MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft certifications recognize your expert abilities in regards to Microsoft technologies and products. The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) designation is a symbol of the knowledge and skills you have acquired through experience and training. This certification sets you apart as a technical expert who has the knowledge to successfully and efficiently implement the appropriate Microsoft solutions.

Notable benefits of obtaining a Microsoft certification include:

• Career Opportunities
  By verifying your expertise with Microsoft technologies and products, having a Microsoft certification identifies you as a technical specialist expert who has the knowledge to successfully and efficiently implement the appropriate Microsoft solutions.
  
• Validation of Knowledge and Skills:
  Your MCP certification acts as a credential that validates the knowledge and skills you have gained through experience. This certification will be recognized not only by your peers and employer, but by the entire IT industry.
  
• A Firm Foundation of Skills:
  The intensive nature of the certification exam demands rigorous attention to all aspects of the technology or product that you are studying. Exam development and revisions include exhaustive job-task analysis and extensive review by both external and in-house technology experts to ensure the accuracy and technological relevance of every certification.

Your desired career path or current position will have great bearing on the certification you decide on. Remember that the elective exams that are a part of every certification allow you to emphasize skills or areas of interest that are important to you. For example, during your training for an MCDBA certification, you could take an elective in Visual Basic if your current job in Database Administration requires you to be proficient in software development as well.

There are a number of different job titles associated with various Microsoft certifications:

Software Application Developer
The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) encompasses the entire application lifecycle all the way from development implementation to maintenance. If software analysis and design is what interests you, then the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) may be the best path. An MCSD certification shows that an individual has much deeper knowledge and understanding of the application lifecycle. Emphasis ranges from analysis through design, development, testing and maintenance.

Systems Engineer
The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is the industry standard, and a basic requirement that gives you the skills needed for everything from the design of infrastructures, system implementation, and business requirement analysis. The MCSA is one step down from the MCSE and focuses on troubleshooting and managing system environments.

Business Analyst
A Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) master certification in tandem with a MCSD or MCP certification is a very useful qualification for computer industry business analysts. The MOUS certification holder will have mastery of Microsoft Office products. When you are considering additional certifications, be certain to choose a path or exam that can be applied to any other certification tracks you may decide to take in the future. The MCSD is one of the most desired certifications as it covers the whole application lifecycle in depth.

Systems Analyst
The Systems Analyst performs a number of the same roles as the business analyst and a MCSD or Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) certification may be needed. Once again, the MCSD is one of the most desired certifications as it covers the whole application lifecycle in depth.

Software Engineer
A MCSD certification is a must have for software engineers. Holding an MCSD designates you as an expert on every aspect or phase of the application lifecycle. The MCSD holder has an intimate knowledge of application design and development using Microsoft based development tools and technologies. In addition, obtaining an MCSE will give you the knowledge to do proper infrastructure analysis, design, and implementation. Both of these certification tracks will serve to enhance your career and salary possibilities.

Database Analyst/Administrator
The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification is the obvious and most beneficial choice for any person looking for a career managing or implementing Microsoft SQL server based databases. It is also a very useful tool for Web Application Developers and Internet Developers.

Technical Consultant
There are numerous certifications available for the technical consultant depending on your career path and interests. The MCP certification establishes a foundation to build on. An MCSD teaches you how to use Microsoft tools to design and develop. The MCSE covers infrastructure analysis, design, and implementation. The MCSA is similar to the MCSE but focuses only on system management and troubleshooting.

Network Administrator
Any network administrator who uses MS Windows or MS Backoffice applications will make very good use of the MCSE certification. The MCSE gives you the extra skill and know how required for proper analysis, design, and implementations of network infrastructure.

Trainer
Trainers should consider obtaining either the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification or MOUS Master Instructor Certificates. In addition to your trainer certification, you will be required to obtain one or more of the MCDBA, MCSE, or MCSD certifications. You will also be required to take CE credits (Continuing Education) and perform no less than ten hours of Microsoft certified training annually.

Persons obtaining MOUS Master Instructor certification must also hold the MOUS Master Level certification and have proof or Microsoft approved instructional experience.

Office Manager, Executive Assistant, Technical Writer
Anyone who uses Microsoft Office products on a regular basis will find the MOUS certification beneficial to their job performance. The MOUS certification is available as Core, Expert, and Master levels. Many people will become certified initially at the Core level and re-certify as proficiency increases. MCP certification is often taken in tandem with the MOUS program.