New generation of role-based Microsoft certifications simplifies staff recruitment

Microsoft has announced a new certification framework that is easier for managers to understand and which makes it simpler for businesses to differentiate between applicants during the recruitment process. The new certification framework targets specific job roles and is closely aligned to IT professionalsí career development, allowing certified IT professionals to stand out amongst their peers and to demonstrate their real-world experience.

Ram Dhaliwal, Microsoft manager for training and certification, said: ìFeedback from our training partners and customers made it clear that hiring managers are looking for a way to verify applicantsí skills for specific job roles, while IT professionals wanted a better way of demonstrating their particular abilities. In addressing these needs, Microsoft has come up with a system that makes our certifications even more valuable in the recruitment process.î

He continued: ìWe announced earlier this year that Microsoft certifications would shift in emphasis away from the purely technical towards testing for real-life expertise. The new certification framework builds on this work to deliver businesses with qualifications that truly demonstrate the capabilities of the IT professional.î

The new generation of Microsoft certifications will have two levels of identification: the credential area and certification area:

The credentials:

ï Technology credentials allow candidates to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the particular technologies they work with

ï Professional credentials demonstrate a proven product depth and breadth to distinguish your personal skill set and experience. There will be two credentials available: Microsoft Certified IT Professional and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer

ï The Microsoft Certified Architect credential identifies top IT architecture experts with a minimum of 10 yearsí experience. This demonstrates a proven ability to deliver IT business solutions.

The certification area will identify the area of expertise the professional has achieved such as a database administrator or web developer.

Thomas Lee, Chief Technologist at QA, one of the UKís leading training providers said: We at QA are very pleased with the new generation of Microsoft certifications as they give us even greater flexibility in developing training packages that meet the needs of business. The new framework offers more options for both customers and individuals to demonstrate the full range of their expertise and practical know-how while relating the certification to their job role.

The first certifications under the new framework will be for the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 technologies. Existing certifications will not be affected by the changes but will fit into the restructured framework providing current Microsoft Certified Professionals with clear lines of professional development within the new structure.