Microsoft is Retiring MCSA and Few Other Certification Courses-Is it the End?

Microsoft is retiring its most popular professional certification Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification on January 31, 2021, and it doesn’t mean it is really the end. 

Moving towards all role-based certifications, Microsoft has announced that they are officially retiring the MCSA certifications as well as few other certifications. 

Microsoft has shifted its focus to role-based training and certifications in September 2018. They have successfully added 34 different certifications across Azure, Modern Workplace, and Business Applications. Also, Microsoft will retire Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications on June 30, 2020.

However, MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications can still be achieved until January 31, 2021. Existing certifications that are retired on June 30, 2020, will remain active for two years after the retirement date before they are moved to the inactive section. So, if you wish to earn an MCSA certificate, start your journey soon with us before it gets retired.

Why Microsoft Retired the MCSA?

As we know Microsoft certifications like MCSA, MCSD and MCSE validated whether IT professionals are aware of a Microsoft product. Today, Role-based certifications are to be introduced replacing retiring courses to align with skills and product knowledge of professionals. Role-based certifications are driven by Microsoft to fill the cloud skills gap of IT Professionals.

Organizations require consistency across development environments and technology stacks. Knowledge and skills based on the cloud environment are more significant than product knowledge. Thus, these certifications prepare IT professionals for real-world situations. Most IT professionals acknowledge a gap exists, and the upcoming role-based courses aim to bridge the width of that gap. Check to know more about Microsoft's decision on MCSA and other Certification programs. 

Grab your Certificate Soon!

If you are currently studying for one of these exams, you can earn your desired certification before January 31, 2021. After that, you cannot attend any of these exams.

Have you still not earned your certificate? Get trained and grab your certificate soon for your job requirement, or future marketability. Remember, none of these qualities will change because of a certificate’s impending retirement.

Microsoft’s decision to retire MCSA doesn’t mean you aren’t skilled for a job role in an organization. But companies in future will require IT professionals to earn the new role-based certifications right away to validate their knowledge on the product as well as their skills. Why wait? Earn your certificate as soon as possible. Join MCSA courses to get certified before it gets retired.

Getting certified always shows your dedication and knowledge. Knowledge doesn’t have an expiration date, only the certification has and so, you earn yours before time flies. However, do not forget to keep checking out on the certifications to be retired soon.

MCSA retiring exams 

Here is the list of MCSA exams that will be retired in 2020:

What if you recently earned an MCSA?

While Microsoft retired its MCSA certification, you can avail of transition exams. These transition exams are designed to upgrade to new role-based certifications to help current MCSA certification holders.

Clearly, Microsoft intends to keep being currently significant and relevant. Microsoft’s retired certification moves to the “Legacy” section a year after its retirement. However, MCSA certification will remain active for 2 years. Do not worry if your certification is being retired, there’s a good chance for a transition exam. Existing certifications that are retired on June 30, 2020, will remain on the customer's certification transcript for two years. 

Let's Sum Up

Microsoft’s decision to retire MCSA might shock some of you. But it is all about the concerns on the availability of relevant IT skills of professionals for cloud implementations. The step towards role-based training and certification will bridge the gap with professionals. So, Grab your certifications soon!