Microsoft offers certifications in five categories: Support, Technology, Professional, Master, and Architect. Each category has specific areas and requires passing an exam. Certifications enhance career opportunities and provide access to resources. The Desktop Support certification covers Microsoft Office applications, while the Technology Series offers technical certification in over 30 areas. The Professional Series offers certification for specific Microsoft technologies and competency as a Visual Studio and .NET Framework developer. The Master certification requires specialized training and is for top-level designers and solution specialists. The Architect certification is the highest level and requires many years of experience, MCM certification, and a review board interview.
Earning Microsoft certification can enhance your career opportunities by proving competency in a technical subject or application. The available certifications fall into the following categories: Support, Technology, Professional, Master and Architect. Each category has several specific areas and requires candidates to pass an exam. Along with credentials to add to your resume, Microsoft Certification also allows certificate holders to access information and resources that they would otherwise not have access to.
The Microsoft Desktop Support certification demonstrates skills in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. This certification benefits business professionals who use basic office software to perform everyday tasks. The available certifications are Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP). Microsoft Office Specialist certification covers Microsoft Office 2000, XP and 2003. Microsoft Certified Application Professional certification covers Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista.
The Technology Series offers Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) technical certification in more than 30 areas. Some examples are .NET Framework services, SQL Server, Windows Server and SharePoint. These certifications are appropriate for information technology professionals who configure, troubleshoot, and maintain systems. In addition to passing the certification exam, candidates must also have at least one year of experience.
Microsoft certification in the Professional Series offers certification that falls under two umbrellas: Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD). The MCITP certification validates the ability to work with specific Microsoft technologies. The MCPD certification proves competency as a Visual Studio and .NET Framework developer. In addition to passing the certification exam, one must also be certified as a technology specialist.
The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) certification is for experts in the information technology industry and requires specialized training from Microsoft professional staff. Relevant scenarios are used for work in labs and classes. The training lasts three weeks and students take three tests and a comprehensive exam. This is the certification for top-level designers and solution specialists. Specific areas are Exchange Server, Windows Server, SQL Server, Office SharePoint Server and Office Communications Server.
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the highest level of certification that can be achieved. It requires many years of experience, MCM certification, and a review board interview. Those seeking MCA credentials must prove specialized competence in many technical areas. Candidates can choose between the Technology Program track or the Infrastructure Program track.
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