MS certification program overhaul 1

[DayLaborer]

I'm studying for my first (70-229: SQL Server 2000) exam for an MCSD certification now. I plan to take the exam in about 10 days.

I see on

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/new.asp

that there's a whole bunch of new exams coming out this year. At this point, I don't see any "warning" that the 70-229 is to be discontinued. As a matter of fact, the "Exams Scheduled for Discontinuation" at

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/examstoretire.asp

was last updated in October of 2004 - seems a bit old...

1) How likely is it that MS will disqualify my exam(s) before I get to complete my certification with the claim that my exams aren't the latest and greatest?

2) How likely is MS to say that my entire MCSD certification is old and I need to retake/update all of my tests/entire certification to the new, improved "MCSD 2005" or whatever they might call it?

3) Is it a mistake for me to start certification now, as opposed to waiting? (I'm only hesitant to wait because I'm afraid I'll never get around to it, realistically speaking...)

Thanks!

 

[DayLaborer]

One more question...

4) Does it make sense to choose the sequence of the exams I take based on which ones are more likely to be "retired"? If so, how would I do that?

Thanks again!...

 

[DayLaborer]

...Any thoughts?

 

[mrdenny]

1. Not very. The SQL 7 exams are still valid.
2. None. The old certs are still active. MCSE NT 4.0 certs are still valid on NT 4.0.
3. No.
4. Take the exams in the order that makes the most sence based on what is covered in the exams. Most cert tracks each exam builds on the topics overed in the previous exam.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com