Training, Certifications, and Partner Specializations Updated

As new versions of Exchange, Office, and Windows hit the market at the end of 2006, Microsoft is also rolling out new technical certifications, partner competencies, and training resources to support the new products. The new resources will help customers evaluate and deploy the updated products and give partners the tools they need to sell and deploy them. New certifications will also help partners identify their expertise more clearly to customers. However, customers and partners will have to wait several months before many of the training resources are available.

New Certifications and Credentials

In 2005, Microsoft significantly revised the structure of its certification program, moving from general certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification, to a system based on four types of credentials-technology specialists, IT professionals, professional developers, and architects-within which the company offers numerous certifications.

Certifications for technology specialists typically require candidates to pass a single exam and are related to specific Microsoft products. For example, one new certification covers configuration of Vista. Certifications for IT professionals and professional developers, on the other hand, require passing at least two exams and are related to common roles. Among the new professional-level certifications, for example, are a new Vista consumer support certification and a new business intelligence certification for developers.