Microsoft Moves Retimerement of Lync Exams!

Remember that announcement about retirement of Lync 2013 exams?  Yet, Microsoft has recently announced they are moving the retirement date of Lync exams (335, 336, 337, and 338) to November 30, 2015 (instead of July 31, 2015). That’s right: you get a few extra months to take the old version of the exams for MCSE Communication. But should you rush into it now or is it better to wait and take the new Skype for Business exams? They will count toward MCSE: Communication certification like Lync exams 336 and 337 currently do.

There isn’t much info about these exams available at the moment, but take a look at the FAQs below to see what we know so far.

FAQ

Should I take my MCSE Communication exams now or wait until the Skype for Business exams are available?
You don’t have to wait since 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. See what’s new in Skype for Business.

I have completed both Lync exams and want to move to Skype for Business. Will I have to upgrade?
No. Once you’ve earned your MCSE: Communication certification you cannot re-earn it. You can, however, keep it current through recertification. If you’re not ready to recertify but want to gain some Skype for Business skills, check out this training video.

What will be the recertification process?
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. We’ll be providing more information about recertification options for MCSE: Communication this summer.

I’m a partner with the Microsoft Partner Network. I have the Communications Competency and just took the Lync exams to qualify. Do I still qualify?
Retirement of an exam from Microsoft learning does not retire it as a qualifying exam for a Competency. Lync Exams for the Communications Competency will still qualify for a period of time. Always check the Microsoft Partner Network competency requirements. You can view the current Communications Competency requirements here.

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• Tags: exam, exams, lync, lync 2013, microsoft, recertification exams, retired exams, retiring exams