OK, so I finally have something new to add to the ongoing discussion about the Vista beta retakes. First of all, I am sorry it has taken us—that is the Microsoft Learning certification team—so long to work out how to make it right (or at least a little more right) for those of you who invested your time and effort into studying for and taking the 621 and 622 Vista betas. This has not been my favorite thing, to leave you all hanging.
Sometime tonight, everyone who took 621 or 622 should get an e-mail with information about the beta re-take. You can see below for the full, official contents, or you can read my shorter interpretation, as follows:
That is the update.
I know many of you are very frustrated with this situation and our communication (or lack-thereof) about it. I’m sorry. We have been trying to confirm what we can do and HOW to do it, and I did not want to make any promises that we could not keep or go out to everyone without a full story. This doesn’t excuse that many of you just stumbled across this blog to get the news of your delayed result rather than getting official word from MSFT; that is unacceptable.
As I said before, I’ve read all of your comments. In fact, LOTS of people have read all of your comments. I’m glad that there is a way we can communicate outside of Microsoft’s normal business-speak channels. And I’m glad to get your feedback so fast, and so directly—your thoughtful comments on both sides of the issue led to lots of hallway debate in building 18. I also noted how many of you were able to express your viewpoint, and frustration, in a respectful way. I really appreciate that. I'm glad to have this job.
OK. So, what did I forget? Let me know... while you're thinking, here is the official, all the details-version of the news above:
You recently participated in a beta for Windows Vista exams 71-621: Upgrading Your Microsoft Certified Desktop Support (MCDST) Certification to a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Support Technician and/or 71-622: PRO: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Microsoft Windows Vista Client for Enterprise Support Technicians. As you may know, we have had to make the decision to re-engineer these exams. As a result there will be a second beta for 71-621 and 71-622.
Why are we re-engineering the exams?
In the interest of producing a technically accurate exam and a consistent, meaningful credential, we made the difficult decision to re-engineer exams 70-621, 70-622, and 70-623 to include coverage of several topics that were errantly left out of the original exam Objective Domain (OD). As a result, we must re-run the betas and delay the release dates for these much anticipated exams.
We regret this inconvenience; we know many of you invested time and energy into preparing and have been looking forward to your results.
What this means to your score on 71-621 and/or 71-622.
Your first beta exams will be scored based on the results of the second beta (i.e. the final scoring model will be based on the re-engineered exams) and will be available in late May 2007. Because results from the first beta are dependent on the outcomes of the second, you will not have your results before the second beta takes place. You are not obligated to re-take the beta, but choosing to do so may increase your chances of a passing result on the final scoring model, which will include additional components.
If you were registered for 71-623, you will receive an exclusive invitation to re-register on approximately March 15.
How to participate in the second beta.
All candidates will receive an invitation to re-take the beta(s) via e-mail from Microsoft, with an exclusive 72 hour window to register before the invitation is distributed more broadly. If you choose to retake the beta, please register immediately upon receiving your invitation. Here is when to expect your invitation.
Exam
Beta Invite
Beta Start
Live Date
621
March 22
March 29
May 17
622
March 9
March 16
May 10
Please accept our apologies for this inconvenience.
However you choose to proceed, we would like to offer you an exam voucher for use on any of the related Vista exams (70-620, 70-621, 70-622, 70-623, or 70-624) in recognition of your valuable time and contribution to Microsoft Certification. Microsoft Learning respects your time and sincerely appreciates your participation in our exam development process; we regret any inconvenience to our customers due to our mistake. Instructions on how to claim your free exam voucher will be sent to you in your beta re-take invitation(s); see table above for dates.
Once again, we appreciate your participation in the beta process and hope you will continue to partner with us in creating excellent Microsoft Certification exams. If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Service Center.