Microsoft has released a new three-tiered certification hierarchy. It consists of three series and four credentials that introduce an entry-level Technology Series composed of the “Technology Specialist” credential, a Professional Series composed of the “IT Professional” and “Professional Developer” credentials, and the Master Series composed of the “Master” credential. There also exists a new Architect Series composed of the “Microsoft Certified Architect” program, which consists of a Review Board interview.
Technology Series (MCTS)
The Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies, and are generally the first step toward the Professional-level certifications. There are currently 20 MCTS certifications, which can be roughly grouped into the following specializations, each requiring certain examinations to be passed:
Office Specializations
Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
- Exam 70-632: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects
Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
- Exam 70-633: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects
Forefront Client and Server, Configuration
- Exam 70-557: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration
Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration
- Exam 70-630: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring
Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development
- Exam 70-542: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Application Development
.NET Framework Specializations
.NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
- Exam 70-528: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
- Exam 70-526: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-Based Client Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
- Exam 70-529: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Distributed Application Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
SQL Server Specializations