Microsoft Certifications Training

Microsoft certifications are in demand

With such a vast percentage of the world's systems running on Windows products, Microsoft certifications are extremely valuable for IT professionals.

Erick Eckel, an IT expert and contributor for TechRepublic, notes that many technology professionals believe vendor-specific accreditations, like those offered by Microsoft, are among the most valuable credentials a professional can earn based on application and demand. "Microsoft's technologies run the world. Market share bears that out," Eckel said in a 2010 blog post. "As a result, the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) accreditations, when earned, possess the widest base of demand."

Obtaining Microsoft certification doesn't just show potential employers and clients one's relevancy; it also proves he or she has hands-on skills that are applicable to the world's most popular platforms and technologies.

Making Microsoft's certs work

The following list of Microsoft certifications are among the most valuable and most practical available to today's tech professional:

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): According Microsoft, this certification shows skills in implementing and administrating systems infrastructures based on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. This cert is the predecessor of newer MCITP and MCTS accreditations.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Earning MCSA credentials can help an IT professional display his or her skills in administering and implementing structures based on Windows Server 2003 and previous operating systems.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): This cert shows the holder has working knowledge of Windows operating systems, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Visual Studio. This cert is widely valued in the IT realm, and frequently appears on "best of" lists.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): The MCITP credential is for tech pros with at least two years of full-time, hands-on IT experience and builds upon skills represented by the MCTS certification. Microsoft describes this cert as "fine tuning" basic skills.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST): This cert is valuable to those working in a variety of IT roles as it documents a professional's skills working with Windows desktop environments Microsoft describes this certification as valuable for help desk technicians, customer support representatives, computer support specialists, and more.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD): The MCSD certification is an advanced accreditation for professionals with a documented ability to work in Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and .NET Framework 1.1, according to Microsoft training information.

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): Microsoft states that MCPD certification "validates a comprehensive set of skills that are necessary to deploy, build, optimize, and operate applications successfully by using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework." This cert requires at least two years of IT experience.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA): MCDBA credentials are offered for IT professionals with at least one year of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server and who demonstrate an ability to manage and administrate databases.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): MOS certification is available to all users of Microsoft Office programs. Microsoft suggests information workers might benefit from this accreditation as it applies to a wide range of sectors and can boost a resume in a competitive job market.

Microsoft Certified Applications Developer (MCAD): Open to IT professionals with one or two years of experience building and maintaining applications, MCAD accreditation displays skills in Visual Studio .NET and Web services on Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT): Though this cert requires annual renewal, IT pros with this designation are authorized to provide Microsoft training.

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Widely held by college-level IT instructors and entry-level technologists, this cert demonstrates knowledge of essential technology concepts.

By earning vendor-specific certs from Microsoft, seasoned IT pros and newbies alike can demonstrate their knowledge of the world's most popular platforms.

Microsoft boot camps

Microsoft boot camps are designed for those who want to prepare for certification exams quickly. These intensive training programs feature targeted lectures and fast-paced review sessions on the key exam materials.

Microsoft boot camps span the wide variety of certifications provided by this vendor, with credentials targeting specific technologies. Boot camp topics range from .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications to Microsoft Office 2010. A few of the MCITP boot camp options are listed here:

• Enterprise Messaging Administrator 2010: Offers skills to work as a lead engineer for messaging solutions within an enterprise organization, using Microsoft Exchange Server 2010.
• Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Support Technician: Covers the Microsoft domains of knowledge for the certification exams. Two exams are required to earn the certification, and both are offered during the boot camp.
• Windows Server and Enterprise Administrator Combo: Focused on the Server 2008 Server Administrator and Enterprise Administrator certifications. Also includes preparation for the MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration certification.

Boot camp courses are jam-packed with information and often offer simulated exams for practice; they may also provide free vouchers to re-take the exams if needed. Combination boot camps can lead to time and tuition savings by merging the coursework for multiple boot camps.