Microsoft MCSE Desktop Infrastructure Certification to Retire In January 2016

Microsoft is bidding farewell to one more certification. Last month we reported here on Tech Stuffer that Microsoft is retiring Windows 8.1 exams to make room for upcoming Windows 10 exams. Now Microsoft has decided to retire MCSE Desktop Infrastructure Certification. MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certification will retire in January 2016. According to Microsoft, this retirement reflects their focus on device and app management, such as in the skills validated in MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps exams.

As the emphasis moves away from traditional desktop provisioning and management scenarios to multiple device types and application management, the underlying technologies that manage those devices and applications and the methodologies used are also undergoing change.<span class="su-quote-cite"><a href="https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/archive/2015/10/06/mcse-desktop-infrastructure-to-retire-january-2016" target="_blank">Explains Holly Dickson on Microsoft Born to Learn blog post</a></span>

If you are planning to earn a Microsoft certification in near future, take a look at the following options.

For those who have already earned MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certification: You can clear exams 695 and 696 and receive MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification. You are not required to recertify your MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure as it is retiring.

If you hold MCSA Windows 8.1 or MCSA Windows Server 2012 certification: Start preparing for exams 695 and 696 and receive MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification after passing them both.

If you are just starting from scratch to earn MCSA or MCSE certification: You have two paths to choose from. 1) Either start preparing for upcoming Windows 10 exam 697 and after clearing it, go for exams 695 and 696 to earn MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification. 2) A second option is to earn MCSA: Windows 2012 by clearing exams 410, 411 and 412. After which, you can go for exams 695 and 696 to earn MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification.

I hope these options are clear for you. If they aren’t, feel free to ask about them in comments.

By the way, Microsoft’s decision is not surprising. As technology changes, certifications should reflect it. Continuing certifications for older technology is of no use for either Microsoft or IT professionals. Older technology loses significance over newer and better technologies. This doesn’t mean older technology will just simply go away. Professionals holding skills for older technology will be in demand, as it takes time for organizations to make move to newer innovations. But IT professionals should be very clear that at some point of time, older methods of doing things are going to vanish and they will be required to upgrade to newer set of skills.

More information: Microsoft Born to Learn

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