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Microsoft Considering Desktop, Security Certs

New cert options for MCPs may be in future.

Specialty Microsoft certifications for desktop support and security professionals may be future options for MCPs.

Judith Morel, Strategic Certification Programs, Microsoft's Training and Certification Group, said during an interview yesterday at CompTIA's 2002 Strategies conference in Chicago that Microsoft is researching a separate desktop support title that would focus on XP technologies. According to Morel, the impetus for the research was the result of a worldwide Job Task Analysis survey of MCPs worldwide. "What we learned is that MCSAs and MCSEs don't function too much on the desktop," she said.

Morel explained that by desktop she's referring to exam 70-270, which focuses on Windows XP, as opposed to the rest of the MCSE and MCSA .NET track exams, which cover .NET Server technologies. "We need to do further analysis around how much of the desktop information really needs to be in here [the MCSA and MCSE titles]," she continued, "or does that need to be communicated to a different audience that we're not currently serving?"



Morel said the survey also showed immense interest in security, and that the program is now considering a security- specific certification, the possibility of which the program denied back in January. "We're still formulating plans...we definitely have proposals in the works to create more MOC security courseware, [now] we need to determine how we're going to respond to that courseware in terms of exam activity."

A Microsoft security title could be tied to CompTIA's upcoming entry-level Security+ certification. According to both Microsoft and CompTIA, Microsoft announced at a pre-conference session Tuesday that it will be mapping its above- mentioned courseware to build on the topics covered in the Security+ objectives.

About the Author

Becky Nagel is the executive editor of the 1105 Redmond Media Group's Web sites, including Redmondmag.com, RCPmag.com, RedDevNews.com and VisualStudioMagazine.com, among others.

Reader Comments:

Wed, Jan 22, 2003 james Crawley, UK

I think the security cert will be a great Idea.

Mon, Jul 1, 2002 Patrick Kenya

This is a great idea. I hope Microsoft will be relooking into their security issues in future. It would be futile to have a security certificate for a product that is not secure to begin with.

Tue, Jun 4, 2002 mousse-man Switzerland

The MS security cert 070-220 does not cover a whole lot of practical info. I learn more from reading securityfocus and a whole lot of other, related web sites. Also, I've never seen the security infrastructure exam deal with the problem of carbon-based network problems like dummies in the office that try every executable they can burn onto a CD at home in office Or the web dialer problem. Or the problem of malicious javascript code, or security holes in the JVM of Explorer. Or designing a firewall that will keep the network secure, with all ports that have to be blocked off. Or wireless network security. Keyloggers are another thing.

Issues that must be discussed. I had an applicant (MCSE) last week in an interview and I started questioning him on such subjects. He didn't know all the answers, but he was the smartest in the bunch, so I put him up for the second leg of interviews.

Wed, May 22, 2002 strangerq la

As an mcse 2000 and an mcse + internet
nt 4.0, who has passed microsofts existing w2k network security exam, I
have one thing to say about this....

lol.

M$'s new certs are just piling fresh bs on top of stale.


Wed, May 22, 2002 RB Romania

TO INNOCENT :
YES, IT DOES WORTH !
For some folks Microsoft is a pain of childbirth !!! Why don't they unistall all the Microsoft Products from their PC's and just simple ignore Microsoft !?!
And You, as well ?!

Mon, May 20, 2002 L0 mid alantic

I think the add on would be nice, and so would the lab thing. I know it would kill alot of the people who just take the class and spit out the text and have no idea how it applies to the real situations which I found 90% of doesn't apply to my job. I get sick hearing all those commercials for tech schools almost promising jobs and good money, while I worked hard and studied on my own and used my work experience and make around half they say the average is.

Wed, May 15, 2002 Jason San Francisco

I am a liitle confused here: Exactly what type of a job is an MCSE qualified to do? Am I correct to think that what he/she does is to design and maintain enterprise-level machines and not troubleshoot problems on some guy's personal computer down in payroll?

