Certification Changes Raise Bar for MCSEs

Microsoft’s new certification plans represent a perilous balancing act for the company. On the one hand, it wants to close the loopholes that have detracted from the prestige of its certification programs and raise the bar on exam quality. Both moves will restore some of the shine to its famous Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE) program. On the other hand, stiff examination requirements could stifle the interest of technology professionals in Windows 2000 just when Microsoft needs them to be touting its advantages and benefits.

So far, however, Microsoft appears to be sticking to a path that should result in higher quality—if fewer—MCSEs.

Raising the Bar

Microsoft is taking advantage of the switch to Windows 2000, and the retirement of Windows NT 4.0 exams, to tighten up its certification and reduce the number of “paper MCSEs,” certified individuals who have crammed on books and test exams, but who lack hands-on experience.

Stiffer penalties for cheating. The value of Microsoft certification has prompted a significant black market in exam questions spirited out of the examination room or other forms of cheating. Until now, exam candidates who cheated lost any certification they had at the time and were prohibited from taking any certification exams for six months. As of June 2000, says Microsoft, cheaters will be permanently ineligible for Microsoft certification.