Unsolved MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire

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With the traditional M$ certs retiring, I am wondering how up and coming students will learn about on-premise AD environments, AD site replication, NTFS, and share permissions? After studying Azure AD some, it's obvious that on-premise expertise will be in demand for quite some time. Is Microsoft expecting anyone coming into IT now to only learn Azure AD and be somewhat "self taught" when it comes to the on-premise environments they will inevitably run into?

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/posts/mcsa-mcsd-mcse-certifications-retire-with-continued-investment-to-role-based-certifications

Regards,
Adam Tyler

@Adam-Tyler,

The chief aspect of the change is the advancement of the technology and the growth of each field in the technology. When the MCSA, MCSE and MCSD were the reigning certifications, the entire knowledge of what to be done was large but no where close to what we have today.

Today, in this market, specialization reigns supreme rather than generalists that is because it's too much for any one person to do all of it anymore. So each certification today is so that you can specialize and learn more depth about each technology you really want to be in rather than having to generalize everything and not really diving in as deeply.

@Ronnie-Wong Thanks Ronnie. Which job role focused certification from Microsoft today dives deeply into on-premise AD deployment, maintenance, replication (site design) ?

Regards,
Adam Tyler

@Adam-Tyler,

According to this link, there is nothing directly tied to Server 2019 in the way it used to be. You can still do the MCSE: Core Infrastructure but that is due to retire 31 January 2021.

To see what may be more of current role based focus for you you may want to check out https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/

Maybe others will chime in and be more helpful.

Hi Ronnie:

Do you think that Microsoft will extend the deadline again from the Jan 31 2021 deadline? or will this be it, NO MORE (MCSA, MCSE etc)?? I was planning to take and finish the following certifications: But due to the Covid-19 situation and other personal stuff that happened over the summer 2020, is there still time and is it worth the time and money to pursue these certifications:

MCSA: Windows Server 2016
MCSA SQL
MCSA: Web Applications

Plus, is it worth the time to learn the MTA Track like Windows Server or Database?

Thanks

Dan L.

@Daniel-Loyer,

Do you think that Microsoft will extend the deadline again from the Jan 31 2021 deadline?

I'm not sure, I can only recommend you keep checking the link I had in the previous post.

But due to the Covid-19 situation and other personal stuff that happened over the summer 2020, is there still time and is it worth the time and money to pursue these certifications:

MCSA: Windows Server 2016
MCSA SQL
MCSA: Web Applications

If you haven't started on this, I'm not saying it's not possible but it's highly improbable at this point. If you attempting all three by 1/31/2021, probably not possible if you haven't started by now.

Is it worth it? Maybe...but again if you haven't started. probably not.

Plus, is it worth the time to learn the MTA Track like Windows Server or Database?

Yes, the MTA is still possible, even before the deadline for the other certifications. It's worth it if you're not familiar with Windows Server technology or databases.

Dear Ronnie or IT Pro:

Today is Nov 22 2020, it seems time is running out very fast for any of the MCSA Certification(s) track I was planning to do the following:

MCSA: Windows Server 2016 (have somewhat started this back in April or May 2020, then the shutdown happen due to the Covid-19 situation (Ontario Canada) and the limited hours i had at my job at the time didn't help that much in terms of saving money for the training and certification prep time and prep exams. Now I have the money but not so much of the time or commitment for studies. Now have 2 jobs, to make up the lost time and money back in the Spring or Summer 2020 (Covid -19 and the Shutdown)

I also interested in the

MCSA SQL and MCSA Web Application (Certification tracks) but doesn't seem I would have time to get this done before the deadline Jan 31 2021?? unless Microsoft changes the deadline again? What other options should I take to pursue any of the Microsoft Certification or any other IT Certifications at this point, or should I just give up, let those who are already have these (Old certs like MCP, MCSA, MCSE) since most employers or companies will look at those who are already certified in these area (.i.e. Windows 2012 or 2016 or the SQL Database) and have experience. I have more than 20 years experience working in customer service and or retail and have tried to keep up with the trend in the IT Industry, and only have my A+ and Network+ certifications.

I am looking at ways to change careers or try to re-enter the IT Field, but at my age (50) is it even worth the time or money to invest? I am thinking of trying to work from home and see if this is for me or not.

any suggestions of any kind would be much appreciated

Dan L.

@Daniel-Loyer,

Now I have the money but not so much of the time or commitment for studies.

There's the rub. The key to pursuit of this or not though is not only about the time and money but also the job you're pursuing. If there is job that requires it, it might still be worth the pursuit but even those jobs would probably be updating those job skills soon. So keep that in mind.

I also interested in the MCSA SQL and MCSA Web Application (Certification tracks) but doesn't seem I would have time to get this done before the deadline Jan 31 2021?? unless Microsoft changes the deadline again? What other options should I take to pursue any of the Microsoft Certification or any other IT Certifications at this point, or should I just give up, let those who are already have these (Old certs like MCP, MCSA, MCSE) since most employers or companies will look at those who are already certified in these area (.i.e. Windows 2012 or 2016 or the SQL Database) and have experience. I have more than 20 years experience working in customer service and or retail and have tried to keep up with the trend in the IT Industry, and only have my A+ and Network+ certifications.

I can only say that I would be challenged to do both by the Jan 31 2021 deadline, I might be able to do 1. But if you're already familiar with both technologies then it's possible.

I think I the best path is to be forward thinking. All if not most certifications today are not monolithic certifications as were the MCSA and MCSE of yore. So, I would find a technology that you're most interested in learning and pursue that certification at a pace that you can find success!