The Microsoft Certified Professional Program

The MCP program provides the best method to prove your command of current Microsoft products and technologies. Microsoft, an industry leader in certification, is on the forefront of testing methodology. Our exams and corresponding certifications are developed to validate your mastery of critical competencies as you design and develop, or implement and support, solutions with Microsoft products and technologies. Computer professionals who become Microsoft certified are recognized as experts and are sought after industry-wide. The MCP program offers multiple certifications, based on specific areas of technical expertise:

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least one Microsoft operating system. Candidates may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with Microsoft BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop programs.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Qualified to effectively plan, implement, maintain, and support information systems in a wide range of computing environments with Microsoft Windows NT Server and the Microsoft BackOffice integrated family of server software.
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure Microsoft SQL Server.
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Qualified to design and develop custom business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft BackOffice.
• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Instructionally and technically qualified to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum through a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC).

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. Not only does this provide an objective measure for employers to consider; it also provides guidance for what an individual should know to be proficient. As with any skills assessment and benchmarking measure, 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 (MSDN) subscription. MCPs receive rebates or discounts on a one-year subscription to the MSDN (msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/) during the first year of certification. (Fulfillment details vary depending on your location; please see your Welcome Kit.) The rebate or discount amount is U.S. $50 for MSDN Library.
• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through a secured area of the MCP Web site (go to www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/ , then expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the For MCPs Only link).
• 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/trainingandservices/ , then expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the For MCPs Only link) and selecting the Other Benefits link.
• MCP logo, certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as an 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/trainingandservices/ , then expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the For MCPs Only link) on 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.

An additional benefit is offered to Microsoft Certified System Engineers (MCSEs):

• A 50 percent rebate or discount off the estimated retail price of a one-year subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus during the first year of certification. (Fulfillment details vary, depending on your location. Please see your Welcome Kit.) In addition, about 95 percent of the CD-ROM content is available free online at the TechNet Web site (www.microsoft.com/technet/ ).

Microsoft Certification Benefits for Employers and Organizations

Through certification, computer professionals can maximize their 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
• A 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

To learn more about how certification can help your company, see the backgrounders, white papers, and case studies available at www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/ (expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the Case Studies link):

• A white paper, MCSE Criterion Validity Study White Paper, October 1998, that evaluates the MCSE certification (SYSENGRCERT.DOC)
• Compaq Case Study (COMPAQ.DOC)
• CrossTier.com Case Study (CROSSTIER.DOC)
• Extreme Logic Case Study (EXTREME LOGIC.DOC)
• Financial Benefits to Supporters of Microsoft Professional Certification, IDC white paper (1998WPIDC.DOC)
• Lyondel Case Study (LYONDEL.DOC)
• Prudential Case Study (PRUDENTL.EXE)
• Stellcom Case Study (STELLCOM.DOC)
• Unisys Case Study (UNISYS.DOC)

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 they are developed with the input of industry professionals. Questions on the exams reflect how Microsoft products are used in actual organizations, giving them "real-world" relevance.

Microsoft Certified Product Specialists are required to pass one operating system exam. Candidates may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with Microsoft BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop applications.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers are required to pass a series of core Microsoft Windows operating system and networking exams and BackOffice technology elective exams.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrators 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 Solution Developers are required to pass three core Microsoft Windows operating system technology exams and one BackOffice technology elective exam.

Microsoft Certified Trainers are required to meet instructional and technical requirements specific to each Microsoft Official Curriculum course they are certified to deliver. For more information about becoming an MCT, visit www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/ (expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the MCT link) or contact a regional service center near you.

Technical Training for Computer Professionals

Technical training is available in a variety of ways, with self-paced training, online instruction, or instructor-led classes 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 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. They 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. The Mastering Series provides in-depth, interactive training on CD-ROM for experienced developers. Both are great ways to prepare for MCP exams.

Online Training

For a more flexible alternative to instructor-led classes, turn to online instruction. It's as close as the Internet and it's ready whenever you are. Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule in a virtual classroom, often with easy access to an online instructor. Without ever leaving your desk, you can gain the expertise you need. Online instruction covers a variety of Microsoft products and technologies. It includes options ranging from Microsoft Official Curriculum to choices available nowhere else. It's training on demand, with access to learning resources 24 hours a day. Online training is available through Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers.

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 http://www.microsoft.com/CTEC/.