Microsoft
Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft Certifications validate your skills using Microsoft technologies.
Microsoft provides the core technologies that organizations worldwide rely on. Regardless of your industry or IT career path, a clear understanding of Microsoft technologies - and Microsoft certifications - will help you accelerate your IT career.
The latest generation of Microsoft certifications, introduced in 2007, was designed to be more compatible with the day-to-day activities of IT professionals. The new Microsoft certifications enable IT professionals and developers to acquire credentials that prove their specialized technology expertise, while allowing technology managers to easily distinguish candidates who meet specific hiring criteria. The Microsoft Certification Program features 3 general levels of Microsoft certifications: Technology Specialist, Professional & Architect.
Chart: New Generation of Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft is the world's dominant enterprise technology provider, so Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) are consistently in demand. Microsoft also maintains a network of partners - dubbed the "Microsoft Partner Network" - that sells billions of dollars worth of Microsoft products and services to businesses and end-users; Microsoft Partners are required to employ a certain number of active MCPs to maintain partner status, which adds to the job opportunities and persistent demand for Microsoft certified pros.
3 Levels of the New Microsoft Certifications:
1Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) MCTS certifications validate your skills and expertise in a specific Microsoft technology, e.g., SharePoint 2010 or Windows 7. Typical skills measured by MCTS certification include implementing, troubleshooting, building on and debugging a particular Microsoft product. MCTS certifications distinguish you from competing job candidates by demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft technologies you have focused on.
2Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
Your career focus will determine which professional-level Microsoft certificate(s) you pursue. MCPD certifications are designed for programmers and developers, while MCITP certifications are pursued by IT Pros with a non-development focus. Where the MCTS certification proved your skills in a specific technology, the MCITP and MCPD certifications validate your expertise in an entire job role, across multiple technologies, for example, Database Administrator or Enterprise Desktop Support Technician. Typical skills measured by MCPD and MCITP certifications include deploying, building, designing, optimizing and operating the technologies for a particular IT job role.
3 Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) Microsoft Certified Architect credentials help the highest-achieving professionals in IT architecture distinguish their expertise. The requirements for the MCA Certification are rigorous and culminate in an oral review by a prestigious board of your peers. Candidates for this high-end Microsoft certification have been working in IT for over 10 years and acting in an architect capacity for at least 3 years.
Other Popular Microsoft Certifications:
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Before Microsoft introduced the MCTS and MCITP certifications, the MCSE was the go-to credential for IT professionals specializing in the implementation of Microsoft Windows Server technologies. MCSE certification validates expertise in designing, implementing and administering infrastructures for business solutions based on Windows Server 2000 or 2003. MCSE certification extends to cover a variety of job roles including network analyst, systems analyst, systems engineer, IT support engineer and technical consultant. Upgrade exams are available so Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers can quickly earn the more current and specialized MCTS & MCITP certifications.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) MOS certifications are the only performance-based credentials that validate the skills you need to maximize the widely used applications in the Microsoft Office suite, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. Whether you want to advance your career or simply increase your productivity, earning a Microsoft Office Specialist certification demonstrates the expertise you need to succeed.
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the leading technical and instructional experts on Microsoft technologies. MCTs are the only individuals allowed to deliver authorized Microsoft classes and Microsoft certification preparation using Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC), opening up career opportunities at the leading computer training centers and universities.
Benefits of Microsoft Certifications for Individuals:
- Microsoft Certified Professionals gain market-relevant skills that employers recognize and respect.
- Earning the latest Microsoft certifications proves you are current with new Microsoft technologies.
- Passing Microsoft certification exams demonstrates advanced technical problem-solving skills.
- Microsoft certifications help distinguish you from competing job candidates for IT positions.
- Committing the time and resources to earn Microsoft certifications proves career dedication.
- MCPs gain access to a huge global community of certified professionals, featuring exclusive
networking opportunities, conferences, parties, training sessions, and special events. - Microsoft Certified Professionals have access to exclusive online career resources including:
- Microsoft Transcript Tool - Share password-protected transcripts with hiring managers and employers.
- Microsoft Certificate Manager - Create, download, and print customized certificates of IT achievement.
- Logo Builder - Design custom logos to enhance your brand and highlight your Microsoft certifications.
Benefits of Microsoft Certifications for Businesses:
- MCPs have the skills and expertise to maximize the ROI of Microsoft software and hardware.
- Microsoft Certified Professionals are proven to be more efficient and productive in the workplace.
- Businesses employing MCPs can leverage the power of the Microsoft brand to attract and win new business.
- Companies employing Microsoft Certified Professionals experience less downtime and lower employee turnover.
Popular Microsoft Certifications:
Microsoft Training & Certification Programs
Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, online training programs and self-paced courses featuring Microsoft certifications and technologies.
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B.S. Networks Design & Management
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A.A.S. in Info Systems Management - Network Administration
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BSIT Microsoft Network Management
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Bachelor's of IT in Systems Security
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Master's in Network Management
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B.S.I.T. Network Administration
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Microsoft Operating Systems Post Baccalaureate Certificate
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MCTS & MCITP Windows 7 Dual Certification Boot Camp
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Find Computer Training Schools
Which Companies are Hiring Microsoft Certified Professionals?
Microsoft certifications qualify you for a variety of exciting positions at top organizations including:
- Robert Half Technology (250+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Robert Half Technology
- Spherion Staffing (200+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Spherion Staffing
- Volt (200+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Volt
- CyberCoders Engineering (180+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at CyberCoders
- Technisource (180+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Technisource
- Kelly Services (180+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Kelly Services
- Esurance (180+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Esurance
- Adecco Technical (150+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at Adecco Technical
- IBM USA (150+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft Jobs at IBM USA
- All Companies (40,000+ Microsoft Jobs): Browse and apply to Microsoft jobs at all companies
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Salaries
Average Salaries for Microsoft Certified Professionals:
- MCDST: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician salary: $60,360
- MOS: Microsoft Office Specialist salary: $65,530
- MCTS: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist salary: $73,474
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator salary: $75,328
- MCITP: Microsoft Certified IT Professional salary: $77,529
- MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer salary: $78,115
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer salary: $83,234
- MCA: Microsoft Certified Architect salary: $84,004
- MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator salary: $84,683
- MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solution Developer salary: $86,213
- MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer salary: $86,225
Average Salary by Microsoft Certification.
Source: 2011 IT Skills & Salary Report by Global Knowledge and TechRepublic
Microsoft®, Microsoft® Logos, and Microsoft® Certifications are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft Certifications
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