As of June 30, 2020, the following Microsoft certifications will retire:
MCSA: BI Reporting
MCSA: Dynamics 365 for Operations
MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Admin
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Dev
MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
MCSA: Universal Windows Platform
MCSA: Web Applications
MCSA: Windows Server 2012
MCSA: Windows Server 2016
MCSD: App Builder
MCSE: Business Applications
MCSE: Core Infrastructure
MCSE: Data Management & Analytics
MCSE: Productivity
Microsoft Learning is encouraging certification in existing functions roles in the market, such as Microsoft Azure (cloud), Modern Desktop.
The following image shows the recommended role-based certifications:
The following image represents the alternatives for those working with the Microsoft data platform (SQL Server, Power BI, ...) For example Database Administrator, Data Analyst..
For those who are waiting for the new dedicated Windows Server 2019 and/or SQL Server 2019 certifications, Microsoft Learning has made the following statement:
No, there will be no Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 certifications. Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 content will be included in role-based certifications, as needed for certain work roles in the Azure and Data infrastructure and application areas and IA.
So what will happen to the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certifications that we have?
These will remain in the certification transcript.
Is it still possible to do some of these certifications?
Yes, until June 30, 2020 you can do any certification that is on the list above. After this date it will not be possible.
What about Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications?
To date, there is no information that MOS certifications will be affected or retire.
What about Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA?
To date, there is no information that MTA certifications will be affected or retire.
Is there an official communicative from Microsoft Learning?
If you are taking a Microsoft exam online, read before
There are two ways to take a Microsoft exam:
In an examination center
Online and you can take the exam anywhere as long as you have a computer with a webcam and connected to Internet
What is the difference between the two?
Basically, it is the comfort.
Some people like to make the exam in examination center, and we will get a pen and a paper so that we can make notes for answering the question. At the end you must return the pen and the paper note.
Other like to make the exam at home or other location. But there are a lot of restrictions. For example, all notes are taken digitally by the following feature https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Technical-specifications/Online-Proctored/online-proctored-whiteboard-overview.aspx).
You may also want to know the specifics restriction on how to prepare for the online exam
What is important to know if you are taken the exam online.
Andy Malone is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and Microsoft MVP he has had some issues and warned of some situations.
He recommends that you do the following:
During the registration process you will receive a code notification to start the exam. Do not delete this message and note the code.
Do not schedule your exams for a Saturday or for the end of the day, especially at night. The Pearson Vue will use artificial intelligence (AI) if there is no one available, and you won’t be able to call for help.
If you need or have any problems/issues call the support number or use chat.
Andy Malone noted that it is very important to disable any notification system. That are pop-ups or any type of notifications like Windows 10 Toast Notifications. The notifications will end your exam, so disable them for Windows or Mac OS.
Don't cover your mouth, read the questions out loud, don't talk to yourself, or look around. Any of the proposed actions on exam will cause the exam to be canceled. And the examiner will only warn once.
Azure Administrator Associate will change at May 1, 2019. According with the Microsoft Learning Blog these will be the changes:
Do Microsoft Learning blog:
Desde do lançamento do programa de certificação em setembro de 2018 a Microsoft Learning recebe uma enorme quantidade de comentários sobre os requisitos para as nossas certificações.
Eles decidimos modificar os requisitos de certificação para o Azure Administrator Associate.
AZ-100 and AZ-101 will retire on May 1, 2019. As a result,
all exam registrations after May 1, 2019 for AZ-100 and AZ-101 will be
cancelled. AZ-102 will retire as planned on June 30, 2019.
If you have registered to take AZ-100 between now and May 1, 2019,
choose to take it, and pass, you will earn the Azure Administrator
certification on or around May 1, 2019. If you have registered for
AZ-101, choose to take it, and pass, you will earn the AZ-101 exam
badge. You will be able to share this badge with others to demonstrate
additional skills in the Azure Administrator space. Learn more about badging.
If you have taken AZ-101, you will receive an exam voucher
(regardless of if you passed or failed) that can be used for any
Microsoft exam delivered through Pearson VUE as our thanks to you for
being early adopters of our new certification program and helping us to
better understand the certification needs of Azure Administrators so
that we could simplify the process going forward.
Instructor-led training and online training (MOOCs) will be updated and available on May 1, 2019; the free learning content on Microsoft Learn will be complete around July 1, 2019.
For those of you who have been preparing for one or both of these
exams, you can see how the new exam aligns to AZ-100 and AZ-101 in the
attached document, AZ-103 OD with Alignment to AZ-100 and AZ-101.pdf.
Microsoft standard courses are used when technology changes, functionality, new versions and updates.
These are the following courses that will be removed.
