Microsoft is retiring its MCSA, MCSD and MCSE certifications in June 2020
Heads up WolfPack! Microsoft is retiring its MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certification in June 2020. Microsoft is retiring three of its more popular professional certification categories as part of a move toward "role-based training".
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications are going away, officials said via a blog post on February 28, 2020. Microsoft also has no plans to offer Windows Server 2019 or SQL Server 2019 certifications
As of June 30, 2020, all exams for MCSA, MCSD and MCSE will no longer be available. Microsoft is advising those already in the midst of working toward these certifications should work toward passing required exams before that date, as those certifications no longer will be awarded after June 30. Individuals who passed a qualifying exam prior to its retirement will still be able to count it toward a partner competency requirement for 12 months after the exam has retired.
Those who already have MCSA, MCSD or MCSE certifications will be able to reference them for up to two years after the deadline; after that point, they will be marked as "inactive."
For more information please read Microsoft's blog post
FAQ
Q: What happens to the MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications that I already have?
A: Nothing happens to the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certification that you already have; they remain on your certification transcript even after the exams retire. In fact, it will remain in the active section of your transcript for two years from June 30, 2020; at that time the certification will be moved to the “inactive” section of your transcript.
Q: Can I still achieve the MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications before they retire on June 30, 2020?
A: Yes, you can continue earning the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certifications as long as the required exams are still available. As we retire the exams that are part of those certification paths, you will no longer be able to earn those certifications.
Q: You’re retiring exams that lead to the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certification(s) that I am pursuing. What should I do?
A: Before the exams expire, you must pass all required exams which are a part of the MCSA, MCSD, or MCSE certification(s) that you are trying to achieve. If you pass the required exams before they expire, you will earn the certification and it will appear on your certification transcript.
Q: If Microsoft is focused on role-based certifications, what will happen to Windows Server and SQL Server certifications? Will there be Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 certifications available?
A: No, there will not be Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 certifications. Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 content will be included in role-based certifications on an as-needed basis for certain job roles in the Azure Apps & Infrastructure and Data & AI solution areas.
Q: How do the exam retirements affect Microsoft partner competencies if my company is a part of the partner network?
A: If you passed a qualifying exam prior to its retirement, it will still count toward competency attainment for 12 months after the exam is retired. If you have not passed the required exams, please see this overview document for the full list of retiring and new exams and certifications required for competency attainment and renewal. The new exams and certifications will be available in Partner Center in March 2020.
Q: Does having the MCSE Productivity Solutions Expert certification still meet pre-requisite requirements for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert role-based certification?
A: The MCSE Productivity Solutions Expert certification will meet one of the pre-requisite requirement options for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert until June 30, 2021.
Q: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications are product-based certifications. Will they be retired as a part of this?
A: No, MOS certifications are not being affected by this retirement.
Q: Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications are product-based certifications. Will they be retired as a part of this?
A: No, MTA certifications are not being affected by this retirement.
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