Microsoft is due to scrap the Windows NT4 test and IT professionals are now required to sit the Windows 2000 test before 31 December in order to retain their MCSE qualification. However it may be viewed as an unrealistic deadline to be set. “It took over four years to get 18,000 NT MCSEs. It’s a very high expectation to expect the whole population to migrate to Windows 2000 by the end of the year.” said Jon Shepstone business manager for Windows from QA Training.

So how much will this change cost an MCSE holder?
Shepstone states “with each exam costing £65, that’s £450. The average person needs three goes to pass an exam, so it can mount to over £1350”. In addition to this cost training can cost £5,000 to £7,000.

Allan Bellinger, Sales and Marketing director for Wave Technologies argues that IT companies will not urge employees to re-certify their qualification. “If you certify staff, they want more money or they leave”. However senior network consultant for Path IT views this as a dangerous path to take. “Being decertified means no access to the support tools and forums that Microsoft offer. It will take a while to sink in, but NT4 certification will be worthless. It is three years out of date and companies need to move forward and expand their horizons.”

Trainers who complete their MCSE Windows 2000 test before December 13th 2001, will gain 15 continuation credits towards their MCT certification.