Learn about the benefits of the Microsoft Certification Program. Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding program benefits, member site access, and Windows Live ID.
View all answers
Q. What are the benefits of achieving a Microsoft Certification?
A.
Microsoft Certification enables you to keep your skills relevant, applicable, and competitive. In addition, Microsoft Certification is an industry standard that is recognized worldwide—which helps open doors to potential job opportunities. After you earn your Microsoft Certification, you have access to a multitude of benefits, which can be found on the MCP, MCT, or MOS member site.
Q. What benefits will I find on the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site and who has access?
Individuals who have earned technical certifications have access to the MCP member site.
On the site, you will find:
A downloadable version of your certificate (a printed copy can be ordered)
Your official Microsoft Certification transcript, access to the transcript-sharing tool, and access to the ITCC site, where you can create an industry-wide transcript
A tool to create and download custom certification logos
Additional information and offers for MCPs
Your contact preferences and profile
The MCP eStore
The Certification Planner
A list of archived MCP Flash newsletters
The Microsoft Certified Trainer enrollment tool
News and campaigns
Virtual business cards
MCP customizable wallet cards
Q. What will I find on the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site and who has access?
Individuals who have earned Microsoft Office certifications (for example, certifications on Microsoft Office Excel and Microsoft Office PowerPoint) have access to the MOS member site.
Q. What will I find on the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site and who has access?
Individuals who have earned a Microsoft Certified Trainer certification have access to the MCT member site. On the site, you will find:
A list of archived MCT Flash newsletters
Customizable wallet cards
Courseware Library website
The MCT Download Center
MCT and Educator Readiness website
Access to the MCT community website
Q. Does Microsoft still ship welcome kits?
New members of the community are welcomed with an email message containing their Microsoft Certification ID (MC ID)—the key to all of the benefits on the MCP, MCT, or MOS member sites. You gain access to the member sites after you earn a Microsoft Certification and follow the steps outlined in the welcome email message. On the MCP and MCT member sites, the Certificate Manager tool allows you to download, print, or order your certificate as soon as your new certification appears on your transcript. On the MOS member site, this option is currently not available. MOS community members can go directly to the Certiport site for this functionality. To accommodate customer preferences and an environmentally conscious world, we no longer mail out welcome kits.
Sign in to the Certiport site (Certiport.com)
Q. What is a Charter certificate?
Charter Members are the pioneering group of individuals who achieve a certification within six months following the retail release date of the certification. (People who pass the beta exams will receive the Charter certificate after the certification is commercially released.) Charter Members are recognized by receiving the Charter version of the certificate acknowledging their early adoption of the certification. The Charter version of the certificate has the word "Charter" imprinted across the top. If you have any of the following certifications, you are eligible for the Charter certificate: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD).
Q. How much time do I have to order my Charter certificate?
You can digitally download or order your Charter certificate at any point after it is earned.
Q. When does the Charter certificate period start for localized exams?
The six-month "clock"’ start time is based on the earliest time the certification can be earned, which is typically based on English language exam availability. For example, if an exam is available in German two months after the English version is available, the German candidate has only four more months to earn a Charter certificate.
Q. I have heard that United States veterans receive reimbursement for Microsoft Certification exams. What is the benefit?
United States veterans who take Microsoft Certification exams can use their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees. If you are eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32), and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits, you can receive reimbursement for exam fees of up to US$2,000 per exam.
Q. How do I qualify for access to the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site?
The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site is open only to skilled IT professionals and developers who hold a technical Microsoft Certification. The Microsoft Certified Trainer member site is open only to those individuals who have earned an MCT certification. The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site is open only to those individuals who hold a Microsoft Office certification on products such as Microsoft Office Excel and Office Word.
Q. How do I access the Microsoft Certification member sites the first time?
After you pass your first Microsoft Certification exam, you will receive an email message outlining the steps needed to gain access to the member sites. Please check your junk folder to ensure that the automatic email message is not blocked by your spam filter. Here are the instructions you will receive in the email message.
