Microsoft has recently changed its certification program to contain three primary series: Technology,
Professional, and Architect. The Technology Series is intended to allow candidates to
target specific technologies and is the basis for obtaining the Professional Series and Architect
Series certifications. The certifications in the Technology Series consist of one to three exams,
focus on a specific technology, and do not include job-role skills. By contrast, the Professional
Series focuses on a job role and is not necessarily focused on a single technology, but rather
on a comprehensive set of skills for performing the job role being tested. The Architect Series
offered by Microsoft includes premier certifications that consist of passing a review board consisting
of previously certified architects. To apply for the Architect Series of certifications, you
must have a minimum of 10 years of industry experience.
When you’ve obtained a Technology Series certification, you are recognized as a Microsoft
Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) on the specific technology or technologies that you have
been tested on. The Professional Series certifications include Microsoft Certified IT Professional
(MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD). Passing the review board for
an Architect Series certification will allow you to become a Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA).
This book has been developed to give you the critical skills and knowledge you need to prepare
for the exam for obtaining the MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator certification
(Exams 70-237 and 70-238).
