In the continuation of the move towards all role-based certifications, Microsoft has announced that they are officially retiring all of the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications; as well as their associated exams. This means there are a total of 15 certifications, and 42 exams being retired on January 31, 2021. Wow!
Now, we’ve known for awhile now that this would be coming. Back in September 2018, Microsoft first announced the new role-based certification paths with the initial role-based Microsoft Azure certification paths. And, they’ve been slowly adding more role-based paths to the new certification lineup since then. Now that they’ve created role-based certifications for all the most popular certification paths, they are looking to finally retire the old “technology-based” certification paths.
UPDATE: Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Microsoft has extended the retirement of the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certifications to January 31, 2021 instead of the original June 30, 2020 date that was announced.
MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA are being retired January 31, 2021
As Microsoft looks to close one certification chapter, and begin a new, they are going to be retiring the Microsoft Certified Solution Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA) certifications on January 31, 2021.
Perhaps there’s a song that could be written here…
Here’s a list of the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications that will be retired:
- MCSA: BI Reporting
- MCSA: Dynamics 365 for Operations
- MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development
- MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Admin
- MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Dev
- MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
- MCSA: Universal Windows Platform
- MCSA: Web Applications
- MCSA: Windows Server 2012
- MCSA: Windows Server 2016
- MCSD: App Builder
- MCSE: Business Applications
- MCSE: Core Infrastructure
- MCSE: Data Management & Analytics
- MCSE: Productivity
If you on your path to earning these certifications, then you have until January 31, 2021 to pass the required exams to earn the certifications. After that date they will no longer be available to be earned. Once retired, these certifications will remain on your official Microsoft certification transcript. In fact, they will remain on your transcript for 2 years from the January 31, 2021 date; after which they will be moved to the “inactive” section of your transcript. With the new role-based exams being active for a period of 2 years once earned, this change makes sense for the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications to be in line with that two year expiration / renewal cycle.
The MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications will remain on your transcript for 2 years from the January 31, 2021 date; after which they will be moved to the “inactive” section of your transcript
Wait? Does this mean there will no longer be a Windows Server, SQL Server, or C# / .NET developer certifications? Yes, that’s exactly what this certification retirements means. To make this more confusing, Microsoft has stated that you will learn enough Windows Server and SQL Server from the cloud-based certifications offered, and they don’t need to create new role-based certifications for these “on-premises focused” technologies. This is odd angle to all this certification expiration news, and hopefully we’ll hear more information from Microsoft to clarify this soon. However, unless they change their stance and direction, you only have until January 31, 2021 to earn a technology-based certification in Windows Server, SQL Server, and C# / .NET development. Sorry, not sorry, to those who need these certifications for their resumes and to meet employer requirements.
Lots of exams retired too…
With these MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications being retired, the necessary exams needed to earn these certifications will also be retired on January 31, 2021. I know it’s a lot of exams, and you may be worried about your own certification journey, but there are more details for you below.
Here is the list of exams being retired:
- 70-333: Deploying Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015
- 70-334: Core Solutions for Microsoft Skype for Business 2015
- 70-339: Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016
- 70-345: Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016
- 70-457: Developing Mobile Apps
- 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
- 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012
- 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
- 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
- 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
- 70-417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012
- 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014
- 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases
- 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014
- 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases
- 70-465: Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server
- 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server
- 70-467: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server
- 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3
- 70-483: Programming in C#
- 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications
- 70-487: Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services
- 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack
- 70-705: Designing and Providing Microsoft Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations
- 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
- 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016
- 70-742: Identity with Windows Server 2016
- 70-743: Upgrading Your skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016
- 70-744: Securing Windows Server 2016
- 70-745: Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter
- 70-761: Querying Data with Transact-SQL
- 70-762: Developing SQL Databases
- 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
- 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases
- 70-767: Implementing a Data Warehouse using SQL
- 70-768: Developing SQL Data Models
- 70-777: Implementing Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB Solutions
- 70-778: Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI
- 70-779: Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Excel
- MB2-716: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customization and Configuration
- MB6-894: Development, Extensions and Deployment for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance
- MB6-897: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail
- MB6-898: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources
If you are currently studying for one of these exams, then you’ll want to take them and earn your desired certification before January 31, 2021. After that date, the exams will be retired and no longer available to sit.
