Microsoft has retooled its MCSE certification for IT professionals to include a major focus on the cloud. The company made the changes in response to the growing movement of IT resources to cloud-based solutions. According to Microsoft-sponsored research, cloud computing may create 14 million jobs and generate 1.1 trillion in revenue by 2015. The new MCSE certificate holder is expected to have more comprehensive knowledge of both on-premises and cloud resource technologies.
MCSE Skills Still Matter, but the Credential Path Has Moved
The MCSE name carries a lot of history for Windows Server, infrastructure, messaging, database, and cloud administrators. The exam path itself has been retired, but the underlying skills are still valuable when they are tied to modern Microsoft environments.
Administrators now need to show they can manage hybrid infrastructure, cloud resources, identity, security, automation, monitoring, and business continuity. That makes a role-based path more useful than chasing a retired credential label.
MCSA and MCSE Are Historical Credentials Now
MCSA and MCSE were once the familiar Microsoft certification path for administrators, engineers, and infrastructure specialists. That path is no longer available for new candidates. Microsoft moved its certification program toward role-based credentials that map to cloud, security, data, productivity, and developer responsibilities.