Wed, May 15, 2002 Anonymous Anonymous

I agrre with Innocent from Cogno, MS is trying to make money on the shortcommings of thier products. I also think this will "cheapen the value" of an MCSE

Tue, May 14, 2002 Alexander Merck

Separate server and desktop. Yes
I am also pleased with the current MS cert content as opposed to NT4s.
I have 2 certs, Server (215) and directory Services (217)
I administrate a large company's global multimaster domain. I have found the material covered in the 217 cert in particular prepared me well.
I am currently working on my CISSP to balance what MS lacks in overview.
2000 desktop or XP do not matter to me as much since other experts will be charged with their design. The elements that make up a served environment have become complicated enough in their own right (XP, server, GP and AD)to be specific areas of expertise. If someone can know all this AND keep up with the changes, I'd like to see the size of their head :-)

Mon, May 13, 2002 YoYoYo- WordDog TX

That's nice, but I hope they come up with an addon on security title for us MCSE networking types as well. Componies love to be able to prove that they are "secure" by having certified people on staff. It would make me very marketable :)

Sun, May 12, 2002 Anonymous Anonymous

Anything microsoft sickens me these days. Take it from an MCSE, whose jobless, never had a chance to use the supposedly all important "MCSE NT" designation. I wonder how many MCSE's are jobless, or students that are still paying for their tuition, that don't even have a job or completed their certs ... and yet schools are promoting "microcrap" certs.

Sun, May 12, 2002 Annoyed USA

MCP Magazine do not critically comment on all the Microsoft certification. Besides MCSE, I would said the rest like MCP+I , MCSE+I and the latest MCSA are of no values. Why should MS have some many certification that for the purpose of making more revenue and try and error kind of stuff. What happen to those MCSE+ I now. Can a MCSA install a Win2k server while his konwledge only tested on adminsitering. MCP magazine, please make your stand , please publish some unbiased comment

Sun, May 12, 2002 Dave Singapore

I don't about other countries but for Singapore to support desktop, you need at least a diploma not a Microsoft Desktop cert. Anyway, how bout the MOUS cert that they are giving? To be a system engineer in Singapore earning mcse just adds to ur advantage but a degree is a must plus experience at least 2 to 3 years. I have a mcp and A+ but it didn't do anything for my getting a job. Unless you're already working, these certs could prove useful if not my advice is get a diploma till u get a job then get these certs.

Fri, May 10, 2002 Scott_Merrick_Campbell Raleigh-Durham

INTERESTING.

LOS ANGELOS...what if Microsoft actually had a test taken in a lab as opposed to regurgitating text.

NOW we are talking raising the bar. As far as those who have no job after several certifications--get a job doing something else and use your limited certification based experience as a volunteer for a community based non-profit or school. MUCH MORE SATISFYING THAN WAITING FOR THE TECH DOLLARS TO COME FLYING IN THE DOOR!

Fri, May 10, 2002 Erik Paterson, NJ

Even though Comp-TIA is considered entry-level, it has the desktop support area pretty much covered. Microsoft is just trying to use their more respected name and is going to basically consoldiate the Comp-TIA exams into a single cert. If I were an employer, I would accept A+, NET+, and Server+ as evidence of competency in desktop environments, but people are so in awe of Microsoft that we assume their exams are the ultimate, most-high standard. Put a Microsoft seal on anything and it flies while MS goes to the bank. The exam will fly because of Micorsoft's grip on the industry, but we all know it's pointless. As for the security cert, what would be the difference between this one and the Designing Security exam on the MCSE track?

Fri, May 10, 2002 concerned Los angeles

About time!! There are way too many MCSE's out there who can't even change a HDD, much less troubleshoot a problematic workstation. Put some effort into teaching fundamentals instead of who can memorize acronyms the best and fastest. Put some doing into it and less talk, make sure they can walk the distance before branding them engineers!!!

Fri, May 10, 2002 Morgan Nelson Utah

I, for one, welcome the idea od Desktop and Security Certs. MS should design the new certs to be building blocks for the MCSA and MCSE.

All admins and engineers should have security and desktop knowledge as well as the .NET /2000 Server line knowledge.

Fri, May 10, 2002 David Houston

My question is what would a desktop cert. cover? Sure there are some desktop techs that just follow a sheet of instructions-- If this happens/ do this. But the heart of desktop support is troubleshooting. How can you guage troubleshooting on a timed test from a totally one vendor system. I am sure there are others out there that have non-microsoft apps on there machines. Most of my problems are with a user installing other software. No test will teach you how to find a dll that has not been registered or has been replaced.

Fri, May 10, 2002 Anonymous Anonymous

Too many different certs will dilute the certification brand and confuse employers. Something like MCSE+Security or MCP+Security would be valuable.

Fri, May 10, 2002 nabeel us

Security..? What security products does microsoft have out there. When I hear Security I think Network Security; Firewalls, RSA Securid, Cisco ACS, PIX and even Access lists on Routers. But the last thing that comes to mind is Microsoft!

