With the rise of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, Microsoft Certifications are facing new challenges with the exams and its training programs. Moreover, there are restrictions everywhere which also led to the closing of the exam testing centers. As a result, many individuals are in confusion about taking the exams and the latest updates and changes in the certifications exam. In this article, you will get every detail and updates about the Microsoft certifications including the methods for giving the exam.
Firstly, let’s know about the Microsoft Certifications and other upcoming changes in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Microsoft Certifications: Major Updates
Because the coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading quickly worldwide, Microsoft is really focused on keeping its employees, customers, and partners safe and healthy. Governments around the world are taking this seriously, too. So, Microsoft is making changes to how they work with their partners to make sure everyone can still learn and get certified in Microsoft technologies. But before we go into detail, let’s first understand what Microsoft certifications are.
Microsoft Certification Exams : By Technology
Microsoft Azure Exams
Data Exams
Microsoft 365 Exams
Modern Desktop Exams
Windows Server 2016 Exams
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Exams
However, the important change that Microsoft made due to the Coronavirus pandemic was to change the retirement date. That is to say, Microsoft has delayed its certification retirement of Microsoft role-based certification portfolio, all remaining MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications, and associated exams that were June 30, 2020, to January 31, 2021, due to COVID-19.
Below you will get the list of certifications that were scheduled to be retired on June 30, 2020 but now these will retire on January 31, 2021.
Below, there is list of certifications that were retiring on June 30, 2020 but, now they will retire on January 31, 2020.
Now, we will see the list of other certifications that will retire on August 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020.
Azure Certifications Changes 2020
Microsoft is going to have major updates to Azure and Data & AI exams in 2020. As a result, they started regular portfolio reviews that will help to ensure that certifications remain technically relevant. Moreover, these reviews help to make sure that certifications continue to examine the abilities required for today’s cloud-based job roles. Below you can see the changes that will be there:
Important Updates by Microsoft against COVID-19
As the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Microsoft has several updates made with keeping the health, safety, and well-being of employees, customers, and partners the top priorities. Moreover, these changes will ensure that Microsoft technologies will work the same as before by helping individuals to learn and get certified.
Closing of Testing centers
Due to COVID-19, Pearson VUE( exam delivery partner) has temporarily closed its testing centers globally in response to the government regulations. But, they have provided an alternative to take the exam with online proctoring. This allows you to take certification exams at your own home or office.
Online Proctored Exams
Online proctored is the option of taking Microsoft certification exams online and from home. Using this you can take Microsoft certification exams online from any location. Most importantly, this is the perfect option for taking Microsoft certification exams during the time of self quarantining and social distancing.
Waiving Rescheduling and Cancellation fees
Microsoft, along with Pearson VUE, is making some temporary changes. You won’t have to pay a fee if you need to change or cancel your exam. You can do this up to 24 hours before your scheduled time, instead of the usual six-day notice period.
Extended Retirement Date of MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications and related exams
As many individuals are working toward completing MCSA, MCSD, or MCSE certifications. So, Microsoft is giving you more time to finish these particular certifications. They’re extending the deadline to January 31, 2021, so you have more time to take the exams and get certified.
Expiring role-based certifications extended
If you have a role-based certification that’s going to expire between now and December 31, 2020, it will automatically get extended by six months. You don’t have to do anything for this extension; it will happen automatically.
Expiration dates of Exam voucher and discount offer extended
If you have a Pearson VUE certification exam voucher or discount offer that was going to expire between March 26 and August 31, 2020, it will now stay valid until January 31, 2021.
Virtual training
Microsoft and Microsoft Learning Partners are now moving instructor-led training to virtual instructor-led training. Moreover, Microsoft Learning Partners provide in-depth, technical training solutions to meet companies and individuals. Moreover, the learning objectives content are created by Microsoft and delivered by Microsoft Certified Trainers.
Just study well for the exams you are preparing. As, getting certified is the best way to spend the extra time at home. Stay safe!
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