April 22, 2011 at 12:50 pm
In case anyone missed it, Microsoft will now be adding expiration dates (or "inactive dates" as they call it) to all certificates and transcripts. Rather than let employers look at your list of certifications and decide, "Well we don't use SQL Server 2000 anymore, but it's nice to know this guy earned those certs." Microsoft is now going to highlight and separate your certifications by their classification of "supported technology" on your transcript as well as print the expiration date right on the wall certificate.
http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/btl/b/weblog/archive/2011/03/21/transcript-and-certificate-changes-
coming-soon.aspx
I think it's total BS and just another nail in the coffin of what used to be a decent certification program.
April 26, 2011 at 1:44 pm
that sucks.. I hope it's not backward-compatible 🙂
I don't want an expiry date on my Certificate
Also, Microsoft will increase the Certification price also
e.g. in Canada, it'll be $125 -> $150 now
April 27, 2011 at 12:09 am
At least its still cheaper than Canada
In Australia, it'll be $180 -> $206 from 1 Jul 2011. Dont really mind the price increase as its still considered cheap, but the expiration of cert suck.
Our company still has few SQL 2000 instances we couldnt get rid of and we're paying big bucks for extended support.
Simon Liew
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
April 27, 2011 at 10:06 am
Simon-413722 (4/27/2011)
At least its still cheaper than CanadaIn Australia, it'll be $180 -> $206 from 1 Jul 2011. Dont really mind the price increase as its still considered cheap, but the expiration of cert suck.
Our company still has few SQL 2000 instances we couldnt get rid of and we're paying big bucks for extended support.
I also got the email about price increase I have one exam voucher I have not used so I have to check about vouchers and the price increase. I hated the voucher process so I was hoping not to use it again, the new increase means I have to go through the schedule restricting voucher process. We are still in 2005 both production and UAT and not sure when we will go to 2008 R2 but I run 2008 R2 developer and 2005 in my box.
Kind regards,
Gift Peddie
April 27, 2011 at 5:23 pm
The last time I read the terms and conditions when buying exam packs, there were expiry with an exam voucher as well. The exam pack i was looking at needs to be use before 1-Jul-11. Worth checking..
Simon Liew
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
April 27, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Simon-413722 (4/27/2011)
The last time I read the terms and conditions when buying exam packs, there were expiry with an exam voucher as well. The exam pack i was looking at needs to be use before 1-Jul-11. Worth checking..
Thanks I just rechecked and found the voucher will expire June 30, 2011 which was not there when I bought the voucher so I am going to check if FTC rules are violated with my voucher. I will not give Microsoft $500.00 to hold so I can save only $25 per exam if I was told the voucher was good for only six months. I spend money based on value, the restrictions attached to the voucher makes taking more than one exam a day impossible so there was no way I would have paid for five exams voucher that is only good for six months.
These changes will cost more money than it will generate because people with other things to do will check back with Oracle about the state of Sun Java Certified program. I am not amused.
I was very apprehensive when I paid for the voucher thanks for confirming my suspicions buying money saving bundles from your program is a risk not worth the money. I still have the email from Prometric which did not include six months expiration notice.
If you received an Exam Pack voucher code before January 1, 2011, you have until June 30, 2011 to schedule and take all your exams (including free retakes). No refunds will be provided for expired vouchers.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/career/en/us/career-offer.aspx
Kind regards,
Gift Peddie
May 13, 2011 at 8:01 am
Update Microsoft have just given me about $278 of Transcender exam Vouchers which the cost for two MCPD 4.0 exams through the partner program because I work for a partner. So I am very happy with the results of my complain, I get help to prepare for the WCF exam an area I am not interested but is required for MCPD 4.0.
Lessons learned buy Microsoft exam vouchers when you are ready to use it within 90 days. If you work for a Microsoft Partner contact the program about exam vouchers for Web competency if you do .NET development. If you have problem getting your own voucher please send me a PM and I could put you in contact with the person in charge of the vouchers.
🙂
Kind regards,
Gift Peddie
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