Yesterday Microsoft announced some changes to the certification program for IT Professionals, in order to address the growing need for people being able to prove their expertise in all things cloud-related.

That’s right.  What was the well-known “Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer” acronym MCSE has been re-purposed.  It now stands for “Microsoft Certified Solution Expert”

“Wait.. you said that “the MCSE is back’.  Huh?!”

From the press release…

Because cloud computing talent is in short supply, Microsoft has reinvented its flagship credential, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, for the cloud. The new Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) shows employers and peers that those certified have the skills to do the job in an expanding market. Forecasts show that public and private IT cloud services will generate nearly 14 million jobs worldwide between now and 2015.1The MCSE is the flagship credential for those who want to lead their company to the cloud and is the target credential for established IT professionals and developers who have expertise working with Microsoft technology solutions.

“The new Microsoft certifications are raising the bar across the industry and reflect industry shifts that require a broader knowledge base and deeper skills across solutions that cloud computing requires,” said Don Field, Microsoft’s senior director of Product Management. “The Microsoft certifications reflect the experience and skills needed to build, manage and evolve solutions in a cloud-based environment, ensuring validation of real-world skills for individuals and helping hiring managers identify the best-qualified job candidates.”

The new framework will help IT professionals and developers navigate their own path, while also making it clearer for hiring managers to identify credentials that offer the greatest value to their organization’s needs.

“So… just when I get my MCITP they go and do this?  What happens to my MCITP?”

Yeah.. I know.  And honestly I haven’t looked into what it means for current certifications.  But if the past is any indication, your existing certs are still valid and valuable.  And if I were still on the path to getting my MCITP: Virtualization Administrator, I’d still do it.  Those skills are still valuable, and will be a good foundation for the new certifications.  (Hint: Take 70-659.  Pass it.  You’ll thank me.)

“What tests are required for this?”

The official path to the MCSE: Private Cloud certification is:

1. Get your MCSA: Windows Server 2008 R2 if you don’t have it already.
2. Take exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
3. Take exam 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012

Go to the MCSE Page at Microsoft Learning for all the details.  There is also an MCSE path for SQL Server.