Sign in to the MCP, MCT, or MOS member site within 90 days (from the day you receive the email message). Both your Microsoft Certification ID (MC ID) and temporary access code will be supplied in the email message.
Enter your Windows Live ID, MC ID (sent to you in the email message), and temporary access code (also in the email message).
First-time users will need to merge their MC ID and Windows Live ID—this is a one-time event.
After registering, you must wait 24 hours before accessing the services. If you are already registered with the site or if 24 hours have passed since you completed registration, sign in to your member site by using your Windows Live ID.
You can use one name and password to sign in to all Windows Live ID sites.
Q. I do not know my Microsoft Certification ID (formerly MCP ID). What should I do?
If you do not know your MC ID, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Q. Why did the Microsoft Certified Professional ID (MCP ID) name change to Microsoft Certification ID (MC ID)?
Given the many ways that the certification ID name is used across our various web properties, communications, and/or vendor-owned sites, it was necessary for us to move to a more generic naming convention that allows for more flexibility in how we use the umbrella term. This change does not impact candidates in any way, and there are no additional steps you need to take in order for this change to occur.
Q. What is an access code for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site?
An access code is a unique code that allows first-time access to the Microsoft Certification member sites. After you use the access code to sign in to the member sites for the first time, the code can no longer be used.
Q. My access code to the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site has expired. What should I do?
Microsoft takes the security of your information very seriously. Therefore, the access code is only active for 90 days from the date you receive the email message that includes your code. If you misplace your code or it has retired, you can request a new code online.
Q. I do not know my access code. What should I do?
If you do not know your access code for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Q. I have followed the instructions and have read this FAQ, and I am still having problems gaining access to the Microsoft Certification member sites. How can I get help?
Call the Microsoft Regional Service Center in your area.
Q. What is the URL for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site, Microsoft Certified Trainer member site, or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site?
The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site can be accessed only by individuals who have passed a technical certification, the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site can only be accessed by certified trainers, and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site can only be accessed by Microsoft Office Specialists.
Q. I am able to access the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site, the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site, or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site for the first time, but my data does not appear to be up to date.
After you register, you must wait 24 hours before accessing your program benefits.
Q. I am a returning user and cannot access the MCP member site, the MCT member site, or the MOS member site. How do I gain access?
If you cannot remember the Windows Live ID associated with your account, or you have other difficulty accessing the member sites, contact the Microsoft Regional Service Center in your area.
Note If you have a Hotmail account, MSN email account, or Microsoft Passport, it is your Windows Live ID.
Q. I saved the URL to my Microsoft Certification Program benefits in my Favorites, but when I navigate there I am redirected to a sign-in page, not the page I am trying to access.
Because online benefits are available only to eligible Microsoft Certification Program members, you must enter your Windows Live ID credentials to access your online benefits. After your account is authenticated, you will be redirected to the page you are trying to access.
Q. Why is my name on the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site, the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site, or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site different from what it is in my Microsoft Personal Profile?
For the MCP, MCT, and MOS sites, you are required to use your legal name. The Microsoft Personal Profile does not require that you use your legal name.
Q. How do I update my legal name?
To update your legal name, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center.
Q. How do I update the information in my Microsoft Personal Profile?
You can update your Microsoft Personal Profile in the Profile Center.
To change the name that is associated with your Microsoft Certification ID (formerly, MCP ID), contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center.
To update your information with your exam delivery provider, contact Prometric.
Find out how to update your information with your exam delivery provider (Prometric.com)
Q. I do not see my Microsoft Certification ID (formerly MCP ID) in my Microsoft Personal Profile. Where is it?
A Microsoft Certification ID is not displayed in your Microsoft Personal Profile. You can find your Microsoft Certification ID on your transcript or on the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site. To view your transcript:
Q. I updated my email address at the Profile Center, but it was not changed on my Microsoft Certification transcript. What is wrong?
It can take up to 48 hours for changes in your profile to appear on your Microsoft Certification transcript. Check your transcript later to verify that your email address has been updated.
