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?
It's available the new release of Windows Terminal Preview
What is Windows Terminal Preview?
Windows Terminal is an application that is actually a new modern and productive terminal for users who normally work with command line tools such as Windows PowerShell, bash, shells and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Supports Unicode and UTF-8 characters, text rendering engines, themes, styles and custom settings.
For those who need or work with several shell, command prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) or even PowerShell on Windows 10, I recommend Windows Terminal.
Some users already receiving a warning about the ending suport for Microsoft Windows 7. The following image is one of the examples.
Safety is one of the topics that should not be ignored. But unfortunately it is still quite ignored by users that both home and organizational included decision makers and administrators of the organization itself.
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.
