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Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) refers to both an individual Microsoft certification and a broader professional certification program.

To be an MCP, candidates must complete any one exam within the program.

The MCP program offers multiple certifications, based on different areas of technical expertise. To attain these certifications, a candidate must pass a series of exams within the program. Popular certifications are MCP, Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) 1 .For detailed information about the requirements for each refer to Microsoft's Official Learning site.

Some employers require or prefer certain MCP certifications for specific jobs. MCP curriculum revolves around Microsoft's operating systems. Other vendors have their own certification programs such as the Sun Certified Professional program, the Red Hat Certification Program, and the Cisco Career Certifications program.

Each exam costs approximately dollar|US$" target="_blank" >*125. Exams usually take between 2 and 3 hours to complete and consist of between 50-90 multiple choice, drag and drop and solution building questions. Microsoft has recently announced a return to simulated content within exams and students are also required to perform certain common administrative tasks appropriate for the topic at hand.

Microsoft in Oct 2005, 2 announced the restructuring of it's certification by launching a three-tiered certification program, more information below.

Certification Programs

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or MCSE) is the best-known Microsoft certification. It qualifies an individual of being able to analyze the business requirements for business solutions and design and implement the infrastucture required. As of 2006, the MCSE is available for two different products, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, each requiring a different set of exams.

For the MCSE 2003, candidates must pass six Core exams design exams (Four networking exams, one client operating system and one design exam) and one elective exam, for a total of seven exams. For the MCSE 2000, a candidate needs to pass five Core Exams (Four operating system exams, one design exam) and two electives.

The topic of these exams include network security, computer network infrastructure, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL Server, and other topics of both general networking interest as well as specific Microsoft products.

Microsoft Certified Application Developer

The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) certification is the entry-level programming certification. The curriculum covers many topics related to the Microsoft .NET development platform. The requirements for this certification lead directly into the MCSD certification.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification is the highest level programming certification offered by Microsoft. To fulfill the requirements of the certification, a total of five exams (four core exams, one elective exam) must be passed. Some of the core exams are also requirements for the MCAD. Microsoft has declared that this certification will be focussed towards the needs of developers using .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1 versions. Developers using .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 are expected to consider undergoing Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certifications.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification certifies a user's knowledge in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems and is easier than, but not a subset of, the MCSE. The MCSA is achieved upon passing a predetermined set of four exams.

Whereas the MCSE is supposed to certify a person's ability to "plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures in medium- to large-sized companies", the MCSA certifies a holder's ability to "implement, manage, and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium- to large-sized companies".

Like the MCSE, the MCSA is available as "MCSA on Windows 2000" and "MCSA on Windows 2003" as of 2005. There exist two specializations for both tracks: Messaging and Security.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator

The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) credential is for database administrators, who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. The certification is appropriate for individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure SQL Server. This certification requires passing three core exams, and one elective exam. According to Microsoft, people who operate MSSQL 2005 should apply for other certifications such as the MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) or MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist), rather than the MCDBA. Complete course lasts 250 hours.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician

The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) is a lower-level credential that demonstrates a technician can competently support end users and troubleshoot desktop environments running on Microsoft Windows. MCDST candidates are required to pass two core exams. Elective exams are not required. Complete course lasts 50 hours.

Microsoft Office Specialist

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), previously named Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) is a certification for using the Microsoft Office suite of business applications.

Microsoft Certified Trainer

The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification is for individuals who intend to train users wanting to obtain any of the other certifications.

Microsoft Certification Resources

There are several courses, BootCamps, and practice tests from different vendors offering preparation material for Microsoft certification exams. Bootcamps normally provide residential program that includes food and lodging. These courses are meant for busy professionals who do not have enough time for self preparation or wish to get trained by professional trainers. Microsoft Press provides several books towards Microsoft certification exams preparation. Books are normally the first place to explore Microsoft certification options, and preparation. Apart from Microsoft Press books, there are other reputed publishers like Sybex, and others. In addition to books, Microsoft Learning also offers courses for each of the exams.

Apart from books, there are several practice tests vendors that offer pre-certification exams. These mock exams almost mimic actual exams, and normally priced much less than the actual exam. Several user forums are available for certification preparation.

Experts and past candidates recommend not only reading more than one book, but spending a good amount of time practicing the concepts on computers on a test environment. After practicing and reading, it's also recommended to take sample exams before taking the Microsoft exam.

Microsoft New Generation of Certifications

Microsoft has released a new three tiered certification hierarchy. It consist of three series and four credentials that introduce an entry level Technology Series, a Professional Series comprised of an IT Professional and Professional Developer credentials and a new top level Microsoft Certified Architect. For more information on the new certifications refer to Microsoft's New Generation of Certification Overview.

