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There are more Microsft certifications than ever, which means that choosing one isn't as easy as it used to be.

If you're considering pursuing a Microsoft certification, you may already have discovered that the number of Microsoft certifications is legion. This has come about because Microsoft has redesigned the structure of its certification program several times as it worked to come up with a sustainable, straight forward structure. However, each certification in the latest crop comes in a wide array of variations, and on top of that, the old certifications never went away, and some of them are in fact still relevant to IT professionals today. All of this makes the menu of choices a little overwhelming.

Another reason for this article is that, as of this writing, Microsoft forces you to install their new Silverlight plug in before you can view certification information, and many of us would rather not do that...

The Hottest Options

If you are working with the latest Microsoft technologies, you will want to earn a certification from the newest generation, we'll start with those.

The most recent generation certifications are as follows:

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) -individual products and technologies.
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) - job role focus added on top of MCTS.
• Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) - developers using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework.
• Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) - highly experienced experts with strong managerial and technical skills.

There are also two instructor certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) - required qualification to teach official Microsoft courses.
  
• Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC) - MCTs who are also consultants.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) is the building block for higher level Microsoft certifications. It is roughly equivalent to the original Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) designation. It is product focused, for individuals who want to demonstrate expertise with individual Microsoft products or technologies. MCTS certification options range from Windows Server 2008 all the way back to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and cover just about everything between. They typically require passing one to three exams in your chosen area of focus. When mainstream support for the particular product expires, the certification will be retired.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) takes product specific expertise and adds a job role on top of it, such as administrator, developer, or support technician. Each MCITP has a related MCTS requirement, so you'll have to earn that first. With the exception of the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator which consists of five exams, each of the MCITP roles requires one to two MCTS exams plus one to two MCITP exams. For example, to earn MCITP: Server Administrator you would need to pass two MCTS exams (Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration and Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration) and then pass the MCITP Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator exam. The retirement policy is the same as it is for MCTS designations.

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) is for application developers who work with Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. This certification takes MCTS skills and adds on specific developer roles using these technologies. The current MCPD certifications focus on Visual Studio 2008, but you can still earn certifications on Visual Studio 2005. For Visual Studio .NET, the older Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) is the certification to earn.

The three MCPD options for Visual Studio 2008 are Windows Developer, ASP.NET Developer, or Enterprise Application Developer. For a Windows or ASP.NET designation, you must first earn the MCTS certification on the same technology (2 exams) and then pass the related MCPD exam. The Enterprise Developer title is much more demanding, requiring you to earn multiple MCTS certifications before taking MCPD Enterprise exams.

Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the highest level of Microsoft certification and by far the most rigorous and costly. You'll need a ton of experience just to consider it, and it will set you back at least $10,000 just in program fees, half of which is due up front. The skills assessed include soft skills such as leadership, communication, and organizational strategies as well as technology expertise, which is billed as vendor neutral. There are infrastructure and solutions tracks, as well as a separate MCA Technology program.

Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the highest level of Microsoft certification and by far the most rigorous and costly.

For the infrastructure or solutions tracks, first you'll have to submit an extensive dossier documenting your work history, an architectural solution case study, and descriptions of instances in which you have demonstrated each of the required competencies. Then you'll have to undergo an extensive, two hour review by a panel of four experts including two who are current MCAs. During the review, you will present and defend your solution and make a case for why you are really, truly an architecture expert.

The MCA Technology program is open only to Microsoft partners and employees and operates a bit differently. It is even more expensive, requiring you to attend four weeks of training, pass a qualification lab, and then face the review board, as well as meet experience requirements.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) is the certification that must be earned before you can teach an official Microsoft course using the official curriculum. It has been around for many years. There are four steps to becoming an MCT. The first is of course that you hold a current Microsoft certification from a fairly broad list that includes various MCSA, MCSE, MCITP, MCTS, MCDBA, and other certifications. Second, you must prove trainer expertise by either a) holding CompTIA CTT+ certification or a trainer credential from Cisco, Citrix, Oracle, or Novell, b) attend and pass an approved presentation skills course, or c) prove that you are an instructor at an accredited academic institution. Third, you must sign up for a "Metrics that Matter" account which enforces ongoing MCT requirements such as performance standards. You will need the account number for the next step. The final requirement is that you must complete Microsoft MCT application and pay the $400 program fee (US). An MCT certification must be renewed annually.

Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC) is for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) who are also serve as consultants who design, develop, and implement customized Microsoft learning solutions. To step up from MCT to MCLC, you will need to submit a case study of a project you completed within the last two years that proves your skills as a learning consultant and submit a letter from the customer profiled in your case study. You will have to submit a new case study and a new letter every two years.

Oldies (and Not So Oldies) but Goodies

The original crop of Microsoft certifications is arguably the best known group, but they are disappearing fast. Neverless, some are still quite applicable to today's IT professionals. If you pick one of these, be sure to pay attention to when it is being retired and complete all requirements before then. This bunch includes:

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) - basic competency in any legacy Microsoft product.
• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) - technical support for Windows XP end users.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) - intended as a stepping stone to the MCSE.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) - high level skills in Microsoft Windows up to Windows 2003.
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) - intended as a stepping stone to MCSD.
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) - application development using Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 or 1.1
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) - implementation and administration of Microsoft SQL Server databases.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) used to be the entry point to the Microsoft certification program. Basically, pass any single exam on any Microsoft product and you would obtain MCP certification. This no longer applies and has been effectively replaced by the MCTS designation described earlier.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) s for individuals who provide support to end users of Windows XP. There are two exams required, one that focuses on the operating system itself and a second that covers troubleshooting applications that run on it.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is essentially a stepping stone to the MCSE, created because the list of MCSE requirements can be rather daunting at seven exams. It can be earned on Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 and requires passing four exams which overlap the MCSE exams, thus you will earn the MCSA on the way to the MCSE. The exams include two networking system exams, one client operating system exam, and one elective. MCSA: Messaging and MCSA: Security specializations are also available for both the Windows 2000 and the Windows 2003 tracks.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is without a doubt the best known certification worldwide; no suprise since it's been around since 1992, and it's not going away any time soon. It is intended to certify a high skill level in designing and implementing Windows operating system solutions. Currently it can only be earned following a seven exam Windows 2003 track. Exams for earlier tracks, such as Windows 2000, are no longer available. There are no current plans to retire this certification, although the newer certifications at the beginning of this article warrant a look first.

The MCSE is still a very viable certification and will be for the foreseeable future as Windows Server 2003 is likely to remain in wide use for some time.

To earn an MCSE on Windows Server 2003, you must pass seven exams including four core networking system exams, a client operating system exam, a design exam, and one elective exam from an extensive list that includes many of the latest Microsoft certification exams. The four core networking exams cover skills related to managing, implementing, and maintaining Windows Server 2003 in a networked environment. The client operating system exam can be either for Windows Vista or Windows XP professional. For the design exam, the two choices are Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure or Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network. The list of possible electives includes quite a few from the new MCTS certification exam list. MCSE: Messaging and MCSE: Security specializations are also available for both the Windows 2000 and the Windows 2003 tracks.

The MCSE is still a very viable certification and will be for the foreseeable future as Windows Server 2003 is likely to remain in wide use for some time.

Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) is for developers who work with Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 or 1.1. For later versions of the .NET Framework, look at the newer MCTS above. Also, keep in mind that t crucial core exams will retire in March 2009, so you will not be able to take them after that. MCAD was created as a more easily obtainable developer certification than the MCSD and serves as a stepping stone to that. It requires three exams rather than five. The exams overlap so you will earn the MCAD on the way to the MCSD. First you choose either Visual C# .NET or Visual Basic .NET as your track. Then you will need to pass a Windows or web application development exam and a web services and server component development exam, plus one elective that covers a specific Microsoft server product.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) was Microsoft's first certification for developers and is nearly as well known as the MCSE; however, the core exams will retire in March 2009, so if you have not completed them by then, you will not be able to earn this certification. On the up side, Microsoft says the title will never expire, so if you earn it you get to keep it. An MCSD is for application developers who work with Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 or 1.1. For later versions of the .NET framework look at MCTS and MCITP above.