Transitional Paths towards Role-based Microsoft Certifications
There are a lot of certifications being retired, in fact, I believe this is the largest certification and exam retirement Microsoft has ever done in a single cycle. These are big changes, and they have laid out a recommended path for those on the old MCSE and MCSD paths to move towards the new role-based certifications. While there aren’t full equivalents for all the certifications yet, I’m sure Microsoft will be working in the near future (or at least in the next couple years) to fill in blanks as peoples certifications go “inactive” and they are looking to renew again.
The current migration path that Microsoft recommends for moving from the MCSE and MCSD certifications to the existing role-based certification paths are as follows:
- MCSE: Core Infrastructure
- Start with any of these…
- MCSE: Productivity
- Start with any of these…
- Teams Administrator Associate
- Messaging Administrator Associate
- Security Administrator Associate
- Then take…
- Enterprise Administrator Expert
- Start with any of these…
- MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
- Start with any of these…
- Azure Database Administrator (coming soon)
- Data Analyst Associate (coming soon)
- Azure Data Engineer Associate
- Azure AI Engineer Associate
- Azure Data Scientist Associate
- Start with any of these…
- MCSD: App Builder
- Start with…
- Azure Developer Associate
- Start with…
- MCSE: Business Applications
- Start with any of these…
- Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
- Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate
- Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate
- Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate
- Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate
- Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate
- Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate
- Start with any of these…
I know this list looks to be a bit short in filling the full breadth of what the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications covered. For example with this change there is no longer a path for someone to get certified with .NET Core / ASP.NET. Keep in mind that Microsoft is continually working on improving the certification paths they offer. So, I would imagine within the next year or so we will likely see more information about new certifications that will be coming to fill in these holes left by retiring the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications.
Keep in mind that Microsoft is continually working on improving the certification paths they offer. So, I would imagine within the next year or so we will likely see more information about new certifications that will be coming to fill in these holes left by retiring the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSA certifications.
Additionally, for answering your other questions about this change, please refer to the original announcement from Microsoft for more “frequently asked questions”. I’m sure many of you have questions, so hopefully that link helps. If not, maybe we’ll see more information and clarification on these changes in the coming months leading up to January 31, 2021.
Yes, I know it seems Microsoft keeps making changes to their certification programs every couple years. This is true. However, the new role-based direction is one that is better aligned with real world job roles, and are better serving people to help them in their careers. At least that’s my opinion and observation of all the changes towards this role-based set of certification paths. As technology keeps changing, and you need to keep updating your skills to stay relevant in this industry; so do the certifications necessary to test and verify those skills.
Happy studying, and I hope you achieve your certification goals!
About the Author
Chris Pietschmann
Chris Pietschmann is a Microsoft MVP, HashiCorp Ambassador, and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) with 20+ years of experience designing and building Cloud & Enterprise systems. He has worked with companies of all sizes from startups to large enterprises. He has a passion for technology and sharing what he learns with others to help enable them to learn faster and be more productive.
Azure Functions: Extend Execution Timeout Past 5 Minutes
Terraform: If/Else Conditional Resource and Module Deployment
Use Terraform Input Variables to Parameterize Infrastructure Deployments
Azure Resource Naming Conventions and Best Practices
Properly Shutdown Azure VM to Save Money
Thanks for the update Chris!
This really sucks! I just paid for and scheduled my first exam of the MCSA for early June. No way I’d get all three done by June 30th.
Yes! Finally something for DBA’s “Azure Database Administrator” I will only have to evolve with the cloud now instead of being replaced by it 😛
It is really obvious, from this act as well as the entire direction their Learning Path is taking, that Microsoft’s future is in earning $ from everyone using Azure. The idea that you will learn enough about critical Microsoft technologies from studying the cloud-based offerings implies that the only way they want to certify you is if you use their cloud:
“Microsoft has stated that you will learn enough Windows Server and SQL Server from the cloud-based certifications offered, and they don’t need to create new role-based certifications for these “on-premises focused” technologies.”
In other words, they are not interested in you learning and becoming an expert with SQL Server or Windows Server unless you spend money learning it in the context of Azure…where they can earn money from your use of the service. They are betting the farm on you using Azure so that they can make money there versus from on-site licensing earnings, which are probably dropping year after year. There currently aren’t any certifications that allow you to prove you are an expert with C#, SQL Server, or Windows Server unless you do it on their cloud. Within the list of “Learning Paths” for the “Azure Developer Associate” (see https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/azure-developer) every learning path (at least the free, online learning) has either the word “cloud” or “Azure” in it. NONE of these learning paths mention in their title “Windows”, “SQL Server”, “C#” “database development”, “operating system”, “software development” or “programming”…the bread and butter of many a Microsoft-focused developer.