Microsoft is retiring the following courses on March 31, 2019:
10996A: Hybrid Cloud and Datacenter Monitoring with Operations Management Suite (OMS) (OMS is deprecated.)
40457A: MOC Workshop: Azure Developer Hackathon
40500A: DevOps Workshop (replaced by AZ-400 curriculum)
Microsoft is retiring the following courses from our course catalog on June 30, 2019:
20347A: Enabling and Managing Office 365 (replaced by courses aligned to exams MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services and MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security)
20697-1D: Implementing and Managing Windows 10 (replaced by courses aligned to MD-100: Windows 10 and MD-101: Managing Modern Desktops)
20697-2C: Deploying and Managing Windows 10 Using Enterprise Services (replaced by courses aligned to MD-100: Windows 10 and MD-101: Managing Modern Desktops
20698B: Installing and Configuring Windows 10 (replaced by courses aligned to MD-100: Windows 10 and MD-101: Managing Modern Desktops
You can consult the list of upcoming exams scheduled to retire here.
The Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) will be deactivated on January 31, 2019. This means that you have until this date to arn your certificates of completion in the MVA.
Does this mean that Microsoft will end the free documentation? No. The MVA will be replaced by Microsoft Learn.
Microsoft Learn uses the docs.com domain that was used by a Microsoft service competing with Slideshare. But Microsoft deactivated it on December 15, 2017 and forced users to move all their documents to other platforms. The statement is still available and can be found here.
Microsoft Learn is the new platform where you can learn about various Microsoft products.
Some advantages and disadvantages of Learn.
I'll start with some disadvantages:
Exam Preparation Documentation is not available in Learn. You must use Channel9 or official channels on YouTube like Ignite.
For those who like slides, Learn does not provide slides.
Some advantages:
If you find any errors in the documentation or it is out of date, you can edit. This is possible because the documentation is in GitHUB which allows anyone to collaborate. All changes are not changed immediately, it is passed through several validations before being published. More information here.
Cost reduction. For example in some areas like Azure, you do not need to use your own subscription. Temporary access is provided so you can trial settings, and more.
What about EdX? EdX is not from Microsoft, it is an open, non-profit online course platform. They partner with organizations and universities. You can even use their platform to create your online courses. Microsoft has its own 'channel' inhttps://www.edx.org/school/microsoft.
However not all courses are available but there is Microsoft Learning Partners (training company) that has its own private EdX platform and they are the ones that define the courses to be made available and prices.All costs are borne by the training company.
Who wins with this?Everyone.
If the partner defines that the courses are free the trainee has access to all information for free.
If the partner defines that the course is paid, to have access it is necessary to acquire.
How can I find the training companies that offer these types of courses? There is no public list. You will need to use Internet search engines.I will not mention any of them either.It would benefit some and hurt others.
I have received some questions about the Microsoft Azure AZ-100 and AZ-101 exams and have decided to create a publication of the various questions I have received about them.
Does the Microsoft Azure AZ-100 exam replace 70-533? What about AZ-101?
Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, certifies system administrators in Microsoft Azure, which guarantees a Microsoft Specialist certification. In conjunction with the AZ-532 or AZ-534 has the MCSA certification. With all three you have the MCSE certification.
But this was discontinued on December 31, 2018, due to the various changes and innovations of Azure services. The current exam was sometimes outdated. For those who were to take the exam he had to answer questions where services no longer existed and their prices were not what they were being practiced.
Yes, then you will only need to take the AZ-102 transition exam until June 30, 2019.
No, then you will have to take two exams the AZ-100 and AZ-101.
Does the AZ-100 and AZ-101 allow the continuation and/or renewal for the MCSA and/or MCSE?
No, these are part of a new certification.
Do the new exmas have the same content as 70-533?
The content of the AZ-533 was divided into two exams and updated with the new services. In my modest opinion the division was not well made. Because we talk about network in the AZ-100 and the other part of networks is in the AZ-100.
The following images demonstrate the differences between the 70-533 with AZ-100 and AZ-101.
What is the AZ-102?
The AZ-102 is the 70-533 transitional exam. It is a delta between the AZ-533 and AZ-100 + AZ-102. For those who have the AZ-533 do not need to do both exams, you only need to do this that entitles you to a new certification. This exam is available until June 30, 2019.
I have the AZ-533, do I have to do the new certification?
I always recommend upgrading your certifications. Iso demonstrates companies that are well prepared.
YES, but it requires a great willpower and great dedication. I'm not saying that the Microsoft Official Courseware (MOC) is useless on the contrary when attending a MOC you have access to training + documentation + laboratories and a trainer that responds to any questions you have and is present to help you.
By self-study you do not have access to any trainer in person but we can count on technical communities, social network and friends to take some questions but may not be immediately available.
