Tracking MCP Status

As soon as you pass any Microsoft exam, you attain Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. Microsoft provides access to your transcript to enable you to track which exams you've passed and which certifications you've obtained. You can view a copy of your transcript at any time by going to the MCP secured site and selecting Transcript Tool. This tool enables you to print a copy of your current transcript to confirm your certification status.

The MCP and MCT secured sites can be accessed by using your MCP ID through the MCP community site, found at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/community/.

After you pass the necessary set of exams, you're granted the appropriate Microsoft certification. Official notice of the certification is usually processed after three to six weeks, so you shouldn't expect to get your credentials overnight. The package for official certification that arrives includes a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements (see Microsoft's Web site for other benefits of specific certifications):

• A certificate suitable for framing, along with a wallet card and lapel pin, enabling you to proudly display your certifications for your peers.

• A license and guidelines for use of the applicable certification logo, which means you can use the logo in advertisements, promotions, and documents, as well as on letterhead, business cards, and so on. Along with the license comes a logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork. (Note that before you use any of the artwork, you must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates you'll abide by its terms and conditions.) The logo graphics can also be downloaded from the MCP secured site.

• A subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine , which provides ongoing data about new testing and certification activities, requirements, and changes to the program.

Many people believe that the benefits of MCP certification go well beyond the perks that Microsoft provides to new members of this elite group . We're starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants to have MCP, MCSA, MCSE, and other certifications. Many individuals who complete Microsoft certification programs can also qualify for increases in pay and/or responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, the MCP credential is a badge of honor in many IT organizations.