Q. I entered an email address in my Microsoft Personal Profile, but the email field is still blank. What happened?
After you update your Personal Profile, a message is sent to the email address noted in your profile. For the changes to be saved, you must follow the instructions in the email message to confirm the update. Otherwise, the email address in your profile will be removed because it has not been confirmed.
Q. Why am I asked to sign in again to access the Certificate Download tool when I am already signed in to the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site?
For security purposes, you are required to verify your credentials again before using the tool.
Q. How do I use the Microsoft Certification logos, and what are my rights and responsibilities when I use them?
Candidates who successfully complete the Microsoft Certification requirements and review the Microsoft Certification Program and Logo Agreement can use the Microsoft Certification logos as graphic symbols to demonstrate to clients their expertise with Microsoft products. Follow the MCP logo guidelines to correctly promote your relationship with Microsoft and to protect the integrity of the logos. You must sign in to the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site in order to access these guidelines.
Q. How can I download electronic files of Microsoft Certification logos?
Logos are available for download from the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site.To download your logos:
Q. Why am I asked to sign in again to access the Logo Manager tool when I am already signed in to the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site, the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site, or the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site?
For security purposes, you are required to verify your credentials again before accessing the tool.
Q. I passed a test a week ago, and I want to print my logo, but I cannot select it for printing.
The test that you passed might not qualify you to print that specific logo. If you believe this is an error, contact the Microsoft Regional Service Center.
Q. How do I report misuse of a Microsoft Certification logo?
Contact the Microsoft Regional Service Center.
Q. Can I get a hard copy of the logo?
No. Because most of our customers prefer digital logos—available for download from the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site, or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site—we no longer provide hard copies of the logo.
Q. How can I purchase clothing and other merchandise with Microsoft Certification logos?
You can purchase merchandise with specific Microsoft Certification logos at the online MCP eStore, where you can find items for both the technical and Office MCPs. You can also request customization of your items for an extra charge. Please see instructions on the MCP eStore site for how to order custom materials.
On This Page
Q. What is Windows Live ID?
Windows Live ID (formerly Passport Network) enables you to simply use your email address and password to sign in. After you create your Windows Live ID, you can access all Windows Live ID sites and services. If you already have an MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, or Passport account, it is your Windows Live ID.
Q. How does Windows Live ID work?
When you create a Windows Live ID, you enter an email address and password; this provides you with easy, convenient access to all Windows Live ID sites and services.
Q. If I do not have a Windows Live ID, do I need to set one up today?
Yes. You can sign up for a Windows Live ID now. You will not be able to enter the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site, the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) member site, or the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site without one.
Q. If I already have a Windows Live ID, can I use it to access the MCP, the MOS, and the MCT member sites?
Yes.
Q. I do not remember the Windows Live ID I used to access the MCP, the MOS, or the MCT member site. What should I do?
If you cannot remember the Windows Live ID that you used to access the MCP, the MOS, or the MCT member site, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Q. How does Windows Live ID help protect my privacy?
Microsoft recognizes that your privacy and the protection of your personal information are important to you. Windows Live does not sell or rent your personal information to third parties, except as is described in the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement. Windows Live uses your personal information for the operation and maintenance of your Windows Live ID and to help you share information with the Windows Live ID sites and services that you sign in to, according to your stated sharing preferences.
Q. Will my Windows Live ID expire?
If your Windows Live ID is unused for one year, your Windows Live ID may expire, and you may need to reestablish a Windows Live ID.
Q. I have a Microsoft MSN Hotmail account. Is that the same as a Windows Live ID?
If you have an MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, or Passport account, it is your Windows Live ID. You can use your email address and password from any of these services to access any Windows Live ID site or service.
Q. What is the Microsoft Profile Center?
The Microsoft Profile Center is a central location for managing your personal information, subscribing to e-newsletters, and choosing your marketing contact preferences for Microsoft and our trusted partners.
