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Microsoft Upgrade exams - feeling let down RRS feed

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    Hi all, just a quick question to see if anyone else feels the same about upgrade exams? I feel a bit let down in regards to the certifications and Microsoft partner competencies it rewards you with. It almost feels like Microsoft has forgotten about us...

    The two upgrade exams I have done in recent times are:

    - 70-682: Upgrading to Windows 7
    - 70-417: Upgrading to Server 2012.


    Both exams earn certifications and Microsoft partner competencies but also lack a fair few in comparison to taking the individual exams that make up the upgrades.

    As an example:
    - 70-682: Does not earn the new 'Microsoft Specialist' certifications here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/learning/specialist-certification.aspx

    - 70-682: does not as credit towards the Gold Midmarket Solution Provider here: (however, the 70-680 does) https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Membership/Midmarket-solution-provider-competency.aspx

    - 70-417: does not count towards the Silver Identity and Access (where as the 70-412 does): https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/membership/identity-and-access-competency.aspx

    Any idea why Microsoft does this? it seems a bit odd (and frustrating) to me. Yes, I could go and do the 70-680 and the 70-412 but a) I feel I've already proved my knowledge on the subject matter and b) I was under the impression retaking an exam you've passed already goes against the terms of the non disclosure agreement. 

    Any insight to this would be greatly received.

    Best regards,

    Jon.

    Jon Budzynski MCITP, MCSE, MCSA, MCTS, MCP, SBSC

    Technical Manager
    Mark One Consultants Ltd.

    Monday, December 7, 2015 1:54 PM

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    I have been in a similar situation before. In my case, I am a Certified Trainer, and I found out that taking the upgrade exams gave me the certification but didn't provide me with the same competencies that I would have gained from taking the individual exams. I called the RSC and explained my concerns in that regard. They took note and eventually fixed the problem... several months later. Of course, at that time the solution was irrelevant to me, since in the meantime I had already taken the individual exams. But they did fix it, even if their reaction time was very slow.
    Wednesday, December 9, 2015 9:22 AM

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    I have been in a similar situation before. In my case, I am a Certified Trainer, and I found out that taking the upgrade exams gave me the certification but didn't provide me with the same competencies that I would have gained from taking the individual exams. I called the RSC and explained my concerns in that regard. They took note and eventually fixed the problem... several months later. Of course, at that time the solution was irrelevant to me, since in the meantime I had already taken the individual exams. But they did fix it, even if their reaction time was very slow.
    Wednesday, December 9, 2015 9:22 AM
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    Thank you for your reply. Maybe I'll try contacting RSC - in all fairness they have been good in past with various things relating to the partner program and certifications. 

    Jon Budzynski MCITP, MCSE, MCSA, MCTS, MCP, SBSC

    Technical Manager
    Mark One Consultants Ltd.

    Thursday, December 10, 2015 9:34 AM