In their defense, they are in business to make money. But I’d receive this news a bit better if they just told us their real motivation, versus trying to convince me that I’ll be an expert in these critical technologies as a side-effect of becoming an “Azure Developer Associate”.
There is a petition https://trainingsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/mcp/forum/all/petition-to-delay-the-mcsa-deadline/4e080e20-a7b4-4cf0-a557-329d800f84a6
there is no need of retiring those certifications they were once most valuable. Things move on in life but that doest mean we negate the old transcripts as we have much improved or better ones inline…… someone has earned those degrees and paid alot at that time they should remain as credit for that time and time to come and move on with the new certifications.
To retire the MCSD and not have an accurate replacement is insulting. As a consultant in 2001, my company required a certain percentage of developers get certified as MCSD to allow the company to achieve the “GOLD” partner status. What I got out of the MCSD certification was way more then I expected. It taught me how to be a better consultant. From basic architectural design to SQL Server creation and administration to best coding practices to how to manage a project. No specific platform required. I could go into a client and do what I do best, implement a successful application strategy. With the current “role-based” certifications, there is nothing that compares to the MCSD. As much as I love Azure, not everyone is moving to the cloud in any capacity. My current company is included in that last statement. We got bought by a company that doesn’t want to move into “the cloud” (no azure, no aws, no google, etc.). Applications that I’ve written had to be reevaluated and moved to “on-prem” services. No more Azure (which does suck).
But my bigger concern is that there is no longer a certification to allow developers to learn how to be better designers, architects or coders outside of Azure now.
I’m working on a multi-regional company and they’re not thinking at all about moving to the Cloud with Azure. First, internal policies about moving the information to the cloud and of course they’re just don’t want to because they don’t need to. Of course this move from Microsoft its all about money. I think this is an insult for IT Professionals who has already certifications (MCSA or MCSE) or are still planning to achieve it.
You can’t just force people or companies to move to the Cloud.
I really hope Microsoft resolve this issue.
Just a heads up MS has postponed the certification expiring dates to Jan 31, 2021 so you have more time.
Disappointed to find out they are expiring local server certifications. Was just looking into getting certified this morning…
I really *hate* subscription plans. I’d rather buy it upfront and have it till I’m ready to do a major upgrade on my own terms. But I know MS isn’t the only one doing this and the cloud is the future but I like having my own lab with things that can run forever without continually paying into something with the dreaded expiry date ever looming…. Maybe I should get Linux certified and switch to mono development instead.
Here’s the reference about the expiry date:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/community-blog-post.aspx?BlogId=8&Id=375289
Do these updates impact the MCSA, MCSD, MCSE retirement announcement made on February 27, 2020? Yes, we are extending the retirement date for these certifications and exams to January 31, 2021
About to start a 5 month study which will lead to exams 70-483 and 70-486. Im sure I can complete these before January 31 but what will these certificates be worth eventually? Will the new role-playing counterparts but worth more and should I wait till a study rewards these as certificates?
Do you see earning this certification to be of value to your career and your employer? If so, then by all means go for it. I can’t say what the role-based MCSD alternative will be for C# because Microsoft hasn’t released anything about it yet. The fact is, we don’t yet know if there will be a .NET or C# role-based developer certification yet, so by all means go earn this one now if you see it benefiting you before it’s retired. Also, it will still be active on your transcript after the exams are retired; for a period of 2 years I believe.
Thanks for sharing such an informative blog
Hi and thanks for the nice post. Just a quick question, do you have any information about a replacement for 70-537 about Azure Stack Hub ? I’ve got my Az-300 and 301 just before they get retired at the beginning of the year but now I can’t found any replacement for this Stack Hub certification 🙁
Thank you !
I’m not aware of a new replacement for that exam in the newer role based paths.
Well described article, specially recommended path chart is very helpful, thanks for sharing this information!!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the informative article! I have passed exam 70-483 and wanted to achieve my MCSA Web developer certification, but since this cert. will retire in a couple of days, I will not be able to do it.
Can you suggest a newer ROLE-BASED certification for C#/.NET ?
Thanks