Microsoft has revamped its training programme for certified
engineers to provide specialist skills geared towards
Windows Server 2008.
Previously, it was possible for IT professionals to train and
gain a certificate as a
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), which covered a
range of skills relating to Microsoft desktop and server
products.
Now, with the availability of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has
broken the certification programme down, replacing MCSE with the
Microsoft
Certified IT Professional (MCITP) training programme,
IT professionals who want to maintain a current certificate to
show they are competent at implementing and managing Windows Server
2008 environments will need to retrain and take the MCITP exam.
Unlike its predecessor, MCITP is designed to provide students
with a certificate based on a particular job function. Microsoft
has introduced certification for a number of job roles including
business intelligence developer, consumer support technician,
database developer, database administrator, enterprise messaging
administrator, enterprise project management with Microsoft Office
Project Server 2007, enterprise aministrator and server
administrator.
Gary Barnett, analyst at Bathwick Group, said, "For people
working in desktop and technical support, getting MS qualifications
is a really good career move. There are quite a few MS database
administrator jobs advertised where certification is a
pre-requisite.
"By making the qualification more specific to roles, it becomes
easier for employers to find the right skilled people in products
like Sharepoint, SQL Server and other Microsoft infrastructure
tools."
Rob Chapman, CEO at Firebrand Training, said, "IT professionals
will need to upgrade their existing MCSE qualification to the MCTS
certification. This upgrade involves an exam and is the most basic
qualification to demonstrate expertise in core areas of Microsoft
technology. The programme drives people to certify on a regular
basis."