- Topics Mentioned
- Software:
- Microsoft System Center
Today’s enterprise computing environments are more complex than their predecessors. Internet connectivity, smartphones and the mobile workforce make managing these corporate networks a challenge for even the most seasoned IT professional.
In response, a new crop of software solutions have been developed to help simplify systems management. Microsoft’s solution center is one such application. It consolidates physical and virtual management of data centers, client/server and other devices under one umbrella.
The result is a solution that not only helps save time, but improves productivity. And increased productivity ultimately means reduced costs.
In order to demonstrate expertise in this space, Microsoft has developed the Microsoft System Center Certification.
This article, the first in a series about the Microsoft System Center certifications, will provide an overview of the four System Center certification exams.
Microsoft’s Certification Series
I can remember when the MCSE and MCP were the sole certifications in Microsoft’s arsenal. However, as new technologies have been introduced, those programs have been joined by others and grouped together based on job roles. The specialist series are for newer IT pros, while the professional and master series are for the more experienced.
System Center Technologies
Microsoft System Center certifications exist under the The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) series of specialist certifications. These focus on assessing skills and knowledge of a Microsoft product or technology.
There are four key System Center technologies:
- Configuration Manager
- Operations Manager
- Virtual Machine Manager
- Data Protection Manager
Microsoft System Center Certification Exams
Let’s take a closer look at each of the individual Microsoft System Center certification exams.
System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) Exam 70-401
If you’ve ever used SMS (System Management Server) to manage your systems, you’ll appreciate SSCM’s ability to greatly simply controlling your IT systems. Using a customizable dashboard, you can assess, deploy, configure, and update your servers, clients, and devices—across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments.
Exam 70-401: TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring measures configuring and using System Center Configuration Manager 2007 to deploy and manage software and perform asset management.
Passing this exam will earn this certification: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuration. You will also earn credit toward these certifications:
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003
System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) Exam 70-400
SCOM is the systems monitoring arm of Systems Center. Here you’ll be able to monitor your systems and build reports that provide detail on things like security and infrastructure changes.
Exam 70-400: TS: Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring, measures your ability to configure the software, management packs and client services and monitoring.
Passing this exam will earn this certification: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuration. You will also earn credit toward these certifications:
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003
System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) Exam 70-403
SCVMM is designed to manage virtual environments. It is a multi-vendor management solution that enables centralized administration of physical and virtual assets. It can help you increase server utilization, and provide dynamic resource optimization of virtual IT infrastructure.
Exam 70-403: TS: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring measures your ability to deploy and administer SCVMM, in addition to maintaining and deploying virtual machines.
Passing this exam will earn this certification: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuration.
System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM) Exam 70-658
SCDPM enables reliable and rapid backup, recovery, and continuous data protection for SharePoint technologies, Exchange Server, SQL Server, Virtual Machines, and file shares.
Exam 70-658: TS: System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuring, measures your ability to install DPM, manage media and workloads, and processes like server recovery.
Passing this exam will earn this certification: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: System Center Data Protection Manager, Configuration.
System Center Testing
All test are done through Prometric.
Testing labs are small, with not more than 16 workstations. Questions are multiple choice and performance based. You will receive your score immediately after finishing the exam.
Microsoft is currently running a special exam retake offer — if you don’t pass the first time, you can retake the test for free, but both must be done before June 30, 2010.
Recertification
According to Microsoft’s website, MCTS, MCITP, or MCPD certifications will only expire when Microsoft discontinues support for the associated tool or technology.
If past trends are any indication, support ends about 7 to 10 years after initial product release. So if you certified this year, you might expect to have to recertify, on the replacement technology in a minimum of 7 years.
Next in The Series
Think you might be interested in pursuing one of the System Center certifications? Want more information?
This was just a brief introduction, so be sure to join me for the next and future articles in this series as we take an in depth look at each certification exam.
Next up: the System Center Configuration Manager Certification.
Discussion
3 comments and trackbacks for “Microsoft Systems Center Certification Overview”Comments
Trackbacks
Post a comment