Latest updates from CompTIA, VMware, Cisco, Microsoft, Citrix, Pearson Vue

Check below the most recent updates from the main IT exam sponsors regarding their exams and certification dates. The information was provided by their official websites.
CompTIA
All CompTIA exam vouchers with expiration dates from March 17- April 30, 2020, have been extended through June 30, 2020. In addition, all CompTIA exam vouchers with expiration dates from May 1- May 31, 2020, have been extended through July 31, 2020.
Test anywhere, anytime– especially from the security and privacy of their own home. Remote testing can be conducted 24/7 and candidates can schedule their exams whenever time permits, avoiding competing priorities or conflicts.
If you are registered for an exam at a Pearson VUE testing centre but would prefer to take a remote proctored exam, CompTIA will be offering the option to reschedule your exam. Please visit the Pearson VUE website for current testing availability in a test centre.
CompTIA is offering Free CertMaster Learn (Self-study) for ITF+ for displaced workers, students, career changers and others who might be considering a career in IT. The Free ITF+ CertMaster Learn is a “limited-time” promotion through April. Click here to access it.
VMware
On-Demand Promotion: two exam vouchers free for specific On-Demand Courses (Foundations + VCP) - VMware will release updates via their Education Blog.
Cisco
Cisco announced that we will now deliver certification exams using online proctoring from Pearson VUE, effective April 15, 2020. With this additional testing option, candidates can now pursue your Cisco Certification goals without further delay, conveniently at your home or office. Click here to learn more:
All written, proctored Cisco Certification exams can be taken online with a few exceptions:
- 100-110 ENU CCENT (Invitation Only)
- 352-011 ENU Cisco Certified Design Expert Practical Exam
- 352-001 ENU Cisco Certified Design Expert Qualification Exam
Cisco is also extending the expiration date for all active certifications.
They are extending the expiration date for all active certifications by six months (180 days) as of March 16, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This covers all Cisco and DevNet Specialist, Associate, Professional, and Expert certifications as well as CCT and CCAr.
So, for example, if your active certification is set to expire on March 30, 2020, it will now be in an active status until September 30, 2020. Or, in other words, you have until September 30, 2020 to recertify. Your expiration date will automatically be extended, and there is no action required on your part. You will be able to check your personal certification manager page.
Click here to check more details about Cisco extension certification dates.
Microsoft
Microsoft is extending the range of exams available online. You can take any role-based or fundamentals exam (delivered by Pearson VUE) online in the comfort of your home or office while being monitored by a proctor via webcam and microphone. (This article does not address exams delivered by Certiport.) If you’re interested in taking an online exam through Pearson VUE and want a better understanding of what to expect before registering, click here to learn more and access how to check your system.
Extended dates for certifications about to expire.
Retirement of MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications, and related exams extended
Microsoft knows many of you are working toward completing your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification(s). The current environment could potentially hamper your ability to finish your certification before the original retirement date of June 30, 2020. To address this issue, they are extending the retirement date for these specific certifications to January 31, 2021 to give you more time to complete the exams and earn your certification.
Expiring role-based certifications extended
If you have a role-based certification that is expiring between now and December 31, 2020, we are extending your certification by six months. So, for example, if your certification is set to expire on September 30, 2020, it will now expire on March 30, 2021. Your certification expiration date will be automatically updated, and no action is required on your part.
Exam voucher and discount offer expiration dates extended
If you have a Pearson VUE delivered certification exam voucher or discount offer that is expiring between March 26 and August 31, 2020, it will be extended until January 31, 2021.
Citrix
Citrix will temporarily expand its remote exam proctoring in partnership with Pearson VUE. The following exams are available for remote proctoring until Aug. 1, 2020, or the exam discontinuation date:
- 1Y0-311 - Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Advanced Administration (CCP-V)
- 1Y0-312 - Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Advanced Administration (CCP-V)
- 1Y0-340 - Citrix ADC Advanced Topics: Security, Management, and Optimization (CCP-N)
- 1Y0-341 - Citrix ADC Advanced Topics – Security, Management and Optimization (CCP-N)
- 1Y0-402 - Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Assessment, Design and Advanced Configurations (CCE-V)
- 1Y0-440 - Architecting a Citrix Networking Solution (CCE-N)
Click here to learn more.
Pearson Vue
Pearson VUE is updating daily their website with relevant information about Covida19 and the impact in the exams and the latest updates from exam sponsors. Click here to check directly from their website.
At New Horizons Ireland, our team is constantly checking the most up to date information regarding the main IT exams and certification sponsor to help our clients and students navigate through these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to contact us in case you have any queries.