The Early Bird Gets the Early MCSE


The Early Bird Gets the Early MCSE

November/December 2007  Print

In terms of your businesses’ certification roadmap, one thing is clear: technology will continue to evolve at a rapid rate. And certifications need to be upgraded. Learn how to beat the certification panic, particularly with the imminent release of Windows Server 2008.

How to Stay Ahead of the MCSE Certification Pack

IT workers belong to a unique industry with rapid fast-paced change. Technology evolves daily and to keep up, you need to regularly update your skills and certification.

However, many IT professionals fail to keep up with their required levels of certifications.

Some IT professionals focus on attaining the skills rather than the certification; as a result, they are highly capable, yet unqualified. The fact is, many HR departments use certifications as the base level of discrimination against applicants. Even if you don’t believe in the value of certification, the market certainly does.

For those IT professionals thinking about upgrading their certification, the message is simple: skills that are officially recognised open career doors. Globally, certification has been on the rise which means the employment market will become more competitive and IT professionals need to place themselves in the best position possible by skilling up.

MCTS 2008: The New Certification Odyssey
When Microsoft Windows Server 2008 launches on 27th February next year, it will include a host of new features. From this, the next generation of certification is designed to be more job-focussed and will test specific skills sets more appropriately than its predecessors.

Those who need to acquire the MCSE certification will have until the 30th March 2008 to do so through our upgrade track. Those who do not participate in this upgrade track by the deadline will be required to re-certify for Windows Server 2000 and won’t be eligible for the upgrade track. So why wait? It really does pay off to fast-track your qualifications.

What You Need to Do

  1. If you already hold an MCSE or MCSA certification in Windows Server 2003. You can continue to build on your existing skills and become one of the first certified experts on Windows Server 2008. This would be a valuable way to demonstrate your skills and inspire confidence in your employers and clients. To make the transition to MCTS Windows Server 2008, you must pass one exam to become an MCTS

  2. If you hold a Windows 2000 MCSE certification. You can still upgrade to a Windows Server 2003 certification and safeguard your current IT skills. The quickest certification path would be to do the 2297 course, which is a five-day instructor-led course. You can then upgrade to the Windows Server 2008 certification at an appropriate time.

  3. If you hold a Windows Server 2003 certification and would like to upgrade to IT Pro. To upgrade to an IT Pro certification, you would need to pass the 70-649 upgrade exam, a client exam (70-620 or 70-624) and an Enterprise/Server administration exam (70-647 or 70-646).

  4. If you are a Windows Server 2003 certified IT Pro. You will need to complete two exams to certify as a Windows 2008 MCTS. One upgrade exam earns multiple MCTS certifications. For example, successfully completing the 70-649 (Upgrading your MCSE on 2003 to 2008) and the 70-648 (Upgrading you 2003 MCSA to 2008), provides candidates with 3 MCTS certifications (in Active Director, Infrastructure and Application platform configuration).

Certification will remain the benchmark for an individual’s skills set. It’s important to get ahead of the pack early in order to capitalise on new technologies and build your credentials. Also, by upgrading your skills, your company will drive its IT dollar further by getting the most out of its IT infrastructure. This relieves pressure on the bottom line, which in turn relieves the pressure on you.

For further information about these courses or to view DDLS Windows Server 2008 promotions click here or contact your Account Manager on 13 12 01.