Editor's Desk
The Next 10 Years
Just what does the ol' crystal ball say about the next decade?
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 05/01/2002
The MCP program officially turns 10 this year. In our special coverage
of the anniversary Managing Editor Kristen McCarthy reports on some of
the folks who were there in the beginning; James Carrion gives his 10-year
take in the online column, “
Drill Down”; and Em C. Pea
recalls her start
as a certified superstar.
Because everybody else is looking back, I’m going to look forward—and
tell you what I think the certification program will be like in another
decade. If I’m wrong, the next round’s on me.
First, I expect that “Trustworthy Computing” will transform into trustworthy
testing. You’ll be able to tackle that next exam from the computer of
your choice. It’ll have to involve some way of locking out all other computing
activities during the testing, but the VUEs and Prometrics of the world
will figure that one out.
Expect more simulations—including holographic-like images on a separate
monitor to exhibit the network you’re supposed to design or troubleshoot;
if the network boots up properly and securely, you pass. If you’re a developer,
you’ll have to glue components together on the spot; if the service runs,
you pass.
Next, Microsoft will come up with team tests—akin to relay races. Why
should certifications be focused on the individual? Why not let an alliance
of people test as a group to show it knows how to work together on projects?
This would be a boon for Microsoft partners that want to show their companies
can take on all aspects of a complex project.
Microsoft will also finally figure out how to add an experience component
to its credentials as part of a master program. You’ll need to provide
references or prove you’ve managed a team or put in so many years on the
job. And it’ll cost you big bucks to get this extra part to your title,
because it’ll be so labor-intensive for Microsoft.
As an aspect of its IT Academy, the company will eventually offer a robust
apprenticeship program. You won’t get paid much for the first year or
two (and that’s why organizations will buy into the concept—to save money),
but that’s not the point. The point is to gain experience on the job.
Companies hiring MCPs will be able to tap a Web service offered by Microsoft
to filter out all those applicants who don’t really possess the credentials
they claim. The system will sift through the electronic resumes received
by the hiring firm, compare scanned MCP ID numbers to the master MCP database,
and report back on those candidates who should legitimately be considered.
E-training will go beyond the ubiquitous chats and threaded discussions
and let you see the instructor and ask questions through real-time video.
You won’t have to travel to get to the classroom, but you’ll still be
able to tap the class’ equipment from your desktop.
What am I leaving out? And will we all still be around when I
need to buy that next round? Tell me at dian.schaffhauser@mcpmag.com.
About the Author
Dian L. Schaffhauser is a freelance writer based in Northern California.