Microsoft

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MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (MCP)

Description

Individuals with expertise in a particular Microsoft® product can pursue the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential. MCPs have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least one Microsoft product. The MCP credential provides a helpful first step on the way to other Microsoft technical certifications.

Audience

The MCP credential is for individuals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product or technology as part of a business solution in an organization.

Prerequisites

Hands-on experience with the product is necessary to successfully achieve certification.

Acquired Skills

You will be certified in the use of a particular Microsoft product or technology.

Requirements

MCP candidates are required to pass one current Microsoft certification exam that provides a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise (a current exam is any that has not been retired). MCP exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. Exam 70-058: Networking Essentials is an exception to the one exam requirement. Passing this exam alone will not certify an individual as an MCP.

The new generation of Microsoft certifications was created to meet more cost effective and more targeted to enable IT professionals to work toward certification that truly meets their needs.  Microsoft's new certifications are more specific to directly relate to the latest technology and your specific job role.

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The new Generation of Certification introduces three series of credentials:

Technology Specialist (MCTS):  This series validates core technology and product skills, such as how-to or implementation skills.

SQL Server 2005
.NET Framework 2.0

IT Professional and Professional Developer (MCITP and MCPD): This series validates specific job-role skills outside of core technology, such as operational processes and procedures and analyzing business problems.

Database Developer 
Database Administrator 
Business Intelligence Developer 
Web Developer 
Windows Developer 
Enterprise Applications Developer 

Architect (MCA): This series validates the skills that are required to successfully affect business IT. These skills include technical breadth, technical depth, communication, strategy, organizational politics, process, and leadership.

Architect Series: The Microsoft Certified Architect program allows companies to easily identify experienced, trusted, IT architects that have completed a rigorous industry-driven peer validation process

Professional Series: Professional credentials validate a comprehensive and current set of skills required to be successful in the job, providing a reliable indicator of performance 

Technology Series: Technology Specialist certifications let you target specific Microsoft technologies and gain in-depth skills for working with those technologies

Certification Benefits
Increased opportunities on the job: Certification can bring salary and bonus increases, as well as increased project involvement and promotion  Increased wealth of knowledge: Certification is a springboard for learning new technologies in a structured and comprehensive way  Increased value to the organization: According to Microsoft, "Organizations with 25 percent or more of their staff certified have been shown to deploy projects on time and within budget more often, rely less on external support, have less downtime, and have higher user satisfaction with their IT staff."