The MCSD certification offers a choice of a Visual C# .NET or Visual Basic .NET. Four core exams are required, one each for web application development, windows application development, web services and server component development, and solution architecture. An additional elective is also required, which can be chosen from a list that includes Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004, Microsoft SQL Server 2005, and implementing application security, among other options.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) is for administrators of Microsoft SQL Server 2000. Most of the exams on this track have already retired or will retire in March 2009, so you will need to complete the requirements before then. To earn an MCDBA, you must pass on SQL Server administration exam and one SQL Server design exam. You must also pass either a Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 exam. The last requirement is your choice of an elective from a list that includes some of the newer MCTS exams. Most of the other elective options are for exams that have been retired.

That's a Wrap - For Now

As you can see, the latest generation of certifications offers many more certification tracks within each designation. They pertain to the latest Microsoft technologies as well some of the more venerable products and are certainly the first place to look if you are considering a new certification. However, many previous Microsoft products, such as Windows Server 2003, are still widely used, and earlier Microsoft certifications that remain available are quite appropriate for individuals who work with those products. Basically it comes down to what technology generation you are working with, at least until the menu of certifications gets redesigned again...

Microsoft's Learning Group closes beta testing on several new Windows Server 2008 exams, with release soon after the software launches next month.

Windows Server 2008 rounds the corner toward release at the end of next month. And the Microsoft Learning Group, for its part, has been keeping pace with new exams that are slated to be generally available at Prometric testing centers soon after the software hits shelves. According to blog posts from Trika Harms zum Spreckel, a member of the marketing team in the Microsoft Learning Group, MCPs will see a healthy mix of MCTS and MCITP exams in the weeks to come.

Specifically, Microsoft will release three Technology Specialist-level and two Professional-level exams targeting all aspects of Windows Server 2008 design and administration:

• 70-640 TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
• 70-642 TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
• 70-643 TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
• 70-646 Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
• 70-647 Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

All of these exams were put through a month-long beta test period that ended Jan. 21. Candidates who take these exams will earn an MCTS designation as follows:

• Pass 70-640 - MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• Pass 70-642 - MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Networking Infrastructure Configuration
• Pass 70-643 - MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration

Those exams also make up the requirements for two new Windows Server 2003-based IT Professional titles, details of which were posted on the Microsoft site and Trika's blog late last week

• MCITP: Server Administrator
• MCITP: Enterprise Administrator

According to the certification guides on the MCP site, the MCITP: Server Administrator is aimed at IT administrators who get their hands dirty mixing it up with servers and contending with daily networking issues, much like an MCSA for the new-era certifications. Obtaining that title requires passing of two TS-level exams -- 70-640 and 70-642 -- as well as 70-646 at the Professional level.

The MCITP: Enterprise Administrator title, on the other hand, requires a bit more network design-based expertise and an understanding of network infrastructure in the context of the enterprise. So, Microsoft makes the bar for obtaining this title a bit higher, with candidates having to pass at least four of the following MCTS level exams: 70-640, 70-642, 70-643 and 70-620 TS: Windows Vista, Configuring or 70-624 TS: Deploying Vista and Office Desktops (70-620 and 70-624 have been available since soon after the release of Vista last year). Over on the Professional level, candidates finally have need to pass one more exam, 70-647, to obtain MCITP nirvana.

Migrating from MCSA/MCSE on Windows 2003

As it has done in the past, the Microsoft Learning Group incorporates transition exams into both Windows 2008-based MCITP tracks for MCSA and MCSE on Windows 2003 titleholders.

For those with MCSA on Windows 2003 certificates who want to upgrade to MCITP: Server Administrator, candidates need only pass two exams: 70-646 on the Pro level and 70-648 TS: Upgrading MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist, an exam that has been available since October 2007.

For the more comprehensive MCITP: Enterprise Administrator, MCSAs have to pass either of the Vista exams (70-620 or 70-624), plus 70-643 and 70-647, as well as the transitional 70-648 exam.

