Windows 7 Exams are on the Way – Is a Vista Certification Still Worth it?
Those of us perpetual learners started wondering about Windows 7 certifications as soon as we got the beta in our hands. Unfortunately, the wait has just begun. The Born to Learn blog revealed that development on three Windows 7 certifications has begun.
Here are the three new Windows 7 exam names:
- 70-680, TS: Windows 7, Configuring
- 70-685, MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
- 70-686, MCITP: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator
So with whispers in the air about these new exams you may have a decision to make:
Do I get certified in configuring Vista or wait and get certified in Windows 7?
I think you know the answer to this without me having to tell you. Get your Vista certification! We all know that once a release happens there is no magic switch thrown that makes all legacy software obsolete. So that means your Vista cert. won’t be outdated right away either.
Also, once you have passed the Vista exam, studying for a Windows 7 exam will be a piece of cake. There is only one reason to wait: you are a chronic procrastinator and the advent of a new exam gives you the perfect excuse to put off studying.
Even if you are focused on studying big bad Vista – news about Windows 7 certifications is still exciting. So here are some Questions and Answers, from what we know so far – for you procrastinators and non-procrastinators alike:
Windows 7 Certification Q & A
Q: What the heck is MCITP: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator?
A: A new category, for those responsible for managing an organization’s desktop environment on a large scale. That means planning and configuring the desktop infrastructure.
Q: Will a Windows 7 certification replace the Windows Vista requirement in the MCITP certifications?
A: The Windows 7 Technology Specialist certification will only become an alternative option to fulfill the desktop requirement for the applicable MCITP paths.
Q: Will there be an upgrade path from a Vista to a Windows 7 certification?
A: The official word is not out yet, but I personally assume there will be an upgrade path to the Technology Specialist cert. or maybe even the Enterprise Desktop Support Technician because there are comparable certifications to upgrade from.
Q: Will the beta exams be public or by invitation?
A: This decision hasn’t been made yet. If they do decide on the invitation route – The Born to Learn blog says the best way to get an invite is to check out the Microsoft Certification Beta Exams info page and then subscribe to the MCP Flash newsletter.
Q: Where can I find the latest updates about the beta exam?
A: Keep an eye out at the Beta Exam blog
Q: Are there objective guides available for any of the Windows 7 exams?
A: Nope. Come on… They just started developing the exams.
Do you have any other questions…any other answers?
If so please leave them in the comment section below.
Related Posts:
- Windows 7 Certification Information Update
- MCSE vs MCITP: Is the MCSE Still Worth It?
- Why I hate Vista and can’t wait to start using Windows 7
- Dust Off Your MCSE: The New MCTS & MCITP Certifications Are The Future
- Downgradable Windows 7 — Downgrade Not Just to Vista, But XP Too
6 Responses to “Windows 7 Exams are on the Way – Is a Vista Certification Still Worth it?”
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Kasia Grabowska Says:
April 16th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Thanks for all the info Lisa!
I just read that the first Windows 7 beta exam will be available April 27th — exam 71-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring:
http://blogs.technet.com/betaexams/archive/2009/04/15/register-for-beta-exam-71-680-ts-windows-7-configuring.aspx
If anyone decides to take it, please share your comments!
Kasia
Gosia Grabowska Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 am
I am definitely going to take the Windows 7 exams!
Windows Server HQ by Train Signal.com » Windows 7 Certification Information Update Says:
July 17th, 2009 at 11:03 am
[...] Windows 7 exam info Blogroll [...]
adabbas Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Will Windows 7 exam count towards MCSE Client exam (the same way that Vista exam can be used as an MCSE client exam).
I need MCSE 2003 for my Job, where I do not deal with workstations only servers, so I will keep the client to that last and learn something useful instead of Vista
Lisa Szpunar Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Adabbas,
Unfortunately, I don’t think that the 70-680 counts for the MCSE according to these two sites:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-680
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx#tab2
Sorry!
Adam smith Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 1:21 am
What about 70-685. This exam is buzzing more to me. Any idea Where to get information?