How long are Certifications good for?

I have been asked this question many times by individuals interested in pursuing Certifications. In particular CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco so I will address each on its own.

First CompTIA: any certification issued by CompTIA is good for life, it says it here on their website: http://certification.comptia.org/security/security_update.aspx#eleven

Will candidates ever need to renew their certification? CompTIA certifications are lifetime certifications. Unless an employer requires recertification, CompTIA certification is valid for the rest of a professional’s career.

Microsoft:
simply put - the Certifications will not expire but they will become obsolete with evolving technology. Also, for certian technology there can be or can not be an upgrade path depending on what area of the product you have certified in. A link from Microsoft's website might clarify: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/windowsserver/2008/transition/default.mspx

Because there is a significant technology gap between Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2008, only IT professionals with specific Microsoft Certifications on Windows Server 2003 can utilize these transition or upgrade paths. In addition, there is no upgrade path from messaging or security specializations to Windows Server 2008 certifications.

Cisco: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le11/learning_about_certification_exams.html

Do certification exams expire?

CCENT, Associate and Professional level 642 exams are valid for three years from the date the exam was passed. Specialist focused certification exams are valid for two years from the date the exam was passed.

Placing expiration dates on exams ensures that candidates starting a multi-exam certification such as CCENT, CCNP, CCDP, CCVP, CCSP and CCIP, complete the program within a specified time-frame. By passing all of the required exams within the specified time period as noted above, candidates demonstrate that they are tested on current content. In situations where the period exceeds three years, candidates will need to re-take those exams that expire.

For CCIE written exam expiration information, visit the CCIE Exam Information page.