Category Archives: Microsoft
Microsoft Exams are Now Available at Pearson VUE
The relationship between Microsoft and Pearson VUE marked a significant moment in the history of technology certification delivery. When Microsoft made the decision to offer its full catalog of certification examinations through Pearson VUE testing centers, it represented a meaningful shift in how candidates could access, schedule, and complete Microsoft credential assessments. For the millions… Read More »
MCSA Office 365: Another Path to MCSE Communication, Messaging or SharePoint
Editorial update — October 2026: MCSA: Office 365 and the former MCSE Communication, Messaging and SharePoint tracks are historical certification pathways. They cannot now be followed as described: Microsoft retired the remaining MCSA/MCSE exams on January 31, 2021. The former exam map helps explain the evolution of Microsoft cloud-administration roles; candidates choosing a new exam… Read More »
Just in: MCSE and MCSD Recertification News
Editorial update — October 2026: This article concerns a historical MCSE/MCSD recertification announcement, not renewal rules that apply in October 2026. Microsoft retired the remaining exams for these credentials on January 31, 2021 and shifted its certification portfolio to role-based paths. Someone already holding a legacy credential can still review its transcript history; current renewal… Read More »
Microsoft Tech Ed North America has long been one of the most anticipated events in the enterprise technology calendar, bringing together developers, system administrators, IT professionals, and technology decision-makers for days of intensive learning, product demonstrations, and community engagement. The 2014 edition of this event delivered an exceptional range of educational content, and among the… Read More »
70-496, 70-497, 70-498 Exam Updates Coming
Microsoft’s decision to update the 70-496, 70-497, and 70-498 examinations came from a combination of factors that made refreshing the content both necessary and timely. The Visual Studio and Team Foundation Server ecosystem had evolved considerably since these exams were originally developed, with new features, updated workflows, and revised best practices emerging through successive product… Read More »
Don’t Miss 40% OFF Promo At Microsoft Press!
Editorial update — October 2026: This 2014 Microsoft Press 40% discount announcement is an archive of a time-limited book promotion, not a current checkout code. Microsoft Press titles and availability change with each product generation. Use the explanation of how to assess study resources, but check the retailer’s present pricing and edition before purchasing training… Read More »
SQL Server 2014 Upgrade Exams… Upgraded!
Historical certification context — October 2026: This article discusses the SQL Server 2012/2014 certification and upgrade pathway as it existed at the time. Microsoft retired the MCSA SQL Server 2012/2014 credential and its associated exams on January 31, 2021. References below to available upgrade tests, registrations or immediate exam preparation are historical, not current opportunities.… Read More »
FREE Training Opportunity With MS Live 3 Day Event: Building Apps for Windows Phone 8.1
Microsoft has historically been generous in making developer training resources available to the broader technical community, and one of the more compelling examples of this generosity came in the form of a free three-day live training event focused on building applications for Windows Phone 8.1. This event represented a significant opportunity for developers who wanted… Read More »
It’s Official: Microsoft Retires Dozens of Exams. We’ve Got The List.
Microsoft’s decision to retire dozens of examinations from its certification portfolio was not a spontaneous or arbitrary action but the result of careful analysis of technology adoption trends, product lifecycle timelines, and the evolving needs of the IT professional community. As Microsoft’s product portfolio shifted dramatically toward cloud-based services and subscription models, the relevance of… Read More »
FREE Training All Over The Web. Part 1: Microsoft Press eBooks
The pursuit of professional development in the technology industry has never been more accessible than it is today, and one of the most significant contributors to that accessibility is the availability of high-quality free training resources scattered across the internet. For IT professionals, developers, system administrators, and anyone else working within the Microsoft technology ecosystem,… Read More »
Microsoft MCSD Updates: 70-486 and 70-487
Editorial update — October 2026: The MCSD web-application and data-service exams 70-486 and 70-487 belong to Microsoft’s retired legacy developer certification program. The final MCSA/MCSD/MCSE examinations were withdrawn on January 31, 2021. This comparison therefore documents the skills those exams used to test; developers seeking a current Microsoft credential should select an active developer, Azure… Read More »
Microsoft 70-410 Exam: Windows Server 2012 R2 Updates
Editorial update — October 2026: Microsoft 70-410 (Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012) was part of the retired MCSA: Windows Server 2012 pathway. Its R2 features remain useful for supporting an older Windows Server estate, but the exam is no longer a registration option. This article documents the historical objectives; for a new credential, verify… Read More »
Many people who are comfortable with Microsoft Office tools often wonder whether their existing skills are enough or whether a formal certification would add meaningful value to their careers. If you can type quickly and put together a visually appealing PowerPoint presentation, you already have a head start compared to someone who has never opened… Read More »
Microsoft Gives 20% Off Some Exams!
Editorial update — October 2026: The 20% Microsoft exam discount covered in this 2014 article is historical and should not be used as a current price or voucher claim. Candidates should verify live exam pricing and any newly issued discount directly with Microsoft’s authorized booking flow. The article’s advice about choosing a role-relevant credential still… Read More »
Holiday Freebie from Microsoft: Earn Your MCS Server Virtualization Cert For FREE
Editorial update — October 2026: The no-cost Server Virtualization certification offer described below was a 2013 holiday promotion. It is no longer a way to register for an exam or earn an MCSA/MCSE credential. Keep the virtualization lab ideas as technical history, but do not rely on the original voucher terms, exam numbers or deadlines.… Read More »
