[German]Change in training and Microsoft certifications for MCSA, MCSD, MCSE. Redmond has just announced a 7-month extension of the certification to January 31, 2021 due to the Corona crisis.
Advertising
Cancelled in February 2020 for summer 2020
As a reminder: At the end of February 2020, Microsoft announced in the Learning Blog na ew focus on role-based training and certification (i.e. focus on the cloud, see the blog post MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire; with continued investment to role-based certifications).
At the same time, all remaining exams related to Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) should be discontinued on June 30, 2020. I had reported in more detail in the blog post Microsoft retires MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certification.
Extension for another 7 months
Yesterday, I was asked by the editors of German IT magazine heise to look at the article An Important Update on Microsoft Training and Certification. There Microsoft announces major changes forced by the Corona crisis. Microsoft is running into serious problems with its partners.
For certifications the customers have to be passed by examinations worldwide. The completion of these exams by June 30, 2020 can no longer be guaranteed. Because the exams were taken worldwide by the partner Pearson VUE. However, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pearson VUE had to temporarily closed its examination centers worldwide.
As an alternative to taking the exam at a test center, online certification exams are now offered that can be taken from home or from your own office. However, there may be bottlenecks in this area, so Microsoft and Pearson VUE are working to expand the online exam capacity. You can check the status at Pearson Vue.
Advertising
As a direct response to this situation for certification(s) as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft is postponing the end of the certification program by 7 months from June 30, 2020 to January 31, 2021. This should give aspirants more time to complete the exams and achieve certification.
Other measures
At the same time, Microsoft and Pearson VUE also temporarily waive the fees that are incurred when exams are postponed and cancelled. This applies if an appointment is cancelled or postponed at least 24 hours in advance (the previous 6-day period is suspended). Furthermore, vouchers for examinations or discounts that would have expired between March 26 and August 31, 2020 remain valid until January 31, 2021.
As additional measures, Pearson VUE and Microsoft are expanding their virtual training courses and also extending the validity of certificates already purchased. Details can be found in the blog post An Important Update on Microsoft Training and Certification.
Advertising
