Windows 2000 Drives Training Changes

Microsoft has decided to give would-be Windows NT 4.0 systems engineers an additional two months before it pulls the plug on the exams required to complete their certification. This change in a long-established deadline, accompanied by changes in trainer qualifications and beta exams, all point to Microsoft’s delicate balancing act: ensuring that plenty of MCSEs are available to roll out new Windows 2000 systems, while not diluting the value of its once-vaunted MCSE certification by making it too easy for inexperienced people to obtain.

Exam Deadlines

The NT 4.0 exams were scheduled to expire at the end of Dec. 2000. But exam centers were deluged at the end of the year, forcing them to turn away many people who wanted to take the exams required for their MCSE certification before the deadline. The rush prompted Microsoft to extend the exam retirement date to the end of Feb. 2001, says Robert Stewart, general manager of training and certification at Microsoft. In fact, Microsoft extended the deadline for all exams scheduled to be retired on Dec. 31, including all NT 4.0 core exams, electives, and exams for other certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification.