Microsoft is pushing a new set of certifications for Windows Server 2008, a new software package that will become increasingly common in enterprises over the next year or so.

Are the certifications worth getting? To find out, I spoke with expert Patrick Regan, author of numerous textbooks and certification exam study guides.

At least for now, the Windows Server 2008 certifications are not as important as those for Windows Server 2003, simply because the 2008 software hasn’t penetrated enterprises to nearly the same extent as its predecessor, Regan says.

“If you go look for a job now, most people are going to look for the MCSE [Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer for Windows Server 2003],” he says. “The 2008 track just isn’t as popular or commonly known.”

Don’t ignore 2008, though. Windows Server 2008 has only been shipping for a couple of months. Within a year, Regan expects the new software to become more prevalent and those certifications will take on greater importance for IT professionals.

Some employers may already be looking for workers certified on 2008, Microsoft says.

“If you have a Windows Server 2008 certification on your resume, you have an excellent opportunity to catch the eye of early adopter organizations,” Microsoft says on its certification Web site.

For Windows Server 2008, Microsoft is offering three MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certifications to demonstrate expertise with Active Directory, network infrastructure, and applications infrastructure. These certifications also serve as building blocks for two advanced credentials: the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications for server administrators and enterprises administrators.

Microsoft is offering an expedited certification path to those of you who are already certified on Windows Server 2003.

“Your path consists of one exam, which allows you to earn multiple MCTS certifications on Windows Server 2008,” Microsoft states. “From there, you can complete the remaining requirements for one or both of the MCITP certifications for Windows Server 2008.”

IT pros should consider the new tests if they already work with Windows Server 2008 or anticipate deploying the technology within the next year, Microsoft says.

Jon Brodkin is senior writer at Network World.