Lync Becomes Skype For Business, and So Do MCSE Exams

If you follow Microsoft communication solutions, you probably know that Microsoft is rebranding Lync and makes it Skype for Business. This also means changes to Microsoft Lync certification exams as they will be replaced with Skype for Business exams.

While it’s not yet clear when the new Skype for Business exams will be available, the Lync exams will be retired on July 31, 2015. So, if you wanted to take one of the following exams, you should hurry up:

• 74-322: Microsoft Lync Server 2010—Advanced Design and Deployment
• 74-335: Lync Network Readiness Assessment
• 70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013
• 70-337: Enterprise Voice Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013
• 74-338: Lync 2013 Depth Support Engineer

Although Microsoft does not announce a confirmed date on which the new Skype exams will be available, but they’re expected to be introduced before the Lync exams are pulled out.

Just like the Lync exams, the new Skype for Business exams will count toward MCSE: Communication. So, as new Skype exams can be introduced any week now, it’s time to start looking into possible scenarios and analyze all the information available.

Skype for Business vs. Lync

According to Microsoft, Skype for Business builds on Lync’s features and functionality. The Lync exams provide you with a solid foundation for your Skype for Business implementation. Here’s some great free coverage of what’s new in Skype for Business.

What Else Is There To Know?

If you have already earned your MCSE: Communication through Lync exams, you do not need to upgrade. Your certification will remain current until it’s time to recertify.
Holders of the MCSE: Communication credential must recertify every three years. Recertification is a great way to ensure that you stay current in the latest technology, such as Skype for Business. Microsoft is expected to introduce a few recertification options for MCSE: Communication this summer.

So stay tuned as Microsoft rolls out further changes turning Lync into Skype for Business. Here at ExamCollection, we can’t wait for the new certification exams to be released!

• Category: microsoft
• Tags: exam, exams, it certification, it certification exam, it certification exams, it certifications, lync, mcse, mcse communication, microsoft, skype for business, solutions