MCSA Recertification Meets Growing Requirements for Security Specialization

Stay current with exam 70-699: Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Security Specialization Skills Update. MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification demonstrates current status on the latest security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista or Windows 7. In 2010, the Department of Defense, among other organizations, will require employees to meet credential requirements accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or an equivalent authorization body.

Microsoft Exams released in October 2009

Exams released in October 2009	Preparation guide
Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update (English)	Exam 70-699
TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring (English)	Exam 70-662

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Exam 70-699: Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update

Microsoft announces the availability of exam 70-699: Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update. This exam allows the certification holder to demonstrate their continuing ability to perform the security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and one of Microsoft’s clients (operating systems). The prep guide for this exam is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-699&locale=en-us

Who Should Take This Exam?

Some organizations will not recognize credentials unless they meet the ISO 17024 Personnel Certification Bodies requirements. For example, according to the Department of Defense Directive 8570.1, by 2010, the DoD will only recognize information security credentials that have been accredited by ANSI or equivalent authorization bodies. Because demonstrating continued competence (recertification) is one of the ISO 17024 requirements, we have developed this exam to fulfill this requirement.

If you hold the MCSA Security Specialization credential and work for the DoD or an organization with similar requirements, you should take this exam if you’d like your organization to recognize your MCSA Security Specialization credential. Additionally, candidates who are interested in demonstrating continued competence on the security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and one of Microsoft’s clients are encouraged to take this exam. Recertification is not required for candidates who do not work for such an organization or who have no interest in demonstrating continued competence in this content area.

Please note that this process only applies to the MCSA Security Specialization credential.

How to Demonstrate Continued Competence

Renewal requires certification holders to register for and pass 70-699: Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update. After passing the exam, the candidate will earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential. Note that candidates must hold the MCSA Security Specialization prior to recertification; candidates who take and pass 70-699 will not be awarded the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential until they have met all the requirements for the MCSA Security Specialization credential.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate continued competence every three years. If candidates do not, their MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential will expire and revert to the MCSA Security Specialization credential without the recertification designator. Candidates who hold the MCSA Security Specialization credential can earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification at any time by passing 70-699.

Demonstrate that you are up to date on the latest security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista or Windows 7 with MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification. Learn more about MCSA recertification.

When Microsoft will retire MCSA/MCSE?

Lately started to get this question. When Microsoft will retire MCSA/MCSE?  

There is no set date for these certifications to be retired yet. Microsoft doesn’t retire any certification until mainstream support for the product is still available.

According to Microsoft support lifecycle site, Server 2003 mainstream support will be available till 7/13/2010, so we can say for sure, it’s not retiring before this date. I would guess after this date, they will slowly phase out these exams and certification; the way Microsoft is phasing out MCAD and MCSD.

Hope this is helpful.