Windows certifications

Getting certified on the Windows operating system can help you reach your goals. In today’s increasingly complex IT environment, a Windows certification helps prove to customers and employers that you have the technical skills necessary to do the job.

Heard about the coming Windows 8 updates, called Windows 8.1? Read the FAQs below to find out how we are updating our certifications.

Choose a certification below:

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

Associate level

The foundation for your professional career

MCSA:
Windows 8
MCSA:
Windows 7

Other certifications

The lifespan of a certification varies, based on the certification track and certification technology. Retired certifications will still appear on you transcript, but will be designated as Legacy. See a list of retired certifications.

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MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7

Validates your ability to deploy operating systems and desktop applications, and to manage the client life cycle. When you pass these exams, you also earn the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.

After January 31, 2014, you can no longer earn the MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 certification, but you can still take the exams listed below to earn the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.

Certification

Required exam

Windows 7, Configuring

680

Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator

686

MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Validates your ability to identify the cause and resolution of desktop application, network, and security issues. Also helps validate your ability to support and maintain systems and mobile devices that run Windows 7. When you pass these exams, you also earn the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.

After January 31, 2014, you can no longer earn the MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7 certification, but you can still take the exams listed below to earn the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.

Certification

Required exam

Windows 7, Configuring

680

Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

685

MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician on Windows Vista

Validates your ability to deploy Windows Vista, manage security, and troubleshoot network issues.

This certification will be retired on July 31, 2013.

Certification

Required exam

TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client

620

PRO: Microsoft Desktop Support, Enterprise

622

These exams will be retired on July 31, 2013.

MCITP: Consumer Support Technician on Windows Vista

Validates your expertise and skill set in a job role that supports a broad range of issues on client operating systems, desktop applications, mobile devices, networking, and hardware support.

This certification will be retired on July 31, 2013.

Certification

Required exam

TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client

620

PRO: Microsoft Desktop Support, Consumer

623

These exams will be retired on July 31, 2013.

MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration

Validates your ability to understand the functions and features of Windows 7 and to troubleshoot network connectivity and application issues.

This certification will be retired on January 31, 2014. Exam 680 will still be required for the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.

Title

Required exam

Windows 7, Configuring

680

MCTS: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deployment

Validates your ability to deploy, maintain, and upgrade to Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010. This certification will be retired on January 31, 2014.

Title

Required exam

TS: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deploying

681

This exam will be retired on January 31, 2014.

MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration

Validates your ability to understand the functions and features of Windows Vista and to troubleshoot network-connectivity and application issues. This certification will be retired on July 31, 2013.

Title

Required exam

TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

620

This exam will be retired on July 31, 2013.

See the tables below for upgrade paths from older certifications.

You can upgrade these certifications to the MCSA: Windows 8 certification.

MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Step

Title

Required exam

Certification earned

1

Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8

689
MCSA SQL Server 2012

You can upgrade this certification to the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification.

MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator

Step

Title

Required exam

Certification earned

1

Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

417
MCSA SQL Server 2012

2

Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure

415

3

Implementing Desktop Application Environments

416

 

You can upgrade these certifications to the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.

MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician on Windows Vista

MCDST (Windows XP)

Step

Title

Required exam

Certification earned

1

PRO: Upgrading to Windows 7 MCITP Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

682
MCSA SQL Server 2012

Passing this exam also earns you an MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician Windows 7 certification and an MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration certification.

This exam will be retired on January 31, 2014.

Frequently asked questions

The following questions specifically address the Windows Client certifications. Visit the certification overview or exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.

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A.

As new technology releases into the market, associated official Microsoft training and certifications will be updated over time to cover this new content.

A.

We encourage you to continue down the path for your certification. Exams that are currently in market will continue to count towards credit for the associated certification, and courses that are in market are a great way to help you prepare. We will provide advance notice for any changes made to our courses, exams, or certifications. Check back again for more information.

A.

As new technology updates become available, you will see a variety of training offered through Microsoft Learning Partners. These resources include First Look clinics, hands-on labs, and courses using Microsoft Official Course content. In addition, many training resources will be available to you directly through the Microsoft Virtual Academy. Check back for more information at www.microsoft.com/learning/.