Deja Vu – Microsoft removes expiration of MCTS, MCITP, and MCPD certifications

by Christopher Kusek (PKGuild) Baltimization, Informational, Microsoft

We all knew on the docket that after 3 years, there would be a need to re-certify in order to continue maintaining the “Certification” status for the new Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist, Microsoft Certified IT Professional and the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer.

We accepted this as the MS Certs going the way the Cisco Certs, but then – The rules have changed again!

Dear Microsoft Certified Professional,

We are pleased to inform you about a recent Microsoft Certification policy change that affects your Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential.

In response to customer feedback, Microsoft has eliminated the requirement to recertify, or refresh, your MCITP or MCPD certification every three years. This is good news for you; there is no action required to maintain the certifications you hold today.

The certification lifecycle

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), MCITP, and MCPD credentials—Microsoft certifications for new technologies—are aligned with the Microsoft product lifecycle, and will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the underlying technology. When a certification that you have earned retires, the record of your certification remains on your transcript, allowing you to retain documentation of your certification history.

This is great news for those of us who want to upgrade our certs WHEN we want to, instead of by some cycle as if we’ve suddenly forgotten our skill-sets!

So once again, thank you Microsoft for listening to the industry and providing an path of excellence for others to follow!