Microsoft"s decision to create separate Win2K and .NET tracks could affect your MCSA and MCSE plans. But if you"re certified in Win2K, you may not need to worry. Just when you think your Microsoft certification game plan is set, the playing field shifts. In December, the software giant announced it was reversing its decision to permit mixing and matching of exams for the Windows 2000 and .NET certification tracks. The switch met with consternation and some confusion. Here"s what you need to know about what"s really changing and how you can best move forward.
Back in July 2001, Microsoft announced that IT professionals could earn MCSE certification by selecting from a smorgasbord of Windows 2000 and .NET exams. It even published exam numbers and titles. The idea was that IT pros would pick from available and eligible exams to piece together an MCSE.
When the new MCSA accreditation was announced, the same deal was in place; IT pros could earn the new system administrator credential by selecting from the available Windows 2000 and .NET exams listed as eligible for MCSA certification. That all changed last month, when Microsoft announced that it"s eliminating the combined approach. Instead, Redmond will form separate tracks.