Microsoft Professional Program is Retiring
If you have already earned a Microsoft Professional Program certificate, or are in the process of earning gone, then congratulations! Take that achievement with you, promote it, and use it to the benefit of your career. However, if you haven’t begun work on one of these certifications, then your time is limited. Microsoft has announced that the Microsoft Professional Program is being retired; with a scheduled end date of December 31, 2019. Also, new enrollments into the program will end on September 15, 2019. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mpdheaderimage.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.7″]Microsoft has announced that the Microsoft Professional Program is being retired; with a scheduled end date of December 31, 2019. Also, new enrollments into the program will end on September 15, 2019.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.7″]The direction Microsoft has been taking the certification program towards a Role-based model. This started with the Microsoft Professional Program (MPP), and has continued to the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program. With this shift in certification being job role-based, there was a duplicate in effort between the two programs. Microsoft has decided to retire the Microsoft Professional Program in favor of the future of the job role-based Microsoft certification paths. What was learned through the development and community feedback fro the Microsoft Professional Program is being continued through the Microsoft role-based certifications. Some of the benefits professionals are seeing through technical certifications such as these include the following:
- Certified new hires reach full productivity sooner and find more opportunities for advancement. [1]
- Certified employees earn 15 percent more than those without certification. [1]
- Employees with certifications are nearly 20 percent more productive. [1]
Learning Tracks
Microsoft has released a total 9 of “micro degree” / certification tracks over the 3 years of the Microsoft Professional Program (MPP). Let’s take a brief look at each of these tracks.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Data Science” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/data-science/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-data-science-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”]Opportunities for data scientists—one of today’s hottest jobs—are rapidly growing in response to the exponential amounts of data being captured and analyzed. Companies hire data scientists to find insights and to solve meaningful business problems.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Artificial Intelligence” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/artificial-intelligence/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-artificial-intelligence-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] Artificial Intelligence (AI) will define the next generation of software solutions. Human-like capabilities such as understanding natural language, speech, vision, and making inferences from knowledge will extend software beyond the app. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Internet of Things (IoT)” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/internet-of-things/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-internet-of-things-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] Accelerate your career in one of the fastest-growing cloud technology fields: IoT. This program will teach you the device programming, data analytics, machine learning, and solution design skills you need for a successful career in IoT. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Cybersecurity” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/cyber-security/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-cyber-security-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] Cybersecurity threats are on the rise and now more than ever businesses need skilled team members to help prevent and mitigate breaches. This 10-course program will help you identify threats early on and minimize breach impacts. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Big Data” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/big-data/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-big-data-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] Designing systems that capture, process, and analyze data is critical for companies in order to have a competitive advantage. This curriculum takes students from their first select statement to orchestrating big data workflows in the cloud. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Data Analysis” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/data-analysis/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-data-analysis-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] Learn critical skills through data analysis like problem solving, communication, decision making, and more. The tools of analysis may change, but its underlying skills will remain valuable. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”Entry Level Software Development” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/entry-level-software-development/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-entry-level-software-development-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] Nearly all tech that you engage with relies on software. The job outlook for software developers is growing year after year. Simply put, Software Developers are the people bringing the modern world to life. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”IT Support” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/it-support/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-it-support-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] The help desk is the front line of engagement for customers when problems arise. With the IT Support track you will learn a wide range of skills to diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve customer issues. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_blurb title=”DevOps” url=”https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/professional-program/tracks/devops/” image=”https://build5nines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/microsoft-professional-program-devops-card.png” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(107,107,107,0.4)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false”] To support companies to be more agile, the lines between development and operations are becoming increasingly blurred. Through continuous integration and deployment, students will learn how to react to changing market conditions. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.26.7″ custom_padding=”0px||62px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.26.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.7″]How long do you have to continue completing an MPP track?
Enrollment in a Microsoft Professional Program tack is available until September 15, 2019. The Microsoft Professional Program itself ends on December 31, 2019. If you have enrolled in an MPP track, you only have until December 31, 2019 to complete all the required courses to earn the MPP certification. Here’s the important dates [2] to be aware of:- Final Track Enrollment must be completed by September 15, 2019
- All Tracks (and their courses) must be completed by December 31, 2019
- Final Capstones will be made available for completion from November through December 31, 2019
Can I upgrade my MPP course completion to a Microsoft Role-based Certification?
If you have already earned, or are going to complete a Microsoft Professional Program (MPP) track by December 31, 2019, then congratulations! As you look to continue your certification journey beyond the retirement of the MPP program, then you’ll want to look at the role-based Microsoft certifications. The MPP tracks provide great foundations for the job roles each one is based on. The curriculum for the MPP tracks is different than the required skills and objectives for the role-based Microsoft certifications with similar names. Consequently, the MPP tracks will not fully prepare you to be able to pass role-based Microsoft Certification exams. However, you will already be well on your way to possessing the skills and knowledge necessary to pass those exams. As you look to upgrade and progress your certifications going forward, the role-based Microsoft Certifications are a great option for you. If you have already earned a Microsoft Professional Program certification in Data Science, DevOps, Cybersecurity, or any of the other MPP tracks, then you can take that foundation with you to build on as you progress through your Microsoft certification journey. Here are some examples and suggestions of Microsoft job role-based certifications to pursue after you’ve earned a Microsoft Professional Program (MPP) credential:- Data Science
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
- Artificial Intelligence
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- None currently available
- Cybersecurity
- Big Data
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
- Data Analysis
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
- Entry Level Software Development
- IT Support
- DevOps
Does my achievement still have value if I completed an MPP track before it’s retired?
Absolutely, YES! The credentials earned through the Microsoft Professional Program (MPP) still demonstrate the skills and knowledge hiring managers are looking for in the technology fields covered by the MPP tracks. You earned an MPP certification credential, and you should certainly still promote that on your resume and anywhere else it benefits your career. Just because the MPP program is retiring doesn’t mean the MPP credentials are any less valuable. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.7″]Can I still get college credit for my Microsoft Professional Program achievement?
If you are still looking to earn college credit for an eligible MPP track, then you will need to submit your request for college credit by December 31, 2019. For information on how to apply for college credit, please refer here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exam-policies.aspx#policies-7 [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.7″ custom_margin=”50px|||||”] [1] https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/community-blog-post.aspx?BlogId=8&Id=375246[2] https://academy.microsoft.com/en-us/faq/ [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
