Microsoft's Shift in Certification Policy: A Welcome Change for IT Professionals

The Initial Certification Turmoil

Over a year ago, Microsoft announced the retirement of Windows NT 4.0 certifications by December 31, 2001. This decision affected hundreds of thousands of Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs), who had dedicated months or years to earn their certifications. The announcement was met with widespread concern, as many IT professionals were not planning to upgrade to Windows 2000 in the near future. Despite this, they were faced with the prospect of needing to recertify for an operating system that was not immediately relevant to their work.

Microsoft's Policy Reversal

The tech community's response to the initial announcement was significant, and it seems Microsoft took notice. The policy reversal was detailed in an email that caught many by surprise. Microsoft decided to maintain the validity of existing certifications, allowing IT professionals to retain their hard-earned credentials without the pressure of imminent expiration. This change was not only a relief for those certified but also simplified the hiring process for employers, who could now easily identify an applicant's specific expertise in Microsoft operating systems.

The New Certifications Landscape

Microsoft's updated certification framework now includes:

• MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
• MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)
• MCSE+I (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet)
• MCP+I (Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet)
• MCP+Site Building

Each certification is now clearly associated with the operating system it pertains to, such as "MCSE on Windows NT 4.0" or "MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000."

Introducing the MCSA Certification

Recognizing the need for a middle ground between the MCP and MCSE certifications, Microsoft introduced the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification. This new credential requires three core exams and one elective, offering a well-designed path for IT professionals who may find the MCSE for Windows 2000 to be a daunting challenge.

Why the Change?

Several factors influenced Microsoft's decision to amend its certification policy. The economic impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks played a significant role, as companies faced budget cuts and had to prioritize retaining employees over system upgrades and certifications. Additionally, the industry's reluctance to rapidly adopt Windows 2000 and the subsequent backlash against Microsoft's push for upgrades were also contributing factors. The collective voice of over 400,000 MCSEs and their supervisors proved to be a powerful force that could not be ignored.

The Industry's Reaction

The IT community has largely welcomed Microsoft's policy change. It allows professionals to focus on pressing matters such as enhancing security measures, improving disaster recovery sites, and optimizing systems for user benefit. With the pressure to recertify lifted, IT workers can allocate their time and resources more effectively.

In conclusion, Microsoft's policy shift on certification retirement has been a positive development for the IT industry. It demonstrates the company's responsiveness to the needs of its certified professionals and the realities of the business environment. This decision has not only provided peace of mind to many but has also reinforced the value of Microsoft certifications in the tech job market.