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The new certification level Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), discussed in a previous post, is the new entry level in Microsoft certifications.

è composto da una serie di percorsi formativi che convalidano conoscenze tecnologiche e competenze fondamentali per studenti, professionisti e più in genere tutti coloro che siano interessati a possedere capacità nel campo dell’IT sempre attuali e competitive.

MTA offers fundamental tracks for Microsoft Server, Desktop, Database and Developer certifications. It may help (but it’s not mandatory) as a preparation for new entrants in MCSA or MCSD:

Microsoft-Cert-Paths

Visit the Study Groups for MTA Exam Objectives, Student Study Guides and more.

I’ve got an opportunity to have a free voucher, so, some months ago (Jan, 31 2013), I’ve tried an exam: Exam 98-365: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals

I’ve found the exam really simple and easy. Questions are quite basic, although most are Microsoft technologies oriented, and I’ve passed with an high score. Questions are quite short and simple to understand, so in 30 minutes you can easy finish and complete the exam.

I’ve made the big mistake to choose my native language (because was available): really not a good idea. Also technical terms where translated and in some cases was difficult understand the question (I had to translate in English to guess the question). So don’t trust so much in a good translation and use the English version.

About the type of exam and certification I think that it perfect fits in its objective: be the first step (or the lower entry level) in the Microsoft Certification Paths. But considering that it’s not mandatory (yet) and that it costs I thinks that it could be limited in few cases, and most people may try to go straight to the next level.

The cost, of course, is lower compared to the “MCP” exams, but it’s not so small. So why not include the voucher in each related MOC or in some Clinic courses?

Also it’s quite polarized on Microsoft technology (and of course my exam was, considering the title of the exam)… But why not try to make something more general and maybe found some exchange and “compatibility” matrix with other independent certifications (like for example CompTIA certification)?

And finally, why don’t push more on the MVA (Microsoft Virtual Academy) and don’t use it as a first “certification” level, instead of the MTA? Of course MTA is a formal certification, but I don’t thing that for an entry level certification the formal certification could really have more value than a (well designed) self-placed certification.

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Virtualization, Cloud and Storage Architect. Tech Field delegate. VMUG IT Co-Founder and board member. VMware VMTN Moderator and vExpert 2010-24. Dell TechCenter Rockstar 2014-15. Microsoft MVP 2014-16. Veeam Vanguard 2015-23. Nutanix NTC 2014-20. Several certifications including: VCDX-DCV, VCP-DCV/DT/Cloud, VCAP-DCA/DCD/CIA/CID/DTA/DTD, MCSA, MCSE, MCITP, CCA, NPP.