A while back Microsoft developed a line of technology certifications that are geared towards academic institutions providing courses focused on infrastructure, database, and development tracks.  As part of a promotional effort I received an email yesterday from Microsoft and Prometric, providing the opportunity as a Microsoft Certified Trainer to take one of the MTA certification exams at no cost.  Today I completed the contract CISSP training class I was teaching in San Diego around 2:30p.m. and asked the students to take the “final exam,” consisting of 100 practice questions, providing a 90 minute time period for its completion.

The training center also serves as a Prometric testing site, so rather than simply watch while the students completed their final exam, I thought a good use of the time would be to take an MTA exam.  I had the exam proctor schedule the MTA Security Fundamentals 98-367 exam.  The exam consisted of thirty-five (35) questions that took about 30 minutes to complete.  With a passing score of 70, I scored a 97, likely reflecting one missed question.  Based upon the information provided on the MTA certification webpage, I guess I now hold an MTA certification.  You can view my score sheet below.

With a break in teaching, I’m going to get back to focusing on HIT Pro certifications.  Next planned certification activity is taking the Implementation Manager certification.  I’m going to try to get it before the end of the year.

Luck is on my side.  This evening I reviewed my Microsoft transcript with the purpose of seeing if my passing the 70-246 would show.  It was there, but more surprisingly at the top of the list of “Active Microsoft Certifications” was the “Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.”  I thought it was a mistake, but it isn’t (see the graphic below).  On a web page describing the new MCSE certification, the following line explains why I have the certification:

“Until January 31, 2013, you can take Exam 659 in place of 247 to count towards the Private Cloud certification.”

The 70-659 was one of the required exams I took to obtain the MCITP: Virtualization Administration certification. Needless to say, I’m really thrilled at the opportunity to avoid spending the money and taking the 70-247 exam.  So now I can return to working on the HIT Pro Trainer certification.

One final note with regard to this new MCSE.  It looks as though it has a continuing education requirement.  The same web page states:

“This MCSE certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.”

Like the Technical/Software Support exam, it took me slightly over an hour to complete the 125 question Implementation Support Specialist exam.  Once again the principles I lay out in my Intelligent Guessing technique website worked.  With an apparent maximum score of 600, I’m pleased with my 576 (passing score is 500).  Thankfully given my 54% score in the “Terminology in Heal Care and Public Health Settings,” I’m glad most of the focus for this exam is on IT related subjects. Below is the exam scoring sheet and the “suitable for framing” certificate.  I still remain confused as to whether I am now hold a HIT Pro certificate, certification, credential, or ?  Again, perhaps one of you could enlighten me.

Next certification effort will be the Microsoft 70-417 exam that relates specifically to Windows Server 2012.  Passing it will result in me satisfying the MCSA 2012 certification (since I currently hold the MCITP: Virtualization Administration certification). After that I will start working to pass the remaining certification exams necessary to obtain the new MCSE: Private Cloud certification (Exams 70-246 and 70-247).