Microsoft is retiring three of its most popular professional certification categories to move toward a world of role-based training. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications, and the exams required to earn them, will be available through January 31, 2021.
Microsoft announced in September 2018 that it was shifting to role-based training and certifications, enabling trainees to truly learn the knowledge needed to fill a specific role. First, exams and certifications for Azure, Modern Workplace, and Business Applications were redesigned, providing the market with a number of new role-based certification paths.
I would like to implement this concept in all areas, so that future content will be part of the role-based certification system. However, previous courses (e.g. Windows Server 2012/2016, SQL Server 2012/2016, etc.) will remain available, but they will no longer be used to pass exams and earn certifications.
If you already have an MCSA, MCSD, or MCSE certification – or will obtain one before the revocation – you will be able to enjoy the benefits of the certification for two years starting January 31, 2021. Microsoft therefore advises that anyone who is already in the process of obtaining the certifications or who is interested in achieving the title should definitely try to take the exam in the desired subject area before the aforementioned deadline. If your company is a Microsoft partner, previous certifications can still be counted for one year after retirement when determining competencies and fulfilling requirements.
In the long term, it is worth replacing previously acquired qualifications with the following new or upcoming role-based qualifications.
The full list of exams being discontinued, the exact schedule for the certifications being phased out, and a more detailed description can be found on the Microsoft website .