1. Decide Which Certification Is Right for You

Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications that cover the spectrum of professions within the IT industry. You decide which certification is appropriate to your experience and most benefits your career choices.

2. Gain Hands-on Experience with Microsoft Products

Working in the IT field gives you invaluable hands-on experience with Microsoft products and solutions, which will bolster any certification plan. You're well on your way to basic certifications with job-related experience of six months or more (one year for advanced certifications).

3. Expand Your Experience with Training

Take advantage of a wealth of training resources that will complement the way you learn best. Everything from study guides and tutorials to hands-on, instructor-led training can help enhance your skills.

4. Know What to Expect on Exams

For each MCP exam, you'll find a guide that will familiarize you with the testing objectives, intended audience, and skills measured, and that contains suggestions to help you pass.

5. Take a Trial Run with a Practice Test

See whether you're ready to take an MCP certified exam with a comprehensive practice test. Although it's not designed to indicate exactly what your score would be, it does provide valuable feedback on the areas where you may need additional study, training, or hands-on work experience.

6. Take Your Required Exams

Exams are administered by independent testing organizations at locations worldwide. There are a variety of registration options-you can register through the Web or at a specific testing center site. Just select your area of study, testing program, and region.

MCSA

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators administer network and systems environments based on the Microsoft Windows platforms. Specializations include MCSA: Messaging and MCSA: Security.

MCSE

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers design and implement an infrastructure solution based on the Windows platform and Microsoft Servers software. Specializations include MCSE: Messaging and MCSE: Security.

MCDBA

Microsoft Certified Database Administrators design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases.

MCSD

Microsoft Certified Solution Developers design and develop leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Windows architecture.

MCDST

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians have the technical and customer service skills to troubleshoot hardware and software operation issues in Microsoft Windows environments.

MCTS

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certification enables professionals to target specific technologies and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in the various Microsoft technologies with which they work.

MCITP

The Microsoft Certified IT Professional certification demonstrates comprehensive skills in planning, deploying, supporting, maintaining, and optimizing IT infrastructures.

MCPD

The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer credential distinguishes you as an expert Windows Application Developer, Web Application Developer, or Enterprise Application Developer. These credentials demonstrate that you can build rich applications that target a variety of platforms using .NET Framework 2.0.

MCA

The Microsoft Certified Architect Program targets practicing solutions architects and infrastructure architects who successfully apply frameworks and methodologies to create an architecture through the entire IT life cycle.

MCLC

The Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant credential recognizes Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) whose job roles have grown to include frequent consultative engagements with customers. These MCTs are experts in designing and delivering customized learning solutions.

MCAD

Microsoft Certified Application Developers use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.