Certification Benefits

Certification Benefits

Build your expertise and advance your career. By earning a Microsoft Certification, you gain advanced, market-relevant skills that employers recognize and respect as well as opportunities to connect with a global community of other certified professionals. Additionally, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft resources and benefits, such as the MCP member Web site, career-building tools, and training. Explore the benefits of certification—and start your journey to attaining your ideal career.

"Because I'm certified, I stand out with employers. They see me as the person who is very ambitious, who loves to do what he does. And that's true. I'm that person!"

– Sven Vanoirbeek, Limburg, Belgium

Real Expertise. Real Benefits.

At Microsoft Learning, we believe in the adage, "The only thing constant is change," especially when it comes to technology. For that reason, we continually evaluate and update Microsoft Certifications to ensure that they keep up with an evolving marketplace. Earning a Microsoft Certification not only helps you stay current with the latest Microsoft products and platforms, it demonstrates your specific job-related experience and technical problem-solving skills.

"Forty-three percent of survey respondents report salary increases as a result of Microsoft Certification."

– Redmond magazine 2006 survey of Microsoft IT professionals compensation

Once you become certified, you gain access to resources available only to Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs), including:

MCP tools

Microsoft transcript and Transcript Sharing tool

Open and review your password-protected transcript anytime, and provide temporary or permanent access to employers and clients who may want to verify your credentials.

Microsoft Certification logo and Logo Builder tool

Easily create custom logos that draw attention to your expertise and mastery of Microsoft technologies and add them to your resume, business cards, or e-mail signature. Pick your format and download logos on-demand for your own logo library.

Certificate Manager

Create, download, print, and store customized certificates.

MCPeStore

Shop online for official Microsoft Certification-branded merchandise.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, Microsoft Certification can help you achieve your goals. Gain a sense of accomplishment while you demonstrate to your customers, employers, and peers your commitment to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges.

"More than 40 percent of survey respondents report that Microsoft Certification was a factor in improving their ability to find or keep a job or get a promotion."

– Redmond magazine 2006 survey of Microsoft IT professionals' compensation

"Certification opened the door to career advances that I would have normally overlooked. It is a good way to distinguish your abilities in a saturated tech market."

– Aaron Tiensivu, Michigan, United States

Microsoft Certification not only helps you get hired and promoted, it provides access to resources that can help you excel on the job throughout your career.

MCP resources

MCP Career Center

Market your technical talents to employers looking for certified professionals in the MCP Career Center, powered by CareerBuilder.com. Post your resume, search for job openings, and sign up for personalized job alerts.

Microsoft Certification Planner

Track your progress toward achieving a specific certification. Synchronized with your personal transcript, Certification Planner helps you evaluate your options and select the shortest path to achieving your next certification.

Subscriptions, products and services

Enjoy special offers and ongoing savings on IT magazines, online resources, and certification-related publications, along with exclusive savings on training, exams, and technical products and services from Microsoft and select affiliated companies.

College credit

Excelsior College, a private, independent institution tailored to working adults, offers college credit when you pass various Microsoft Certification exams.

As a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you can network and collaborate with certified professionals from around the world. Participate in Microsoft-sponsored events and local users groups, and use the private, MCP member Web site to find technical help, certification tips, and career resources.

MCP benefits

MCP member site

This password-protected Web site provides access to members-only benefits, such as transcripts, logos, and special offers.

Private and public newsgroups

Share knowledge with Microsoft Learning team members and other certified professionals worldwide through exclusive newsgroups. Use the newsgroups to network, find peer support, and share your accomplishments.

Conferences, training, and events

Take advantage of special networking and career-development opportunities, such as the Influencer Party at Tech·Ed, Live Meetings led by elite Microsoft Certified Masters and Microsoft Certified Architects, and invitations to take beta exams.

MCP Flash newsletter

After you pass your first exam, you will automatically receive the MCP Flash, a monthly e-newsletter that announces program updates; training, exam, and credential availability and retirements; and special offers for MCPs.

Post your resume. Search for jobs. Find certified professionals.

If you are a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you can search for jobs and post your resume by using the MCP Career Center. Powered by CareerBuilder.com, the MCP Career Center helps you effectively manage your career and market your skills to thousands of employers nationwide who recognize the value of Microsoft Certification.

If you are an employer, visit the MCP Career Center to post job openings, find qualified professionals, and learn how Microsoft Certifications can help your company.

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