credential. The upgrade exam will be available in early to mid-2006.
  • MCSD or MCAD? Your credentials continue to be recognized by Microsoft, and you do not need to do anything to maintain them. Upgrade options for the new Visual Studio 2005 credentials will be available for those who are currently certified as either MCAD or MCSD in Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. If you are an MCAD, you can choose an upgrade path to the new MCPD: Web Developer or MCPD: Windows Developer credential; this upgrade requires one exam. If you are an MCSD in Visual Studio .NET, you can upgrade to the new MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer; this upgrade requires two exams. These upgrade paths waive the prerequisite of having to earn Technology Specialist credentials. The upgrade exams for Professional Developer credentials will be available in early to mid-2006.

The Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 credential requires one exam. The Technology Specialist credentials are prerequisites for the Professional credentials. After obtaining the associated Technology Specialist credential, a candidate will need to pass two exams to achieve each of the SQL Server 2005 Professional credentials (IT Professional: Database Developer, IT Professional: Database Administrator and IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer). For more information, see the chart in the following section.

The new Microsoft certification program is designed to emphasize both the primary technology skill set and the job role of the individual. By focusing on core technical or professional skills, individuals can work toward a certification that meets their needs.

The program provides shorter certification paths that are targeted to specific job roles or technologies, so individuals can more quickly acquire relevant credentials to prove their expertise, and organizations can quickly ensure that IT professionals have the best skills for their projects. These shorter certification paths are also more cost-effective.

The new framework makes it easier for managers to distinguish candidates that meet specific job criteria. Fewer credentials and logos make it easier to understand qualifications while still offering the level of distinction needed to use certification as a recruiting tool.

The program introduces three series of credentials:

  • Technology Specialist (MCTS): This series validates core technology and product skills, such as how-to or implementation skills.
  • IT Professional and Professional Developer (MCITP and MCPD): This series validates specific job-role skills outside core technology, such as operational processes and procedures, and analyzing business problems.
  • Architect (MCA): This series validates the skills required to successfully affect business IT. These include technical breadth, technical depth, communication, strategy, organizational politics, process, and leadership.

For more information on obtaining Microsoft certification training from Boston University, call 1-800-BU-TRAIN or contact us online.

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