I passed the exam 70-70-532 532 and for self-study but I lost many hours of preparation. Despite not attending any MOC had some monetary costs. Nothing is free.
Exam 70-532
In the exam 70-532 I used various methods of preparation Labs, books, videos, several trials of Azure and my notes.
I bought the three books of Azure Exam certification Ref. but with the upgrade in October/November 2016 is not recommend buying them because they're completely out of date.
The practical part is very important can mount a lab on your own computer or on virtual machines what allows practice with Azure services. The exercises of the MOC are available for free at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/companion-moc.aspx. I used the Azure virtual machines to do the exercises which allow to have the advantage in that could let the machine always on and maintain the State of the exercises and not only.
During 4 months you can make your free labs in Azure I explain how can test the Azure for free in http://blog.pt.rramoscabral.com/p/azure-trial.html.
Also used videos/videos of Pluralsight, CBT Nuggets, AMM, Channel 9 and Ignite. About Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets I used the trial for a week at the same time not just attention is required to cancel the trial before the end of the trial period. Only has the problem of not being able to use CBT Nuggets or Pluralsight in the next certifications. In the case of Pluralsight for a developer tests or 70-534 can get access to the videos during 3 months.
I made my own notes through the book + video + Azure documentation.
I have no problem saying that I failed the first Microsoft exam due to overconfidence. So I had to change the method of self-study and be even more dedicated. There is no glory without sacrifice.
I tried the practice tests from Measureup and heartily recommend. These tests does not include the official exam questions the questions are based on content and each question has the full explanation and links to Microsoft's documentation. This kind of tests is great for testing the level of knowledge.
If you don't want to buy a practical exam can try the free issues available as follows:
• Demonstration test of Measureup - http://www.measureup.com/
• Practical test 70-532 from Chris Pietschmann - https://github.com/crpietschmann/Azure-70-532-Practice-Test
• Practical test 70-533 from Chris Pietschmann https://github.com/crpietschmann/Azure-70-533-Practice-Test
• Demonstration test of Transcender using by CBT Nuggets -https://www.transcender.com/
Don't use Dumps which is a compilation of questions of official examinations. And do not recommend their use for the following reasons:
• First, you're cheating yourself;
• Second, it means that you don't understand and we still do not understand that it is an authentic illusion;
• Third, there is no guarantee that the questions and answers are true or are correct. This at your own risk;
• Fourth, i did some research there is a lot of people complaining that they lost money and not only. Examples:
o http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Certplex-Ltd/London-United-Kingdom-WC1N-3AX/Certplex-Ltd-ExamCollection-Avanset-Fake-Guarantees-and-charging-continuously-monthly-sub-1161364
o http://lessons-learned-from-life.blogspot.pt/2014/07/examcollection-premium-service-scam.html
• Fifth, trust yourselves to make a study plan if you can't make a plan first schedule your exam and so has a deadline and an obligation to fulfill. If you think you're not ready you can always reschedule with 24 hours in advance of the date of appointment.
With the change of the method of study I managed to pass the exam. Not all methods work with all people, it is necessary to create our own method of study. The length of time is also not equal for all, I recommend you practice a lot in Azure and use the trials available.
Besides this all now have access to a virtual course Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions in EDX (https://www.edx.org/course/developing-microsoft-azure-solutions-microsoft-dev233) when I prepared for the exam this Edx course did not yet exist.
Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
For this test I used the same method of study but how could no longer use Pluralsight, CBT Nuggets I used the Opsgility. The Opsgility also have a trial but with a difference that includes Labs that we can do in azure and is excellent for certification Azure, Office and Sharepoint. I continued to use the Ignite videos and Channel 9.
I went back to using a virtual machine in the Azure to do my lab so all files, documentation, were a second disc of data for later download. But not everything worked in conditions had some problems and had to redeploy and change the size to solve some of the problems.
Also I used the practical tests of Measureup and the offline version to be able to test my knowledge without requiring Internet access. The offline version also gives access to online version are 2 for 1.
In the plan of study usually insert all modules and content into a text file. In the following example is a part of the plan with the Opsgility videos. When I view the videos marked with X.
