Windows 7 MCSA Retiring November 31st, 2015 (Exams Sticking Around Though)

[Jaeger1]

Just saw that to get MCSE: EDA, it is 4 exams(687, 688, 695, and 696) but it says

"Windows 10 was released in July 2015, and later this year Exam 697: Configuring Windows Devices will be incorporated into the MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification, replacing Exam 687 and Exam 688."

I'm wondering if it is too difficult, but it looks like if I do the 697 Windows 10 Specialist exam then 695 and 696, I'd get the MCSE:EDA. Downside is I wouldn't have an MCSA, but would only have to do 3 exams.

[michael.slabo]

What is a lab book you would recommend?

[dan101]

I find it a bit confusing here? IS Windows 7 70-680 exam still available or not? because after reading a few threads here it sounds like it still around, but for the MCSA Windows 7 is retired, on the Windows Exam website I don't see anything regarding Configuring Windows 7 exam (standalone) is retired? I know for a fact that Windows 8.1 Configuration (70-687) 70-688 are retiring this December 31st 2016, I know that the dates has changed from this summer June or July 2016 and they extended to Dec 2016. I am not sure if its worth my time and money to pursue it, my plan is study it and take the exam on Dec 23 2016? or as a proctored online option? any suggestions thx dan101

[Skyliinez92]

I find it a bit confusing here? IS Windows 7 70-680 exam still available or not? because after reading a few threads here it sounds like it still around, but for the MCSA Windows 7 is retired, on the Windows Exam website I don't see anything regarding Configuring Windows 7 exam (standalone) is retired? I know for a fact that Windows 8.1 Configuration (70-687) 70-688 are retiring this December 31st 2016, I know that the dates has changed from this summer June or July 2016 and they extended to Dec 2016. I am not sure if its worth my time and money to pursue it, my plan is study it and take the exam on Dec 23 2016? or as a proctored online option? any suggestions thx dan101

70-680, 70-685 and 70-686 exams are still available. Doing each exam awards you an MCTS per exam. Doing the 70-680 + 70-685 OR 70-686 awards you an MCITP (https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/lear...ification.aspx). The MCITP series for Windows 7 is not retired. the MCSA for Windows 7 is, so by doing those exams you will get MCTS/MCITP now instead of MCSA.

[OctalDump]

@dan101

Everything that Skyliinez92 just wrote, but only the 680 gets you an MCTS currently, however each of 680, 685 and 686 give you a "Microsoft Specialist" certification.

680+686 awards MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 - this has an upgrade path to MCSA Server 2012 by passing the 70-417 exam.

680+685 awards MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician - this is the same as the MCSA Windows 7

All three Windows 7 exams are still being offered, and none has an announced retirement date (yet). However, the Windows 8 exams are retiring at the end of this year.

[tmtex]

I didn't read all the posts but why would they retire win 7 . Its heavily used both personal and corporate.

[Skyliinez92]

I didn't read all the posts but why would they retire win 7 . Its heavily used both personal and corporate.

Because Microsoft.

[chrystiannet]

I know this is an older thread, but I arrived here looking for information, and felt it might be pertinent to post an update in case anyone else finds themselves in the same predicament. As of this writing, the Windows 7 tests are still active. But a quick glance across the upcoming retiring exams per Microsoft here puts them expiring July 31, 2018. I really wish Microsoft would allow the MCSA until they retire the exams; but, I'm sure they aren't in an effort to add more pressure for everyone to convert to Win10. I hope this update helps anyone who may be interested.