New Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Certification Revamp
Microsoft describe its Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification as a reinvention of the well-known MCSE certification track that was present in the industry for a long time before being briefly removed and replaced with other Microsoft accreditations.
MCSE of 2012+ vs. the MCSE of 1990s/Early 2000s
The new Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) acronym replaces the old MCSE acronym, which stood for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. This is thought to be due to some legal controversy over the use of the word “engineer,” as engineers are not “licensed” in the IT industry as they are in some others.
The new Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) qualifications place significant emphasis on cloud-based IT solutions. Microsoft describes the MCSE online as a “cloud built certification.” This is in recognition of the industry’s trend towards companies hosting some or all of their infrastructures in the cloud.
MCSE vs. MCSA
At the time of writing, Microsoft divides their available MCSE certifications into “Private Cloud” certifications and those based on SQL Server. Meeting the requirements for a MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) accreditation is a prerequisite to gaining an MCSE.
MCSA accreditation typically requires you to successfully complete three or more Microsoft exams. In order to become a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), two additional exams are required.
Full details of all of Microsoft’s new certification tracks can be found on their certification website.
Do you plan to work towards Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification? Let us know in the comments box below.
And to follow-through on the ideas introduced in this short post, be sure to download your free copy of the quick reference guide to the Top 21 IT Certifications for Small Business VARs, SPs, and Computer Consulting Businesses.
Creative Commons Image Source: flickr BrentOzar