Microsoft Certification Benefits

Microsoft Certification Benefits

Microsoft certification, one of the most comprehensive certification programs available for assessing and maintaining software-related skills, is a valuable measure of an individual's knowledge and expertise. Microsoft certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully demonstrated their ability to perform specific tasks and implement solutions with Microsoft products. Certification brings a variety of benefits: to the individual, and to employers and organizations.

Microsoft Certification Benefits for Individuals

As a Microsoft Certified Professional, you receive many benefits:

• Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.

• A Microsoft Developer Network subscription. MCPs receive rebates or discounts on a one-year subscription to the Microsoft Developer Network (msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/) during the first year of certification. (Fulfillment details will vary, depending on your location; please see your Welcome Kit.)

• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through a secured area of the MCP Web site (go to http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcp/default.asp).

• Access to exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Individuals who are currently certified can learn more about exclusive discounts by visiting the MCP secured Web site (go to www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcpsecure.asp/ and select the "Other Benefits" link).

• MCP logo, certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) to colleagues and clients. Electronic files of logos and transcript may be downloaded from the MCP secured Web site (go to www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcpsecure.asp) upon certification.

• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.

• Free access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online, a career and professional development magazine. Secured content on the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online Web site includes the current issue (available only to MCPs), additional online-only content and columns, an MCP-only database, and regular chats with Microsoft and other technical experts.

• Discount on membership to PASS (for MCPs only), the Professional Association for SQL Server. In addition to playing a key role in the only worldwide, user-run SQL Server user group endorsed by Microsoft, members enjoy unique access to a world of educational opportunities (go to http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcpsecure.asp/).

An additional benefit is received by Microsoft Certified System Engineers (MCSEs):

• A 50 percent rebate or discount on a one-year subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus during the first year of certification. (Fulfillment details will vary, depending on your location. Please see your Welcome Kit.) A TechNet subscription provides MCSEs with a portable IT survival kit that is updated monthly. It includes the complete Microsoft Knowledge Base as well as service packs and kits.

An additional benefit is received by Microsoft Certified System Database Administrators (MCDBAs):

• A 50 percent rebate or discount on a one-year subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus during the first year of certification. (Fulfillment details will vary, depending on your location. Please see your Welcome Kit.) A TechNet subscription provides MCSEs with a portable IT survival kit that is updated monthly. It includes the complete Microsoft Knowledge Base as well as service packs and kits.

• A one-year subscription to SQL Server Magazine. Written by industry experts, the magazine contains technical and how-to tips and advice a must for anyone working with SQL Server.

A list of benefits for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) can be found at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mct/benefits.asp.

Microsoft Certification Benefits for Employers and Organizations

Through certification, computer professionals can maximize the return on investment in Microsoft technology. Research shows that Microsoft certification provides organizations with:

• Excellent return on training and certification investments by providing a standard method of determining training needs and measuring results.

• Increased customer satisfaction and decreased support costs through improved service, increased productivity and greater technical self-sufficiency.

• Reliable benchmark for hiring, promoting and career planning.

• Recognition and rewards for productive employees by validating their expertise.

• Retraining options for existing employees so they can work effectively with new technologies.

• Assurance of quality when outsourcing computer services.

Requirements for Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional

The certification requirements differ for each certification and are specific to the products and job functions addressed by the certification.

To become a Microsoft Certified Professional, you must pass rigorous certification exams that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. These exams are designed to test your expertise and ability to perform a role or task with a product, and are developed with the input of professionals in the industry. Questions in the exams reflect how Microsoft products are used in actual organizations, giving them "real-world" relevance.

• Microsoft Certified Product (MCPs) candidates are required to pass one current Microsoft certification exam. Candidates may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with other Microsoft products, development tools, or desktop applications.

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) are required to pass five core exams and two elective exams.

• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSAs) are required to pass three core exams and one elective exam that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBAs) are required to pass three core exams and one elective exam that measure of technical proficiency and expertise.

• Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs) are reqired to pass two core exams and one elective exam in an area of specialization.

• Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) are required to pass three core exams and one elective exam. (MCSD for Microsoft .NET candidates are required to pass four core exams and one elective.)

• Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are required to meet instructional and technical requirements specific to each Microsoft Official Curriculum course they are certified to deliver. The MCT program requires on-going training to meet the requirements for the annual renewal of certification. For more information about becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer, visit http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mct/ or contact a regional service center near you.

Technical Training for Computer Professionals

Technical training is available in a variety of ways, with instructor-led classes, online instruction, or self-paced training available at thousands of locations worldwide.

Self-Paced Training

For motivated learners who are ready for the challenge, self-paced instruction is the most flexible, cost-effective way to increase your knowledge and skills.

A full-line of self-paced print and computer-based training materials is available direct from the source Microsoft Press. Microsoft Official Curriculum courseware kits from Microsoft Press are designed for advanced computer system professionals and are available from Microsoft Press and the Microsoft Developer Division. Self-paced training kits from Microsoft Press feature print-based instructional materials, along with CD-ROM based product software, multimedia presentations, lab exercises, and practice files.

Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers

Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) are the best source for instructor-led training that can help you prepare to become a Microsoft Certified Professional. The Microsoft CTEC program is a worldwide network of qualified technical training organizations that provide authorized delivery of Microsoft Official Curriculum courses by Microsoft Certified Trainers to computer professionals.

For a listing of CTEC locations in the United States and Canada, visit the Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/ctec/.