14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 is already alive and kicking, but its predecessors continue to be very successful, with millions of users still running both Windows 7 and 8.1 on their PCs.
And what’s more important, nobody sees either of them as “done,” despite the arrival of Windows 10, so in its turn, Microsoft has no other option than to keep a number of adjacent services alive for a little longer.
The life of some Windows 7 and 8.1 certifications has been extended from January 31, 2016, to July 31, 2016, so if you want to take the exam, you have nearly another half a year at your disposal.
The Register has spotted that Windows 8.1 Certification 70-687 Configuring Windows 8.1 and 70-688, Supporting Windows 8.1, which were both supposed to be retired at the end of January, have been extended until July 31, 2016.
You can check out the changes made to the exam list in the box after the jump.
Why the need for an extension?
Microsoft explains in the official announcement of this change:
“Keep in mind that even if an exam that is part of a certification you earned is retired, your certification is still valid. When an exam you passed is retired, the exam record remains on your transcript. If you’re working toward a certification that includes one of the exams listed for retirement, please be sure to take the exam prior to the retirement date. Allow time for a retake if necessary.”
As for the reason for the extension, the company hasn’t disclosed any details, but with so many people and companies still on Windows 7 and 8.1, it’s not hard to think of plenty of IT admins who still need training to continue supporting their business computers for a little longer.
Windows 10 is indeed available for both consumers and enterprises, but not everyone’s already willing to make the move right now, so investing in Windows 7 or 8.1 training makes sense in many cases.