Microsoft Certification Study Groups

As many of you know, I love "year in review" retrospectives, so my holiday gift to all of you is my annual summary of what happened in the world of exams from a numbers perspective. Without further ado, let’s take a look back at 2013:...

Join us for a special two-hour virtual College & Career Readiness Event Choose the event time that fits your schedule: Thursday, February 13 | 8:00 – 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time | Add this event to your calendar February 18th from 12:00-14:00...

A few months back we let you all know that we are updating our exams to cover Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2. Well, the day is approaching quickly when the updates will be seen in the exams. In just under 3 weeks, on January...

To stay aligned with how developers build Web applications, the Microsoft Learning Experiences team is making a few exciting updates to the MCSD: Web Applications certification: 1. CHOICE: Web application development often requires a combination...

One of my favorite parts about the year end is looking back over the year and finding the key moments that made the year great. These moments are often converted into “top 10” lists that are always fun to read (or watch). With that in mind...

To continue to support database administrators and developers working with SQL Server 2008 systems, the Microsoft Learning Experiences team has extended the retirement date for the following exams from January 31, 2014 to July 31, 2014: 70-450:...

Lots of work going on in the world of developer and SQL certification - here are the top three things you need to know: Microsoft Learning Experiences announces new Windows UX Design Specialist certification, to complement implementation skills...

Psychomagician and Super Sigma have been following Born to Learn, and you seem to be very interested in the posts by Kerri Davis, our anti-piracy program manager. We're no dummies, so we thought "why don't we interview Kerri and get the dirt...

As we get closer to the updates on the Windows Store Apps exams to address features in Visual Studio 2013 and Windows 8.1, we wanted to make you aware of two details: 1. There has been an modification in the exam release schedule: The HTML5-related...

Happy Halloween! The ACE Chronicles takes you behind the scenes to see what life is like on Halloween in the hallowed halls of Microsoft Learning Experiences. Find out what Super Sigma and Psychomagician learned about how Microsoft goes a little nuts...

Some of you may remember that in February I asked you to complete a survey to provide feedback on some ideas that I had for improving the score reports. Some of you may also be wondering whatever happened with your feedback... well, much of your feedback...

A few weeks ago, we asked what questions you had about the upcoming changes to Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, and System Center 2012 R2. Psychomagician and Super Sigma thought that the best way to share the answers would be to ask the person who...

Do you remember when I asked you what questions you have about how the upcoming changes related to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 releases will impact exams, associated courseware, and books? We got a great list of questions, and Super Sigma and...

I am very EXCITED to announce that we will beginning this month, subject matter experts (SMEs) who act as lead item writer or participate in alpha review or item selection/standard setting meetings will receive credit for the exam, meaning they will no...

Microsoft Learning Experiences is in the process of updating the MCSD: Windows Store Apps exams to reflect the upcoming release of Windows 8.1. We are also creating the recertification exams for these two credentials: Recertification Exam for MCSD...

In light of the upcoming releases of Visual Studio 2013 and Windows 8.1 , you may be wondering how the updates will affect the corresponding MCSD: Windows Store Apps certifications. Here are a few things you can count on: As more details emerge...

First of all, a HUGE thank you to everyone who shared their "test day tips" either by responding to the post: ‘Tried and True Exam Prep – Part 2: Countdown to Test Day’ or allowing us to interview them while they were in Redmond...

Did you know that Microsoft has a tool to help you know what requirements are necessary to achieve your next certification? This tool is called the Certification Planner and it is found in the MCP Member site. We recently made some significant improvements...

Imagine that Psychom agician and Super Sigma had the power to get your questions answered about how the upcoming releases of Windows Server, Windows client, and System Center will affect certification and courseware. What if they could get the answers...

A few months ago, we proposed a new item type--progressive case studies--to the community and asked for your feedback . We created a video describing this new item type and asked you for feedback via a brief survey, and the results are in! As a reminder...

Microsoft recently announced a new certification program for educators—the Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE). This program is intended to train and certify educators in the use of technology in their classrooms, lectures, and assignments. ...

Welcome to our weekly round-up of news, events and opportunities for IT Academy members. IT Academy News Three Microsoft IT Academy students to compete in international competition Exciting news from a Microsoft IT Academy in Washington State...

An ambitious IT pro asked us on Twitter: "Which exam would you recommend for someone moving over from Comptia A+ and Net+?" MCT Ed Baker responds with the key differences between CompTIA and Microsoft certifications, and charts a roadmap for...

Thank you for all your great suggestions about how you prepare to take an exam! The ACE Chronicles Super Heroes, Psychomagician and Super Sigma, are on another case and need your help! Let's talk about the countdown to test day! We are curious...

You've heard me talk about certification both online and in person. You know I'm always interested in your goals and progress. But what if I told you it's not really about certification?