Sneak peek at Windows 7 exam development
Now that I've got your attention, let me just admit that I still can't tell you when any of the Windows 7 exams will be released. We shall announce no exam release dates before their time, and all that. But I can tell you a little about our plans, and a little about our progress so far. Here are the exams we currently have on the development schedule:
- 70-680, TS: Windows 7, Configuring—in development
- 70-685, MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician—in development
- 70-686, MCITP: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator—dev scheduled to start next week
Many of you will notice that Desktop Administrator is an entirely new role. We're excited to add this role to our exam portfolio and believe that it reflects what's going on in the real world. For those of you who are not already familiar with the term, Desktop Administrators (DAs) are IT Professionals who are responsible for provisioning desktop PCs and deploying service packs and updates to these PCs. They are also responsible for setting the strategic direction for the desktop operating system and applications. DAs work with other lines of businesses in their company and are responsible for addressing high-end desktop infrastructure needs. DAs are Tier 3 level support and mostly handle escalations related to system and large site issues.
Techiebird's comment about the need for an advanced desktop cert is what motivated me to write this post. [Surprise, we're listening!] My question is, are you listening? We're looking for a few people who are experienced Desktop Administrators to help us with developing the DA exam. If you (1) are already doing the job described in the previous paragraph, and (2) have experience with Windows 7, and (3) would like to volunteer for a 20-minute exercise that will help shape the DA exam, send me an e-mail.
Pete Jones had a question about whether the new Windows 7 TS exam would replace the Windows Vista TS exam for the MCITP Enterprise Administrator requirements. The short answer is, No. The Windows 7 TS exam will become an additional option to fulfill the desktop requirement for the MCITP Enterprise Administrator.
Keep those great questions coming, folks!
