MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION

Getting Started

To become a Microsoft® Certified Professional (MCP), you must pass one or more Microsoft certification exams. Please view "How to Become a Microsoft Certified Professional," a six-minute NetShow presentation, for an outline of the program basics. Then follow these steps to earn a Microsoft certification:

Decide which certification is right for you.Microsoft offers certifications focused on specific areas of expertise and ranges of job skills. Decide which certification is appropriate for you, based on your experience, skills and interests. For examples of job titles that may be appropriate for each certification, please see the description of each certification by clicking the titles below. Microsoft certifications fall into the following general areas of expertise:

Systems Engineering
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet
Microsoft Certified Professional

Solutions Development
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
Microsoft Certified Professional + Site Building
Microsoft Certified Professional

Database Administration
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Microsoft Certified Professional

Training
Microsoft Certified Trainer


Gain hands-on experience with a Microsoft product or technology.

The premier certifications (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) require at least one year of experience working with the related Microsoft products and technologies. Recommended experience for the other certifications (Microsoft Certified Professional + Site Building, Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet, Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer) range from six to 12 months. For more information about recommended experience, please see the requirements for these certifications by selecting the titles above.

Read the exam preparation guide and take a practice test.

After you have chosen the exam you want to take, read its exam preparation guide to see the skills being measured by that exam. Use the Find Prep Guides tool to search for the preparation guide for the exam you plan to take. You may also want to assess your skill level by taking a practice test. Although your score on a practice test will not necessarily indicate what your score would be on a certification exam, a practice test gives you the opportunity to assess your knowledge and readiness and provides feedback. Many companies sell practice tests; Microsoft's Practice Test Provider Program evaluates practice test providers to help MCP candidates select products that offer the highest quality. Please learn more about practice tests.

Supplement your experience with training. You may want to use one or more of the following training resources to supplement your skills and experience:

Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC)

Microsoft Press

MCP Approved Study Guides
Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (Microsoft CTECs)
Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Program (AATP)
Microsoft Technical Information Network (TechNet)
Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN)
Seminar Online

Apply your skills in a real-world environment. Use and know the Microsoft product or technology on which you plan to earn certification. Continue to apply your skills in the real world and build your experience base. Practicing skills you learn as soon as possible following training will help you retain the knowledge.

Register for an exam.

When you feel sufficiently prepared to take an exam, find out how to register for an exam. Prometric and VUE administer all Microsoft Certified Professional exams. When you go to the testing center to take your exam, be sure to bring one piece of photo ID and one other ID. Microsoft requires certification candidates to accept the terms of a Non-Disclosure Agreement before taking certification exams. Please see What to Expect at the Testing Center for more information.

More information about Microsoft certification exams and the testing process:

How Exams Are Developed
What to Expect at the Testing Center
Your Exam Results
For more information or to give feedback, send e-mail to mcp@msprograms.com or call 800-636-7544.



Last updated: 2/28/2001 5:03:30 PM
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