Fri, May 10, 2002 Plalo Philacon Valley

This is getting rediculous! How many "certifications" can they come up with. It's all the same information when you break it down. I would think the MCSE is all that anyone should need. If there's information not covered in the MCSE track I have to say we are all being cheated then. By definition an "ENGINEER" should know everything about the entire technology. Or at least have enough knowledge to speak intelligently on all matters. If Microsoft is making more and more certs covering different facets of technology then no one is going to have ANY credibility. Either MCSE or nothing.......... keep it all together!

Fri, May 10, 2002 Nawar Aljanabi Turkey

I guess the desktop cert. Wont add something new ,because it wont be a lot different from the current w2k Pro or XP home edition available certs. The Security Cert. Is a must and should be considered as soon as possible it will be a hit and it should cover a wide range of MS products.

Fri, May 10, 2002 Innocent Congo

I am suprised that most of you agreed that desktop security certification is important. Can't you see Microsoft is try to make money out of its problematic security holes in all its products. I am also suprised that MCSA received good response. What is the actual value of MCSA . A lot of you still believe that MS certification is woth ??

Thu, May 9, 2002 nasiriqbal CHAKWAL (PAKISTAN)

I CHECK UR SITE AND SPECIALLY CHECK THIS PAGE I M STILL CONFUSE HOW CAN I GET FREE CERTIFICATION ONLINE FREE TEST. PLZ IF U HAVE ANY GOOD SITE WHO PROVIDE BEST FACILITY FOR HIS USER TO FREE ONLINE TEST

Thu, May 9, 2002 Sishir Albany, New York

In reality,most of the MCSEs, MCSAs, MCPs, MCP+I, and A+ certified professionals are involved in DESKTOP SUPPORT job. I hardly found a person with MCSE, working in the position that he/she is supposed to be. One MCP certification and A+ certification are more than enough to work as a DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER to be paid from $15-$25 per hour depending upon experiences.
By the way, I am MCSE on NT 4.0 track, MCP on Windows 2000 track and A+ certified profesional, who went to school to complete all these courses before get certified, but still don't have steady good job even after 2+ years excellent experience.Any offer?sshrest1@nycap.rr.com
Thank you.

Thu, May 9, 2002 Michael Pennsylvania

I think certifications for the desktop arena are a long time coming. I have had the pleasure of designing and implementing enterprise wide deployments of Office, IE, and Windows. There are specific skills that should be base lined that have nothing to do with systems. As a matter of fact I spoke to our MS TAM last year about Microsoft writing an Office Deployment and Maintenance cert. Microsoft has incorporated many features into Office that must be learned through experience. I see most environments simply rolling out a default configuration. The highly touted ROI on Microsoft Office is unattainable if all of the advanced features are not utilized. In the least, high level desktop architects need to be able to back up their experiences with certifications. Today the market is saturated with out of work IT resources. When one reads my electronic resume they see desktop engineer and probably heap me in with help desk staff (no offense). I am by no means a simple desktop engineer and would like to prove it. Get going MS… it's a tough market out there and I need to compete aggressively.

Thu, May 9, 2002 Anonymous Anonymous

Either Morel doesn't know her stuff or Nagel needs a new proof reader because exam 70-210 focuses on W2k pro. Exam 70-270 covers XP pro.

Thu, May 9, 2002 Charlie New York

The desktop cert would be valuable for my desk-side guys to show their skills on the way to bigger and better things. WRT the security cert, I am inclined to agree with Anne from Brisbane. The cert would hold value (perhaps a hybrid of security design with ISA, IIS and Exchange).

Thu, May 9, 2002 yeah se usa

for those wanting to be certified on only desktop systems, yes, this would be good, as well as a step toward premier certs. but security cert, I'm not so sure that a m$ security cert would gain much credibility compared to other established security certs.

Thu, May 9, 2002 Dude Seattle

The desktop support certification is probably a good idea. As network administrator at a small company, much of my time was spent managing desktops and supporting users. The MCSA certification that I just completed is only half relevent to the type of work that I actually do.

Thu, May 9, 2002 Anne Brisbane

I agree, security is a major issue that has not really been adequately addressed through microsoft certifications. From the existing selection of subjects I would imagine it would include Win2k Server, ISA server and Security Design subject, and probably a more indepth subject on IIS.

Thu, May 9, 2002 Ivan Tampa

Good idea. There is an obvious hole for Desktop Specialist Certifications - how many helpdesk technicians (not to mention the designated office 'computer person'!) could benefit from such a stepping stone towards other certs? And a security cert from Microsoft...that should've been around for quite some time now...

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