For MCSEs taking on the MCITP: Server Administrator requirements means passing the same 70-646 exam, but a different transition exam: 70-649 TS: Upgrading from MCSE on Windows 2003 to Windows 2008, Technology Specialist (that one has also been available since October 2007). MCSEs migrating to the Enterprise-grade title take a similar path as MCSAs, but substitute 70-649 for 70-648.

Noteworthy: The Microsoft Learning Group is providing early adopters with a price incentive to get certified on the new Windows 2008 exams. Under its "First to Know" program, those who register to receive e-mail alerts when the Windows 2008 exams go live will receive a code that can be used to save 40 percent off the price of the news TS exams 70-640-, 70-642 and 70-643. Another code will also be issued along with alerts when the Pro-level 70-646 and 70-647 exams become generally available.

Takeaway: Although several Windows Vista exams are still in beta, others are ready and waiting at your local Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers. Here's what you need to know regarding new Windows Vista certification options.

For the last several years, Windows XP marked the most contemporary Microsoft client OS certifications an IT professional could possess. But all that's changing with the introduction of Windows Vista.

While Vista's been available to volume license customers since November 2006, its wider release in late January seemingly made the new OS' launch official. With Vista now appearing on store shelves, in advertisements and within corporate environments, it's also registering on technology professionals' certification radar screens.

Although several Windows Vista exams are still in beta, others are ready and waiting at your local Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers. Here's what you need to know regarding new Windows Vista certification options.

Exam 70-620: Windows Vista Configuration

Officially launched January 4, 2007, Exam 70-620: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring earns Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration certification.

The certification is aimed at technical staff having at least a year of experience providing phone support in organizations ranging from retail stores to enterprise-scale environments.

Microsoft recommends candidates have experience

• Repairing network issues
• Troubleshooting Windows desktops
• Configuring security and applications
• Repairing logon problems
• Resetting passwords
• Eliminating desktop program conflicts

To successfully pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate proficiency

• Installing and upgrading the new OS
• Configuring and troubleshooting Vista's post-installation system settings
• Configuring security features (including user account controls, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall).

Technology professionals must also demonstrate expertise configuring

• Network connectivity
• Applications included with Vista (including Windows Mail, Windows Meeting Space, Windows Calendar, Windows Fax and Scan and Windows Sidebar)
• Mobile computing features.

Further, candidates must also prove their ability to maintain and optimize Vista performance.

Exam 70-621: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification To MCITP Enterprise Support

Exam 70-621: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification To MCITP Enterprise Support is in beta until April 12, 2007. Successfully navigating the exam enables Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians to upgrade their certification to Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician. The test is aimed at

• IT professionals working in medium- and large-scale companies.
• IT professionals with  three to five years of experience working as lead desktop support technicians (tier 2 support techs) deploying Windows, administering security and configuring Vista.

The upgrade exam tests candidates' ability to:

• Install Windows Vista
• Configure and troubleshoot post-installation settings
• Manage security (including the new BitLocker feature)
• Configure networking
• Troubleshoot connectivity problems.

Candidates must also prove knowledge configuring and troubleshooting Windows' native tools, managing and maintaining Vista workstations and supporting mobile systems (including Tablet PC and mobile device components).

Among the changes already made to the exam in beta are an increased emphasis on supporting and troubleshooting applications installed on Windows Vista systems.

Exam 70-622: Microsoft Desktop Support - Enterprise

In beta until March 30, 2007, those passing Exam 70-622: Microsoft Desktop Support--Enterprise, earn Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician certification.

The exam targets IT professionals who

• Work in larger organizations
• Have three to five years of experience as lead desktop support technicians
• Have familiarity with older Windows desktop operating systems as well as Windows Vista.

Earning this accreditation requires candidates to prove their knowledge

• Deploying Windows Vista (including deploying from custom images and analyzing business requirements)
• Managing security (including patch management)
• Administering and maintaining Vista boxes and configuring and troubleshooting network connectivity.

As with Exam 70-621, Exam 70-622 also experienced changes in beta. Specifically, additional focus was being placed on the same issue: supporting and troubleshooting applications installed on Vista workstations.

