For developers that have achieved a Microsoft certification, big changes are in the works. At VS Live Microsoft's VP of Development Technology, Soma Somasegar, announced that MCSD, MCAD and MCSE certifications will be going away. Before you panic, the certifications will be good for some time to come. Soma announced that there will be new certifications for developers in two tiers:

1. Technical Specialist - There are three options available at this tier:
  • Windows Applications
  • Web Applications
  • Distributed Applications/li>

    2. Professional Developer - This tier requires the Technical Specialist certification and also has three options.
  • Windows Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Enterprise Application Developer


    • Sql Server also has a Technical Specialist certification with three options:

  • Database Administrator
  • Database Developer
  • Business Intelligence Developer


    • In addition to the certifications above, Microsoft announced an "architect series" certification which will require proven ability in business integration issues.

    The biggest change to the certifications is that these certifications will require a peer review process. The architect series in particular will require going before an oral review board.