There exist three series:

- Technology Series

- Professional Series

- Architect Series

The five Microsoft Certified Professional Developer Technology Specialist certifications are:

- Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications

- Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

- Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

- Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005

- Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006

The 'Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications' certification requires that one pass the following examinations:

- Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation

- Exam 70-528: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Web-Based Client Development

The 'Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications' certification requires that one pass the following examinations:

- Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation

- Exam 70-526: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows-Based Client Development

The 'Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications' certification requires that one pass the following examinations:

- Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation

- Exam 70-529: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Distributed Application Development

The 'Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005' certification requires that one pass the following examination:

- Exam 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance

The 'Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006' certification requires that one pass the following examination:

- Exam 70-235: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using BizTalk Server 2006 (available early 2006)

The Advantages of Official Microsoft and Cisco Certification Training Courses

Lots of aspirants in design and network management channel all their efforts in order to obtain highly recognized certifications such as MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) and MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administrator). These world-recognized certifications are much desired, as they can easily make the difference between a prosperous, lucrative career in designand an average, low-rewarding job as a programmer. Most people would do anything to obtain such world-recognized certifications and they invest lots of money and time in the process, with little or no prospect of ever achieving their goals. There are thousands of scammers on the Internet who commonly lure people into buying various second-hand tutorials and self-study oriented training programs, promising great results with minimal effort. However, there are also many solid, reliable websites on the World Wide Web that provide students with elaborate, well-structured and comprehensive materials, facilitating the process of learning and guaranteeing success. Considering this fact, it is very important to distinguish between average speculants and professional websites that actually provide effective MCSE and MCSA training programs. If your time allows it, consider attending to a short classroom training course instead of using self-study oriented programs. There are websites that offer advanced MCSE and MCSA accelerated training courses, laboratories and seminaries, taught by well-trained, experienced professionals. Such classes are far superior to self-training programs, as they involve active participation, better comprehension and learning, stimulating students’ thinking and enhancing their overall skills. By participating to a 14-day official MCSE and MCSA training course, one is able to rapidly assimilate vital information regarding solution design and network management with the help of well-trained professionals. In addition, such training programs allow students to acquire a complete set of practical abilities that will help them in their future careers. Official MCSE and MCSA training programs guarantee graduates acceptance in the best companies of the world! Similar to MCSE and MCSA, CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certifications are also highly requested in present. There are various professional training centers that offer people the opportunity to participate to elaborate CCNA and CCIE training programs in exchange for a reasonable sum of money. By attending a five or six-day CCNA and CCIE training course, students can quickly familiarize themselves with latest Cisco technologies and hardware. During CCNA and CCIE training sessions , attending students receive constant support and feed-back from well-trained professionals. Such training courses are not only focused on theory; they are also aimed at forming and enhancing students’ practical skills regarding various aspects of Cisco technologies and hardware. Thousands of graduates recommend professional CCNA and CCIE training courses to people who wish to build a solid, successful career in the field.

Criticism

Microsoft received a lot of criticism at the beginning of its MCSE Certification program beacuse of its lack of hands-on experience. The MCSE for NT 4.0 was widely considered a "paper certification" that focused too much on theory. Microsoft corrected the problem in later MCSE programs for Server 2000 and Server 2003 by increasing the difficulty of tests and focusing on practical skills.

While the MCSE certifies familiarity with Microsoft products, it is not, as its name suggests, an engineering qualification. Use of the title engineer is rife within the IT certification industry and is not limited to Microsoft (for example, Red Hat Certified Engineer). Use of the term has led to some consternation amongst associations of professional engineers, and allegations that the use of the MCSE name may even be illegal in some jurisdictions where the term "engineer" is regulated by law. CCPE further warned that any other people referring to themselves as "engineers" in Canada without proper engineering qualifications are doing so illegally.

Court rulings regarding the usage of the term "engineer" have been mixed, however. For example, after complaints from the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, a court in Quebec fined Microsoft Canada $1,000 for misusing the "engineer" title by referring to MCSE graduates as "engineers" To the contrary, Alberta court dismissed the lawsuit filed by The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) against Raymond Merhej for using the title "System Engineer", claiming that "The Respondent's situation is such that it cannot be contended that the public is likely to be deceived, confused or jeopardized by his use of the term. . ." [http://www.apegga.org/Members/Publications/peggs/Web05-02/titles.htm 3 4 APEGGA also lost the appeal to this decision. ASET Technology Alberta, p.2

See also

External links

Professional certification | IT qualifications | Microsoft

MCSE | Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer | Microsoft certified professional | MOUS | Microsoft Certified Professional | மைக்ரோசாப்டினால் சான்றிதழ் அளிக்கப்பட்ட வல்லுனர்கள் | microsoft sertifikaları

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Microsoft Certified Professional".

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