• Illustration: Simulation Exam Question

Microsoft has simplified the path to Windows Server 2003 certification, introduced new types of questions for examinations, and participated in developing a new security-focused certification program.

MCSE Certification Changes

Slightly modifying the migration path to Windows Server 2003 certification, Microsoft has created a single track for those who want to get either the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification for Windows 2003. Both certifications qualify technical professionals to install and administer Windows Server systems. The MCSA certifies basic skills and the MCSE adds network, directory, or security design skills.

The new plan is to offer one or two upgrade exams for MCSAs and MCSEs who are already certified for Windows 2000 and want to get certified for Windows Server 2003. MCSAs will probably be required to take one exam to upgrade to Windows 2003 and MCSEs might be required to take two exams. Unlike the daunting four-hour exam that candidates could take to upgrade from Windows NT to Windows 2000 (candidates could also take several shorter exams to achieve the certification), the upgrade exams from Windows 2000 to Windows 2003 will be normal one-hour exams.

The new plan simplifies certification for those who are in the process of getting Windows 2000 certification now or who want to begin working toward their certification on Windows 2003. Those who are already getting their Windows 2000 certification can take an exam to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 certification when those exams are released, beginning in summer 2003; those who want to be certified on Windows 2003 can begin studying the Windows 2000 material today, rather than having to wait until the Windows 2003 exams are released.

Currently, only three Windows Server 2003 exams are available, and those are still in beta. More exams will be offered after the product is released Apr. 24, 2003.

More information about the certification changes is available at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/faq.asp.

New Exam Questions More Realistic

Candidates for Microsoft exams will find new types of test questions facing them in the future. The new questions, including some interactive questions, are designed to test real-world skills by better duplicating the interfaces that users are likely to encounter when using Microsoft software. For example:

• Case studies measure a candidate's ability to analyze and synthesize information from typical IT scenarios and to make appropriate decisions based on the available data.
• Simulation questions display interface components from real products, including error messages and dialog boxes, and require the candidate to perform one or more tasks to complete the simulation. (For an example, see the illustration "Simulation Exam Question".)

New Security+ Certification

U.S. government agencies and a committee with representatives from Microsoft and other large technology firms have developed a new certification program, available through the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), that focuses on security. Applicants for the Security+ certification must pass an examination covering security concepts such as methods of external attack, authentication and access control, cryptography, and organizational security concepts.

The certification program has been endorsed by an industry committee that included Microsoft, IBM, and Sun Microsystems, as well as leading security companies such as Entrust, RSA Security, and VeriSign. Government participants include the FBI, Secret Service, Customs Service, National Institute of Standards Technology, and Argonne National Laboratory.

More information about the certification is available at www.comptia.org/certification/Security/default.asp.