Module 1: Introduction to Azure
[ ] Cloud technology overview
[ ] Overview of Azure
[ ] Managing Azure with the Azure portal
[ ] Managing Azure with Windows PowerShell
[ ] Overview of Azure Resource Manager
[ ] Azure management services
[ ] Azure Certification Blueprint for Exam 70-533(Updated) - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/exam-70-533-iaas-blueprint
[ ] Getting Started with Azure for IT Pros - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/getting-started-azure-itpro
[ ] Azure Infrastruture as a Service(Resource Manager)- https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/microsoft-azure-infrastructure-as-a-service-arm
Module 2: Implementing and managing Azure networking
[ ] Overview of Azure networking
[ ] Implementing and managing Azure virtual networks
[ ] Configuring Azure virtual networks
[ ] Configuring Azure virtual network connectivity
[ ] Overview of Azure networking in an infrastructure as a service (IaaS) version 1 (v1
[ ] Azue Infrastructure as a Service (Resourece Manager) - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/microsoft-azure-infrastructure-as-a-service-arm
[ ] Deploying and Managing Azure Application Gateway - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/azure-app-gateway
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Virtual Network peering - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/peering-virtual-networks-in-azure
[ ] Hands-On Lab: advanced Networking with pfsense - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/network-pfsense-azure-lab
[ ] Implementing a Secure Virtual Network with Virtual Appliances - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/implementing_a_secure_network_with_virtual_appliances
[ ] Azure Infrastruture as a service (Resource manager) - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/microsoft-azure-infrastructure-as-a-service-arm
[ ] Introducion to automating IaaS with ARM and PowerShell - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/azure-powershell-arm
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Chef Deployment on Azure - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/lab-chef-deployment-on-azure
[ ] Introducion to ARM templates with visual studio 2015 - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/intro_azure_resource_manager_vs2015
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Build a VM in Azure you will use for Administration of the Microsoft Cloud - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/build-vm-in-azure-administration-cloud
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Build a Linux vm in Azure and Coonect Ussing SSH with a RSA key - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/build-a-linux-vm-connect-ssh-rsa
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Chef Deployment on Azure - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/lab-chef-deployment-on-azure
Module 5: Implementing Azure App services
[ ] Introduction to App Service
[ ] Planning app deployment in App Service
[ ] Implementing and maintaining web apps
[ ] Configuring web apps
[ ] Monitoring web apps and WebJobs
[ ] Implementing mobile apps
[ ] Traffic Manager
[ ] Managing Azure Web App in Azure - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/managing_web_apps_in_azure
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Deploying an Azure Web App with php and MySQL - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/lab-deploying-azure-webapp-mysql-php
[ ] Azure WebJobs for Starters - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/azure-web-jobs-starters
Module 6: Planning and implementing storage, backup, and recovery services
[ ] Planning storage
[ ] Implementing and managing storage
[ ] Implementing Azure Content Delivery Networks
[ ] Implementing Azure Backup
[ ] Planning for and implementing Azure Site Recovery
[ ] Azure Storage for IT Professionals - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/azure_storage_for_it_professionals
[ ] Implementing Azure Backup - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/implementing_azure_backup
Module 9: Implementing Azure Active Directory
[ ] Creating and managing Azure AD tenants
[ ] Configuring application and resource access with Azure AD
[ ] Overview of Azure AD Premium
[ ] Deploying Active Directory in Azure (classic) - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/deploying-active-directory-in-azure
[ ] Azure Hybrid Identity - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/azure_hybrid_identity
[ ] Hands-On Lab: Introduction to Azure AD - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/lab-azure-ad-hands-on
Module 10: Managing Active Directory in a hybrid environment
[ ] Extending on-premises Active Directory domain to Azure
[ ] Implementing directory synchronization by using Azure AD Connect
[ ] Implementing federation
[ ] Deploying Hybrid Identity Solutions using Azure AD - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/intro_to_azure_identity_solutions
[ ] Architecting Azure Hybrid Identity - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/architecting-azure-hybrid-identity
Module 11: Implementing Azure-based management and automationT
[ ] Implementing Microsoft Operations Management Suite (OMS)
[ ] Implementing Azure Automation
[ ] Implementing Automation runbooks
[ ] Managing Azure Automation
[ ] Introduction to Automating IaaS with ARM and PowerShell - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/azure-powershell-arm
[ ] Introduction to Log Analytics with OMS - https://www.opsgility.com/courses/player/introduction_to_log_analytics_with_oms
To finish if they wish to do for self study is necessary to have a great dedication can take three months or more but should not give up. When a scan is a joy as great as doing the best Prize in the world. Which means that all the work I had gave thefts if you don't pass don't stay unmotivated I I spent the first I just disappoint doesn't mean you've given up.
There are several groups and communities that can help even the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in which they can help search in https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/MvpSearch .
Microsoft is introducing a series of exams for data scientists and analysts! And, you can help us by participating in the beta exam! Our first, 773: Analyzing Big Data with Microsoft R, starting January 3, 2017 until February 28, 2017
Are you a
data scientist or analyst who processes and analyzes large data sets using R
with the following experience:
Familiarity
with data structures
Familiarity
with basic programming concepts such as control flow and scope
Familiarity
with writing and debugging R functions
There are
300 seats for the beta exam 70-773.
This means you can take the exam for free!!
BUT... the seats are limited to first come, first served basis.
