Microsoft Certifications are broadly grouped in series that map to job roles. If you are new to technology, you might want to start by exploring our specialist certifications. Seasoned IT professionals and developers should consider advanced Professional or Master series certifications.
Specialist Series
The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) series credential demonstrates in-depth knowledge of a key Microsoft product or technology, validating your ability to implement, build, troubleshoot, and debug a particular Microsoft technology, such as Windows Server, Microsoft .NET Framework, or Microsoft SQL Server. Choose from more than 30 certifications, with more being added as new technologies are introduced.
Earning an MCTS certification typically requires that you successfully pass one to three exams and have at least one year of relevant experience.
Professional Series
The Professional Series credential validates a comprehensive set of job-related skills, such as project management, system design, operations management, and planning. Demonstrate your focus on a single job role, thereby providing a reliable indicator of on-the-job performance. Typically, a Professional Series certification requires that you pass one to three exams and have one or more technology certifications.
Choose from two Professional Series certifications, which are based on job roles:
Master Series
Earning a Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) certification shows that you can successfully design and implement solutions that solve highly complex business challenges. The courses are taught by experts from Microsoft and Microsoft partner organizations that offer exclusive, advanced technical training.
MCM certifications involve expert-level classroom training, labs that incorporate real-world customer scenarios, and both computer- and lab-based exams. Choose from certifications that focus on specific technologies, such as Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Windows Server 2008 – Directory, and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.
Architect Series
A Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is considered an industry expert in IT architecture, with five or more years of advanced experience and proven technical expertise and leadership. To obtain the MCA credential, you must demonstrate competencies of business acumen and technology proficiency during a Review Board interview with a panel of industry experts. Three certification tracks are available:
