"So, a booth babe and a geek walk in to a bar..."

In addition to Bill Wall and George from MCP, we had Per Farny on the line in this morning's MCP program update. Per talked a little about the Ranger program. If you're interested in the advanced certifications from Microsoft, call in and hear what Per...

The SQL certs live meeting moved from November something to December 12. 2007. I think Alice already pointed this out in a comment on here somewhere. That's our Alice! On top of things. If you already registered, there is NO ACTION REQUIRED. The reg system...

We intend to transcribe our Live Meetings and post the PowerPoint slides and talking points for MCPs to download. So far, you can get the Windows Server 2008 cert preview deck and the Vista/Exchange cert deck. These are only available on the MCP site...

It is Halloween here. At Microsoft it is kind of a big deal, campus pretty much shuts down and people bring their kids, and their kids bring people, and thousands go trick-or-treating through the hallways, bangin' out adorable pleas for candy in little...

Starting to find more and more MCPs in the Membership Directory , which is nice. Like Pedro in Colombia . Prompt as, that guy.

If you got an e-mail (or a few) from Lutz Ziob, our Microsoft Learning General Manager, about your welcome kit (or kits), that was from us, yes. Our fulfillment vendor sent it, that is why it did not come from someone@microsoft.com . In related news,...

70-648 and 70-649 are now live; commence 2008 upgrade frenzypalooza. I just tested it on the Prometric site and was able to nearly, just almost, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink register, so I feel confident telling you those exams are now live in English...

I think these posts on the actual process of applying for and sitting your panel review for Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) are interesting. There is good reason that the MCA has such a great reputation--it is a pretty thorough process... Richard...

Here is the afternoon recording: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/eventsnew/view?id=msft102407lm_pm&pw=AET8H4&cn= In addition to our presentation, you will hear a young child clamouring and a fire alarm blaring. Hopefully you will not hear me laughing...

You may have noticed that people post to the certification newsgroups asking where to find "braindumps," word exam cheat sheets, etc. This could be because they don't know better, or use the term differently*, or they might really be looking for a shortcut...

There has been a name change to one of the MCTS certifications in development for Windows Server 2008. Wanted to let you know so you don't start seeing another name floating around and freak out. The change is: MCTS: Applications Platform , Configuring...

Don't forget the Live Meeting on Wednesday , if you are interested in System Center.

I am in San Diego, California, where people are going nuts, having learned that our listing of certified professionals now includes Microsoft Certified Trainers. Even the surfers, waiting for a wave next to the pier outside my window, are pumping their...

...Gerry O'Brien , our new product planner for developer exams. He's not new to Microsoft Learning, and I've referenced his blog many a time about certification or his community activities. But this just in, he is taking over Howard's role and I'm particularly...

Hi, remember we were talking about 2nd shot for academic customers? Here is the link. The academic program is U.S. only. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/2ndshot/default.mspx

We are always working on ways to improve our exams, as you know. We are doing a pilot of a very cool new development in testing called emulations, another type of performance-based testing along with simulations (a little more about PBT here ). Instead...

Good news. I just saw a mail that your welcome kits (for those of you who have been waiting) have shipped. DO NOT CHECK YOUR MAILBOX, because they still need to go through their four to six weeks of shipping time. I repeat, DO NOT CHECK YOUR MAILBOX yet...

For all y'all clamouring for info on SQL Server 2008... sign up for this Live Meeting and we'll give you all the info we have--and you can ask all the questions you want. MCP Live Meeting: SQL Server 2008 and Your Microsoft Certifications Join the Microsoft...

Hello, this just in. new things in MCP benefits are now available online. Great! In addition to the Community Profiles I talked about already , MCPs now have access to the partner-level Knowledge Base . If you don't know what that means, it is a password...

If you are thinking to yourself, wow, these mini-case studies for Windows Server are really boring my head off, already , consider that: a. Someone else might find them helpful. For example, Mak. b. At least you are not in the juror's waiting room at...

Sam asked: "I have been slacking off for taking my MCSE exams. now that there is a server 2008 coming out its making me wonder if I should wait and get the 2008 certification where I could save money and time rather than doing 2003 and then and upgrade...

Kevin asked: "How long do I have to get my MCSE before it gets replaced with the new certification?" Short answer: Hi, Kevin. You have years, yet, to finish your MCSA or MCSE on Windows Server 2003. You have until March 2008 to finish your MCSA or MCSE...

If you are a Microsoft Certified professional, there are some things you might like to know. We have heard from you, over time, that the main reason you get certified is for career and skills development, so we look for ways the MCP program can help you...

Wayne has written up some impressions, tips, and related resources for these exams; I'm sharing them here in case any of these are on your list and migth be helpful, if you'd like to check them out. Thanks Wayne. 70-620 : Vista "...Anyone who has spent...

Apparently the only two things I talk about are dumb hat slogans or 2003-->2008 transition exams. You are not alone if you are finding this increasingly tedious. But back to business: RE: Hat slogans , try this on for size. RE: Transition exams , the...