What you need to know about Windows Server 2008 certifications

by James Carrion, Mountain View Systems' Principal & Senior Instructor

As you have probably heard for some time now, Microsoft is transitioning away from the MCP/MCSA/MCSE certifications to the new MCTS (Technology Specialist) and MCITP (IT Professional) certifications and exams. The first question you will probably have is: "Does that mean that my current MCP/MCSA/MCSE certifications are no longer going to be valid?" and the answer is no. Your current certifications will still be valid and will not expire. If you are currently job hunting, the older certifications are still highly valued, as most hiring managers are used to sorting resumes by the old certifications and it will take them some time for them to catch on to the new line of certifications.

Why did Microsoft move to an entirely new line of certifications?

They were trying to get away from the "one title fits all" mentality of the MCP/MCSA/MCSE tracks. For example, I could pass the 70-270 Windows XP exam and achieve the MCP certification. You could take the 70-291 2003 Network Infrastructure exam, a much more difficult exam and also achieve the MCP certification. When sorting through resumes, how does a hiring manager know that your MCP achieved through a more difficult exam is worth more than my MCP achieved through an easier exam? They don't - hence the change to the new line of certifications.

The MCTS (Technology Specialist) designation is technology specific, so for example, a MCTS in Windows Vista Configuration can be easily distinguished from a MCTS in Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration. The MCTS credential expires when Microsoft technical support for that product expires, whereas there is no expiration for a MCP certification (because it is so generic).

The MCITP (IT Professional) designation is role specific. For example, a MCITP Sever 2008 Administrator is distinguished from a MCITP Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator as a role that is more akin to a junior level administrator. The MCITP certifications don't expire but will have continuing certification requirements to stay current.

So where do you get started with the Windows Server 2008 certification process?

That depends on whether or not you are currently certified as a Windows Server 2003 MCSA/MCSE (MCP doesn't count). If you are already 2003 MCSA/MCSE certified, there is a direct upgrade path to Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP. If you are not Windows 2003 MCSA/MCSE certified, then you will have to take all the core and required Server 2008 exams. Here's a table that breaks it down for you:

Exams required to achieve MCTS & MCITP Certifications

As you can see from the table, the 70-648 and 70-649 exams will only upgrade you to a MCTS designation, and you have to take additional exams to achieve MCITP. The 70-648 exam is taken in lieu of 70-640 and 70-642 but you must already be a Windows Server 2003 MCSA. The 70-649 exam is taken in lieu of 70-640, 70-642, and 70-643 but you must already be a Windows Server 2003 MCSE.

Some other things to keep in mind are:

• There are no upgrade paths for those who hold a Messaging or Security specialization in Windows Server 2003.
• There is no upgrade path from Windows Server 2000 certifications - another reason to finish out the Windows Server 2003 track if you are already on it.

Mountain View will have two boot camps to choose from to get you Windows Server 2008 certified:

• Server 2008 Upgrade Boot Camp
  Takes you from a Windows 2003 MCSA/MCSE to a Windows Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP. If you are Windows 2003 MCSA certified, you need to pass 2 exams (70-648, 70-646) to achieve MCITP Server 2008 Administrator and if you are a Windows 2003 MCSE you need to pass 3 exams (70-649, 70-647, 70-620) to achieve MCITP Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator.
• Server 2008 Boot Camp
  Takes you from Windows NT4/2000/no certifications to a Windows Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP. You will need to pass 3 exams (70-640, 70-642,70-646) to achieve MCITP Server 2008 Administrator and 5 exams (70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647, 70-620) to achieve MCITP Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator. 70-646 is not required but you can optionally take it.

It has taken Microsoft five years to get to a new round of certifications. There is a plethora of Windows 2000/2003 certified MCPs/MCSAs/MCSEs out there competing for jobs. Achieving the 2008 certification early on will help distinguish you from all of the other currently certified professionals. I expect our classes will fill quickly as Mountain View alumni finally have a new Microsoft certification to achieve.

I look forward to seeing you in class and helping you achieve your Windows Server 2008 certifications.

Alumni Spotlight: MVS Certs open doors around the globe "I attended Mountain View Systems MCSE boot camp in November 2006. At the time I was working as a system administrator for a commercial real estate company in Florida. The training I received helped me expand on my Microsoft technology skill set and I was able to apply much of what I learned to my current job. Since that time I've moved on to a DoD contracting job as a systems administrator supporting U.S. Military operations in Iraq. Obtaining my MCSE through Mountain View Systems has led to numerous opportunities and was one of the best career choices I've made!" Note: We want to hear from our alumni and randomly pick students to spotlight in our newsletters.		Knic Ebel ITT TAC-SWACAA Camp Slayer Baghdad, Iraq
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