Exam 70-623: Microsoft Desktop Support--Consumer

Exam 70-623: Microsoft Desktop Support -- Consumer is scheduled for beta testing through April 5, 2007. Candidates passing the test earn Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Consumer Support Technician accreditation.

The exam targets IT professionals who are typically employed as consumer (residential) support technicians. Exam 70-623 tests small-office and home network administration skills, with emphasis on desktop apps, mobile device management, malware removal and hardware support, among other issues. Microsoft recommends candidates have experience deploying, managing and repairing desktop operating systems before attempting the exam.

The test measures consumer support technicians' ability to

• Install and upgrade Windows Vista
• Customize and configure post-installation settings
• Configure security
• Administer and troubleshoot network connectivity (including Vista's media center)
• Troubleshoot and repair corrupted installations.

Exam 70-624: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client And 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

Exam 70-624 beta tested early this year and earns Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Deploying And Maintaining Vista Client And Office System 2007 Desktops certification.

Microsoft recommends Exam 70-264 candidates have at least one year of hands-on experience managing day-to-day desktop issues. They should also have familiarity with

• Deploying Windows clients, applications, and upgrades
• Using mass deployment tools
• Working in the Windows pre-installation environment.

The exam tests one's ability to

• Install Microsoft Office 2007
• Configure Vista's automated installation features
• Mass deploy Vista
• Leverage the Business Desktop Deployment Workbench
• Administer the Application Compatibility Toolkit
• Migrate user-state data (including using the Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Operating System Deployment Pack).

Summary

These Windows Vista-centric exams form a firm foundation for upgrading certifications and keeping one's resume current. As Windows Vista gains share, and as the Longhorn server platform reaches market, additional exams testing Vista knowledge are sure to appear. Thus, while others may be moving slowly to adopt the new OS, those IT professionals looking to stay ahead of the pack should ensure they familiarize themselves with these exams.

Windows Server 2008 will be released early next year. That's right...I said it, another major server OS will be released with undoubtedly more to learn! However, with this release, Microsoft is also rolling out major changes to its certification program. All of us old MCSEs are in for some big changes.

For example, the MCSE we're all familiar with is going away. Yep, you heard it, completely going away! Instead, new certification titles, like MCTS, or Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Active Directory Configuration or Application Platform Configuration, will be the certification de jour.

Here's an overview of the new Windows Server 2008 certification program. Specifically, it will address:

• New changes in the Windows Server 2008 certification program
• What you need to do to transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE skills to 2008
• What you need to do to go from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008
• Learn practical tips on what you can do now to start planning

The world's most popular certification is going through a major remodel-are you ready?

[Note: The MCP and MCSA have been excluded from this article with the focus being only on the MCSE.]

First look: What's changed?

After years of complaints about the MCSE being far too ordinary and too generic, Microsoft is taking a new approach to its certifications. Instead of offering a more generically themed program (like the traditional MCSE), Microsoft is creating certifications that are more tightly focused on specific roles and skill sets. These changes are part of a larger effort to revamp the entire certification program (which includes more than Windows Server 2008). However, for traditional MCSEs, Windows Server 2008 is where we'll see the most changes.

These new tracks are referred to as the Technology Series and the Professional Series.

Technology Series-Microsoft wants to provide a means for cert holders to demonstrate proficiency in a specific technology area, like configuring the Active Directory or Vista. These certifications are known as Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) and are very technologically focused.

Professional Series-Here, there are two focus areas: IT Professional and Professional Developer. I've excluded the Developer series from this article, as most traditional MCSEs will likely not be on the Developer track. Professional certifications allow a person to demonstrate they can perform a job like Server Administrator. A person who earns a Professional certification will be known as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional, or MCITP.

They also require earning the equivalent technology certification (MCTS) in the corresponding Microsoft product. Each focus area has generally one to three exams. For most MCSEs, there are two Professional Certifications that will likely be right in your wheelhouse. I list them below, and include the necessary exams. The "TS" next to each exam number denotes an MCTS exam, while the "Pro" denotes an MCITP exam.

