What are the Different Types of Microsoft Certification?

By demonstrating competence in a technical subject or application, Microsoft® certification can help you advance your career. Desktop Support, Technology, Professional, Master, and Architect are the different types of certifications available. Each category has a number of subcategories, each of which requires applicants to pass a test. Microsoft® Certification not only gives you credentials to add to your resume, but it also gives you access to information and resources that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Microsoft® Desktop Support certification verifies proficiency in Microsoft® Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. This certification is useful for office workers who use basic office software on a daily basis. Microsoft® Office Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft® Certified Application Professional (MCAP) certifications are available (MCAP). Microsoft® Office 2000, XP, and 2003 are covered by the Microsoft® Office Specialist certification. Microsoft® Office 2007 and Windows Vista are covered by the Microsoft® Certified Application Professional certification.

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) technical certification is available in more than 30 areas through the Technology Series. .NET Framework, SQL Server, Windows Server, and SharePoint services are just a few examples. Information technology professionals who configure, troubleshoot, and maintain systems should pursue these certifications. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in addition to passing the certification exam.

Microsoft® Professional Series certifications are divided into two categories: Microsoft® Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft® Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) (MCPD). The MCITP credential verifies your ability to work with Microsoft® technologies. The MCPD credential validates a developer’s ability to work with Visual Studio and the.NET Framework. Technology specialist certification is required in addition to passing the certification exam.

Microsoft® Certified Master (MCM) certification is for IT industry experts who have completed specialized training with Microsoft® professional staff. In both labs and lecture classes, relevant scenarios are used for work. Students take three tests and one comprehensive exam over the course of three weeks of training. This is a certification for top-tier designers and solution specialists. Exchange Server, Windows Server, SQL Server, Office SharePoint Server, and Office Communications Server are the specific areas.

The highest level of certification available is Microsoft® Certified Architect (MCA). Many years of experience, MCM certification, and a review board interview are all required. MCA candidates must demonstrate expert competency in a variety of technical areas. Candidates have the option of choosing between the Technology Program and the Infrastructure Program.