Some years ago I did my MCSA on SQL 2012/2014 and also passed the 70-464 exam. It was a big mistake I didn't also the last exam 70-465 on the same time back then, so I'm not MCSE: Data Platform certified. Today I was looking how to complete my
MCSE: Data Platform certification and learned this certification is only possible till 31 march 2017 (https://www.microsoft.com/de-ch/learning/mcse-sql-data-platform.aspx).
I read a lot more, here some sources:
* http://blog.firebrandtraining.co.uk/2016/10/massive-changes-to-microsoft-certifications.html
* https://www.microsoft.com/de-ch/learning/mcse-data-management-analytics.aspx
* https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-data-management-analytics.aspx#cp-step3-content
So the requirements for the new MCSE Data Management and Analytics is MCSA and newly only one additional exam you can choose from a list. One of them include my 70-464 exam I already have.
So I took a look into my certification planner and instead of the 2 requirements as noticed in the articles above, for the Data Management and Analytics certificate it listed a third one which is the only I haven't fulfill with the title "Benefit
Qualification - MCSE: Data Mgmt 2017" and instead of a Exam number beside it, there is a button with the label "External cert". Clicking on it shows up the text
"External certifications are typically obtained by meeting the requirements from the certification provider that is not a Microsoft certification. If your records need to be updated to reflect an achieved external certification,
please contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center. Other external certifications are requirements manually fulfilled during the process to earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Master certification."
By the way, the certification planner for the MCSE DMaA has the remark "(Badge progress)".
English isn't my native language and I really don't understand what all this is meaning?
* Benefit Qualification?
* Why Exterbal Certification?
* Help text only confuse me even more
Can someone explain me and tell me what I have to do please?
Kind regards
Michael
