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The MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certifications retired on January 31, 2021. Microsoft will continue its transition to role-based certifications.
On February 27, 2020, Microsoft announced the retirement of its MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certifications. Students had until January 31, 2021 to complete these certification paths. To better align with industry trends, Microsoft is focusing its training programs on role-based certifications.
From the Microsoft Learning Blog:
Since we announced our focus on role-based training and certifications in September 2018, we’ve added a total of 34 certifications to our portfolio across Azure, Modern Workplace, and Business Applications.
All active MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certifications will remain active for two years from the date of achievement.
MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certification is still valuable. According to the Global Knowledge Salary Survey, these are some of the highest-paying certifications in the field.
What Should You Do Next?
Pursue a role-based certification. See below for the recommended training paths for the new role-based certification tracks.
Recommended Paths to Microsoft Role-based Certifications
Start your Azure journey with any of the following:
-Azure Administrator Associate
Start your Microsoft 365 journey with one of the following:
-Teams Administrator Associate
-Messaging Administrator Associate
-Security Administrator Associate
Then take:
Start your Azure Data & AI journey with any of the following:
-Azure Database Administrator Associate
Start your Dynamics 365 journey with any of the following:
-Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
-Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate
-Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate
-Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate
-Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate