10/11/2001 -- Microsoft announced major changes today to its Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program.

Most significantly, Microsoft has backed off of its long-time policy to decertify older versions of its titles. The company will no longer retire specific versions of its titles, including the NT 4.0 MCSE, which was scheduled to be retired at the end of this year. Instead, Microsoft will recognize its titles in all versions of its operating systems, beginning with NT 4.0.

Microsoft also announced details of its new Microsoft Certified System Administrator title, which will include elective integration of several CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+ and Server+).

Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine has complete coverage of these stories — including interviews with Microsoft's certification program managers about the reasons behind rescinding the recertification policy. To find out more, visit the following news stories on MCPMag.com:

• Microsoft Rescinds Retirement of NT 4.0 MCSE Track
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Title Officially Unveiled

CertCities.com/MCPMag.com will bring you more on these stories as information develops. -B.N.