Typically multiple examinations were required to obtain either a hardware centered certification such as the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) or a more software orientated offering such as the MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer).
The process of earning certification has changed multiple times since its initial inception.
[3] On March 26, 2020, Microsoft announced that the remaining exams associated with MCSA, MCSE and MCSD would retire on January 31, 2021.
Under the new system, the MCSE and MCSD credentials no longer have a recertification requirement, they remain on the "Active transcript" of the holder, once gained.
The industry has also moved away from the traditional client-server technology model to current software 'rental' models such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and related cloud based IT offerings.