Microsoft recently announced that you can renew your MCSE certification for SQL Server by taking free online Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) courses - and passing the end of module exams.  This new approach to renewal is currently available for both the MCSE data platform and business intelligence certifications with other MCSE certifications (Messaging etc.) due soon.

Microsoft now offer SQL Server Developer, SQL Server Database Administrator and BI developer renewal tracks and what’s interesting is the breadth of knowledge each track now requires.  The requirements now stretch into server operating systems, networking, DocumentDB, MongoDB, Azure fundamentals and the Entity Framework!

For SQL Server Developers renewing their MCSE:Data Platform certification, the required MVA modules are:

For SQL Server Database Administrators renewing their MCSE:Data Platform certification, the required MVA modules are:

For Business Intelligence developers renewing their MCSE:Business Intelligence certification, the required MVA modules are:

The link to Microsoft’s official page about this renewal process is:
https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/recertification-virtual-academy.aspx