Microsoft Vista Certification Exams Announced

Microsoft Vista certification is on the way, and Microsoft recently announced the first Vista exams. In keeping with trends in certification, these particular exams are designed for different job roles. These exams are scheduled to be released in \"early 2007\", according to Microsoft s website: MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional - \"Consumer Support Technician\" and \"Enterprise Support Technician\" certifications MCTS - Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist - \"Windows Vista, Configuration\" Unfortunately, there are no blueprints or details available right now detailing the differences between the Consumer Support and Enterprise Support certifications. Those of you who were around when MS went to Server 2000 may remember that MS announced what some considered a hasty end to the NT 4.0 certification. This time around, Microsoft s website makes a point of saying that \"although progressive organizations will adopt Windows Vista immediately, Windows XP will continue to be a driving force in IT for years to come\". MS hasn t announced any further information how Vista will affect XP or Server certifications, but I suspect they won t be quite as fast to stop supporting earlier certifications. Microsoft does make some recommendations to candidates currently working on their MCDST certification. If you re working on that cert, visit the Microsoft Learning website to read more. Even if your organization is happy with their current network operating system, you should still be making long-term plans to get certified in Microsoft Vista. The first step in assuring yourself of a long career in IT is planning to meet changes and challenges along the way. Nothing stays the same, especially in networking! Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of over 200 free certification exam tutorials, including CCNA certification training articles. His exclusive CCNA study guide is also available! Visit his blog and sign up for Cisco Certification Central, a daily newsletter packed with CCNA, Network , Security , A , and CCNP certification exam practice questions! A free 7-part course, “How To Pass The CCNA”, is also available, and you can attend an in-person or online Cisco CCNA training boot camp with The Bryant Advantage!