Server Administrator

• 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring
• 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
• 70-646: Pro: Windows Server 2008 Administrator

Enterprise Administrator

• 70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client or 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
• 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Platform, Configuring
• 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring
• 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
• 70-647: Pro: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator

The theory with these new programs is that they allow for more specificity by creating very tightly focused certifications and emphasizing actual real world job roles, thus making it easier for prospective employers to judge abilities and talents. I'm already having nightmares about the alphabet soup that the already lengthy signature blocks will become. We may be seeing something like this:

John Smith, Network Engineer, MCSE (NT 4.0), MCSE+I (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCSA (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration, MCITP: Enterprise Administrator...and so on...

Good Grief!

And finally, in a move that not only keeps technologists current, but, coincidentally, also generates consistent revenue for Microsoft, the new MCTS certifications expire. In fact, they expire when the specific technology expires. The MCITP also requires re-certification-every three years! However, in most cases, MCITP re-up will be a single exam, and it will probably be the latest MCTS exam.
Transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE to 2008

If you're a Windows Server 2003 MCSE (W2k3MCSE), the path to achieve certification depends on what your goals are. Because the MCSE doesn't exist in Windows Server 2008 you have to "transfer" your certification skills, as a Microsoft calls it, to the new MCTS track (and then if you'd like, tack on the applicable MCITP certification).

Microsoft has created a new exam entitled "70-649: TS: Upgrading your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCTS on Windows Server 2008." When you pass it, you will earn three MCTS qualifications in one swoop:

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration

A Windows 2003 MCSE who isn't interested in such a large exam could take individual MCTS exams in each of the aforementioned technology areas. However, if you're looking for a less circuitous route and you don't mind taking the daunting single exam, the 70-649 is probably the better approach.

It's important to note that Microsoft is transitioning folks to the TS level, but there's no transition plan to move people directly to the Professional level. You can still get there, but you have to transition to the TS level first, and then take the remaining exams at whatever professional level you are seeking, just like any other MCITP seeker.

For example, if you're a Windows 2003 MCSE and you want to be a MCITP Enterprise Administrator you'd have to:

1. Take 70-649 to transition your skills to the new MCTS
2. Select a desktop MCTS (70-620 or 70-624)
3. Take the 70-647 Enterprise Administrator Professional Exam

If you only wanted to obtain the MCITP Server Administrator, you'd have to:

1. Take 70-649 to transition your skills to the new MCTS certifications
2. Take the 70-646 Server Administrator Professional Exam

As I mentioned before, I've left the MCSA out of the discussion here, but you will find a similar, if slightly less difficult, path to upgrade a Windows Server 2003 MCSA to Windows Server 2008. Check out the following link for more information on MCSAs: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windowsserver2008/default.mspx.

Going from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008?

If you're a Windows 2000 MCSE or, for that matter, any non-Windows 2000/2003 MCSE (NT 4.0), you're out of luck. There's no transition path from Windows 2000 (or anything earlier) to Windows Server 2008. Instead, depending on how far along you are with your Windows Server 2003 MCSE, you have two choices:

1. Complete your upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (thus making your transition to Windows Server 2008 a bit shorter), or
2. Start fresh with Windows Server 2008

It actually may be easier to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 MCSE in order to make for an easier transition to Windows Server 2008.

[REMINDER: The two exams a Windows 2000 MCSE needs to take to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (without taking the long route), 70-292 and 70-296 are currently scheduled for discontinuation on March 31, 2008.]

Start planning now!

The time to get your plans in order is now, what with the W2k3MCSE upgrade exams set to expire in March 2008. If you're a Windows 2000 MCSE, consider the upgrade path to W2k3MCSE first-it may make your Windows Server 2008 transition much easier.

If you're already a Windows 2003 MCSE, start looking at the new Windows Server 2008 technology. There are already some beta examinations available. Microsoft has also indicated that final versions of the exams will be released shortly after the technology's Release-To-Market date:

• TS Exam Goals Release Date: 30 days post RTM
• Pro Exam Goals Release Date: 60 days post RTM