Microsoft Certifications

microsoft certifications listMicrosoft certifications demonstrate the skills and expertise to implement business solutions using Microsoft technologies.

Microsoft provides the core business and productivity programs that organizations rely on. Regardless of your industry or career path, a clear understanding of Microsoft technologies (and the certifications to back up your knowledge) will help you accelerate your IT career.

In April of 2012, Microsoft Learning launched the latest iteration of its Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program. The new generation of Microsoft certifications reflects the increasing importance of cloud-computing competencies, while still validating the skills to build on-site business solutions using Microsoft technologies. As you can see in the below graphic from Microsoft Learning, the current MCP program has three certification levels: Associate, Expert and Master

Three Levels of Microsoft Certifications
ASSOCIATE
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications validate technical skills in a specific Microsoft product, e.g., SharePoint 2010 or Windows 7. Typical skills measured by MCTS certificates include implementing, troubleshooting, building on and debugging a particular Microsoft technology. MCTS certifications distinguish you from competing job candidates by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft technologies you can use.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications are the foundation of your cloud-optimized Microsoft certification track. Designed for job-seekers in the early stage of their IT career, MCSA certifications demonstrate fundamental on-site and cloud-computing skills in one of Microsoft’s core platforms, i.e., Windows Server, SQL Server, Windows Client or Visual Studio.
Microsoft associate certifications are required to reach the expert-level credentials.
EXPERT
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certifications are designed for programmers and developers, while Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications designate IT professionals with a non-development focus. Where the MCTS certification proved your skills in a single Microsoft technology, IT Professional & Developer certificates validate expertise across multiple technologies for a specific job role, e.g., Database Administrator or Enterprise Desktop Support Technician. Typical skills measured by MCPD and MCITP certifications include designing, deploying, operating, integrating and optimizing the technologies for your IT job role.
Microsoft's new expert class of credentials includes Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications for IT professionals and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications for programmers. Where the MCSA certificate measures skills in a single core technology, Microsoft expert-level certifications validate an individual’s wide-ranging technical skills, plus the ability to build on-premise and cloud-optimized solutions across multiple Microsoft platforms.
Microsoft expert certifications are required to reach the master-level credentials.
MASTER
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) certifications help the highest-achieving professionals in IT architecture distinguish their expertise. The skills requirements for 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.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certifications recognize the preeminent IT professionals in their area of expertise. MCSM certification-holders have the deep technical skills and field experience to plan, design and implement complex IT and business solutions for on-premise, cloud-based and hybrid enterprise environments using a wide range of technologies. The MCSM certification is the pinnacle of the Microsoft's new MCP program and one of the industry’s most difficult IT certifications to achieve.
Other In-Demand Certifications from Microsoft
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
MOS certifications are the only professional credentials that validate hands-on skills in the popular business and productivity 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 are technical experts and the leading instructors for Microsoft technologies. MCTs are the only individuals allowed to deliver authorized Microsoft classes and certification prep using Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) courseware and labs. Getting MCT certified opens up a range of career opportunities at computer training centers, universities and public & private organizations that conduct in-house training.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Before Microsoft introduced the MCTS and MCITP certifications in 2007, the MCSE was the go-to credential for IT professionals specializing in Microsoft server technologies. MCSE certificates demonstrate skills in designing, implementing and administering business solutions based on Windows Server 2000 or 2003. MCSEs can perform a variety of job roles including network analyst, systems analyst, systems engineer, IT support engineer and technical consultant.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
These are the most basic Microsoft certifications. MTA certifications validate fundamental skills in key IT career disciplines, including software & web development, database administration, security, networking and server administration. The MTA is specifically designed for students and individuals who are not yet working in the IT industry. MTA certificates demand no prerequisites.
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 up-to-date with new Microsoft releases.
•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-building 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.
Microsoft Certifications List

MCTS Certifications
MCITP Certifications
MCPD Certification
MCA Certification
MOS Certification
MCT Certification
MCSE Certification
MTA Certifications
MCSA Certifications (2012)
MCSE Certifications (2012)

Microsoft Courses & Degrees
Compare accredited college degrees, IT certification prep programs, and self-paced online courses in the latest Microsoft enterprise technologies and related skill sets.

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