Microsoft Windows Server 2008 certification
As organisations start to evaluate, test and deploy Windows Server 2008, they inevitably also start to look at the skills required to configure and manage this new network operating system. Just as Windows Server has changed, so training for it has changed also.
15 April 2008
The previous approach to Microsoft training was a 'one size fits all' set of training programmes - and, for Windows Server, that was the good old MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers). But, as Windows Server became more sophisticated, the number of training days needed to become Microsoft-certified on Windows Server was getting out of hand. Systems engineers had to learn quite literally everything about Windows Server to become certified.
Something had to be done. So, Microsoft made its certification programmes smaller, more modular, and - most important of all - based them around common working roles. This makes a great deal of sense, as in the real world, that's how IT professionals tend to work - having a particular focus in one area. Of course, if you still need to be an expert in many (or all) areas, the modular nature of the new Microsoft certifications lets you do that, too.
Although this new structure for Microsoft certifications has been with us for some time, it's really with Windows Server 2008 that we see it being adopted in a more widespread fashion by IT professionals - driven by the need to learn this larger, more complex version of Windows Server.
So how are the new Microsoft Windows Server 2008 credentials structured?
Initially, the certification looks more complex - but that's really only because there's more choice, allowing people to take learning paths that are more relevant to them.
There are two main 'credentials' (as Microsoft refers to them): the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).
Within these, there are five distinct certifications. Within MCTS, there are certifications for 'Active Directory', 'Network Infrastructure Configuration' and 'Applications Infrastructure Configuration'. Within MCITP, there are 'Server Administrator' and 'Enterprise Administrator' certifications.
The starting point is the MCTS - which, as you can see from the title, focuses on the technology itself: its functions and features.
For each of the three certifications, there is one specific examination. The MCTS certification you choose depends primarily on what's most relevant to your job role. So, if you work mainly with Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management and Directory Services, then the Active Directory MCTS is the most logical choice.
Likewise, if you need to learn about File and Print Services, Network Access/Remote Access, Network Monitoring and IP/DNS, then the Network Infrastructure Configuration is going to suit you best.
Finally, if you're more responsible for deploying applications, and setting up and managing Terminal, Media and Web Services, then the best choice is the Application Infrastructure Configuration certification.
Three distinct paths - for three different roles and sets of skills. Unlike with the MCSE, where you didn't become certified until you'd taken the whole programme, each of these programmes stands on its own as a recognised Microsoft certification.
As we said, there's no reason why you can't take more than one path, if your role demands it - and you can prioritise your learning around your needs. If you want to take your learning further, then the Microsoft Certified IT Professional credential allows you to do just that. MCIT focuses much more on the job role, allowing people to progress on to become Server Administrators or Enterprise Administrators.
To become a Server Administrator, it's first necessary to achieve two MCTS certifications: Active Directory and Networking Infrastructure Configuration. To then progress on to become an Enterprise Administrator, you will need to achieve the remaining - Applications Infrastructure Configuration - certification. In addition, a fourth MCTS certification is required: Windows Vista.
The final end result (if you decide to go that far) gives you something that's reminiscent of the old MCSE - but the new certifications allow people to choose the path that's relevant to them, and, if they want to only go 'part of the way', this still results in a fully fledged Microsoft certification.
For help with planning your learning path - and to find out more about the specific courses involved - please get in touch with us on 0845 650 6500 or training@e-academy.ltd.uk. We'll be happy to help.