Q. How do I access the Microsoft Profile Center?
The Manage Your Profile link at the bottom of most Microsoft.com Web pages takes you to the Microsoft Profile Center. Here are two ways the Manage Your Profile links are displayed on Microsoft Web pages:
Q. What should I regularly update in my profile?
To receive e-newsletters that contain Microsoft product announcements, upcoming events, mandatory service communications, and other correspondence about Microsoft technologies, you must keep your contact information and preferences up-to-date.
Update the following information to ensure that you receive communications from Microsoft:
Your contact preferences: Specify whether you want to receive promotional information about Microsoft products, services, and events.
Your personal information: View, add, or edit your personal contact information, such as email address, business or personal address, and phone numbers.
Your business information: View, add, or edit information about your job and your organization so that we can personalize content and recommend materials that match your job, organization, or industry.
Your technology preferences: View, add, or edit information about your technology interests so that we can personalize content and recommend materials that match your interests.
Q. What if I do not want to receive email messages from Microsoft?
You are under no obligation to receive email messages from Microsoft. However, if you indicate that you do not want to receive communications from Microsoft through email, you cannot receive e-newsletters, such as the MCP Flash and MCT Flash. These communications provide up-to-date information on changes in training and certification resources, such as discontinued exams, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) benefits, and special offers.
Q. How do I ensure that I receive communications by email?
Visit the Microsoft Profile Center to indicate that you want to receive email messages from Microsoft.
Click My Contact Preferences, located on either the Profile Center home page or on the left-hand side of the page. Select E-Mail Address, and then click Save.
Note You can always unsubscribe from selected e-newsletters. However, if you do not select the E-Mail Address option, Microsoft cannot send you any information by email, including product notifications and news.
Sign-up for e-newsletters: Select Manage Subscriptions on the left-hand side of the page. Check all of the subscriptions that you want to receive, and then click Subscribe. You can also unsubscribe from publications.
Q. Where can I find my transcript or see which exams I have passed?
Access your transcript by following these steps:
Under the section called Transcript, click on the link called View, or download your Microsoft transcript.
Q. How do I give my employer or others access to my transcript via a secure connection that they can trust?
Microsoft offers a tool called Transcript Sharing, which can be accessed from the home page of the member sites. Under the section called Transcript, click the link called Share your Microsoft Transcript. You will be asked to create an Access Code (which can be changed at any time) and given a Transcript ID. You will then provide these two codes to your selected audience, along with the following URL:
https://mcp.microsoft.com/authenticate/validatemcp.aspx
Q. I have certifications from multiple providers; can I combine all my credentials into one transcript?
Microsoft has worked with the IT Certification Council, along with other industry certification providers, to provide MCPs with the opportunity to create one transcript across providers. Under the Transcript section of the home page of the member site, click on Create a multi-vendor transcript. You will then be asked to provide your transcript sharing codes.
Q. What if I cannot print or access my transcript?
If you cannot print or access your transcript, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center.
To ensure a prompt response:
Use the email address associated with your Microsoft Certification ID (MC ID), if possible.
Have your Microsoft Certification ID number available.
If you do not know your Microsoft Certification ID, have other information available, such as your address, telephone number, exam numbers, and completion dates.
Q. I viewed my transcript but it is missing data. Why don't I see all my data?
It can take up to two weeks for Microsoft to receive and process your exam records. If it has been more than two weeks since you took your exam, and the results still do not appear on your transcript, or if you notice any other problems, contact the Regional Service Center nearest you. Please note: If you do not enter your MC ID (if you already have one) during the exam registration process, a new MC ID will be created for you. This will lead to multiple records for you in our system, and consequently, your transcript will only show a part of your history with Microsoft. You will need to contact the Regional Service Center in order to have your records merged under one MC ID in order for your transcript to show your entire certification history.
External certifications (such as CompTIA) appear under "Microsoft Certification Exams Completed Successfully" on your transcript, but third-party exam credits do not appear on your transcript. Your transcript does not show any exam waivers you might have received for certifications from other companies. You are still credited for these external certifications within the certification system.
