Microsoft Certification

Introduction

As organizations invest in new technologies such as Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, they are looking for technical professionals with expertise in Microsoft products to successfully install, configure and administer their business solutions. As a Microsoft Certified Professional, you will be recognized as an expert on Microsoft products, have access to ongoing technical information from Microsoft and receive special invitations to Microsoft conferences and events. Individuals such as consultants, trainers, systems engineers, computer-science degree candidates and anyone else who desires to show technical expertise with Microsoft systems and technologies will benefit from this credential.

Microsoft's certification program enables individuals to promote their skills, and it provides a benchmark for organizations to use when hiring technical staff, determining training needs, or outsourcing technical services. 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.

How Does the MCP Program Work?

Microsoft offers a variety of certifications so you can choose the one that meets your job needs and career goals. The Microsoft Certified Professional Program focuses on measuring a candidate's ability to perform a specific job function, such as Systems Engineer or Solution Developer. The Microsoft Certified Professional Program has several tracks. For the most up-to-date listing of exam requirements for each track, please visit www.microsoft.com/mcp.

The examinations are administered by Sylvan Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises (VUE). Certification is offered at over 3,100 authorized testing centers around the world. There is no limit on the number of times a particular exam may be repeated and there is no time limit for completing exam requirements for initial certification. If an upgrade exam is released while you are pursuing a certification and it is one of your required exams, you may be required to pass that upgrade exam to become certified.

Microsoft evaluates certification status based on current exam records. Your current exam record is the set of current exams you have passed. To maintain Microsoft Certified Professional status, you must remain current on all the requirements for your certification. There may be additional requirements to maintain certification if new products are released; however, members have six months to complete the additional requirements before certification expires.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

A Microsoft Certified Professional has extensive expertise and knowledge of a specific product. On this track, you must pass one Microsoft certification exam to become certified. You then have the option of passing additional Microsoft Certified Professional exams to validate your skills in a particular area of specialization.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)

Those certified on this track are qualified to design custom business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies and platforms.

To become a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, you must pass four exams. The core exams measure your ability to understand and apply fundamental concepts of the Microsoft 32- bit Windows architecture in order to design and create custom business solutions. The elective exams focus on specific development tools.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

Those certified on this track are qualified to design, implement, maintain and administer the Microsoft SQL Server platform in a variety of business environments.

To become a Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, you must pass three core exams and one elective exam. The core exams measure your ability to understand and apply fundamental concepts of Microsoft SQL Server and either Windows 2000 Server or Windows .NET Server in order to design, implement and administer SQL databases. The elective exams focus on specific data warehousing, distribution and networking skills.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

MCSE certification is the premier certification for professionals who analyze the business requirements and design and implement the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform and Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers. With MCSE certification training, companies can be confident that they are hiring competent professionals who can implement all the capabilities of Microsoft's powerful Windows 2000 Operating System and Microsoft .NET.

Those certified on he MCSE track are qualified to effectively plan, implement, maintain and support information systems with the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system and the Microsoft BackOffice family of server software.

To obtain the MCSE credential, you must pass five core exams and two elective exams. The operating-system exams allow you to demonstrate your expertise with desktop, server and networking components. The elective exams are designed to validate your expertise with Microsoft BackOffice products.

Benefits of Certification

In addition to improving your skills by participating in the Microsoft Certified Professional Program, you will become more valuable to your company by possessing the Microsoft Certified Professional credential. Achieving certification shows that Microsoft Corporation, the world’s leading software manufacturer, has recognized you as an expert with the skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, implement and support solutions with Microsoft products. Computer professionals who become Microsoft Certified are recognized and sought after industry-wide.

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