Microsoft Certified Trainer

Microsoft Certified Trainer

Become part of an elite, international community that spans more than 140 countries and regions and includes classroom and e-learning instructors, learning consultants, authors, conference presenters, and user group leaders. Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the premier technical and instructional experts on Microsoft technologies, and are the only individuals authorized to deliver training for Microsoft Certification. Learn how you can join this exclusive group of IT professionals and developers and reap the benefits of membership.

Level:

More than one year of experience, and one of the required MCP certifications or Microsoft Dynamics certifications

Audience:

IT professional and developer

Type:

Microsoft Certification

Overview

Microsoft Certified Trainers meet stringent certification requirements. They also receive many valuable benefits, including free access to the complete library of Official Microsoft Learning Products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; members-only newsgroups and online community resources; and invitations to exclusive events and programs.

MCT certification requires an annual renewal. Each April, MCTs must complete an online application, pay an annual fee, and meet a number of program requirements to renew their certification for the coming year.

Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant

The Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC) credential recognizes MCTs who have frequent consultations with their customers. Their role is more that of a technology trainer—they diagnose current and desired business performance and design learning solutions to bridge the gap.

A candidate who earns the MCLC credential has a set of skills that align with the consultative selling cycle. During the application process, candidates must submit a case study that demonstrates their qualifications in four key competencies: assessment, design, development, and evaluation.

  • Assessment: The MCLC candidate evaluates the customer's overall learning requirements, business objectives, desired results, and constraints, and conducts a skills assessment to identify specific training needs.

  • Design: Following a thorough assessment, the MCLC candidate designs a customized learning solution, which may be a blend of classroom courses, e-learning materials, and reference books.

  • Development: After the design has been accepted, the MCLC candidate develops and implements a customized solution—a process that requires both technical and training expertise.

  • Evaluation: Throughout the project and upon completion, the MCLC candidate works with the customer to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution and to calculate the return on investment (ROI).

For application details and download materials, visit the MCT member site

For information about the MCLC credential, view the MCT Program Guide

Why get certified?

Earning a Microsoft Certification validates your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today’s rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you utilize evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, becoming certified demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

Benefits

Discover tools, resources, and other benefits to help you thrive as both a technologist and an educator. The following MCT program benefits help you build, maintain, and prove your expertise on Microsoft products and technologies—and prepare for, teach, and support blended learning solutions.

MCT welcome kit

After enrolling in the MCT program or renewing your membership, you receive a welcome kit that includes the following:

  • MCT certificate: Post your credentials in your office or classroom.

  • MCT wallet card: Identify yourself as an MCT in your technical communities.

  • Microsoft Learning virtual hard disk DVDs: These DVDs contain the virtual PC images required for Microsoft Learning Products and Microsoft Dynamics courseware.

  • MCT guide for Microsoft Dynamics: Explore the benefits of becoming an MCT for Microsoft Dynamics.

  • Metrics that Matter guide: Find instructions and best practices for getting the most out of Metrics that Matter, a tool that measures customer satisfaction.

Ongoing benefits and support

As an MCT, you gain access to the MCT member Web site, which provides all the latest news and resources, including trainer readiness resources, announcements about exams and Microsoft Learning products, and MCT program logos. The member site also provides access to the following MCT benefits.

  • TechNet Plus Direct subscription: Receive free evaluation software, access to the TechNet technical library, and support. If you prefer DVDs instead of online access, you can receive a 20 percent discount on Microsoft TechNet Plus.

    Note This offer might not be available in all countries or regions.

  • MCT readiness support: Join us at our monthly Live Meetings (the Third Thursday sessions) or view recorded sessions in our MCT Readiness Library. We offer technical readiness and portfolio readiness to help you prepare for new courses in less time, while having more impact. We also offer a soft skills track that can help you fine-tune your training delivery skills.

  • OneNote trainer preparation packs: Valuable trainer preparation packs in Office OneNote format, allowing you to make notes, add content, and share your Notebook with colleagues.

  • New! Microsoft Press Book Reviewer program: Provide early feedback and reviews on Microsoft Press books (English only).

  • MCT Download Center: Receive free, comprehensive access to the entire Microsoft Learning and Microsoft Dynamics library of learning materials.

  • Microsoft Learning Courseware Library: Find additional courseware developed by the MCT community.

  • MCT newsgroups: Join exclusive private communities for peer support and networking, and communicate with the Microsoft Learning team.

  • Courseware support: Get direct Microsoft support on questions about Official Microsoft Learning Products.

  • Metrics that Matter: Track customer satisfaction.

Special offers

Recognizing how important MCTs are to customers' success, Microsoft and many other companies offer products, services, and events to MCTs free of charge or at a special price.

Note Some offers might not be available in all countries or regions. All offers are subject to change.

  • Up to 65 percent off Microsoft Certification and Microsoft Dynamics exams: Take advantage of discounts on exams while earning new MCT competencies.

  • MCT rewards: Distribute discounted certification exam vouchers to students, and earn referral points redeemable for valuable rewards.

  • Camtasia Studio and Snagit tools: With Camtasia Studio, you can easily record sound and images from your computer to create training, demo, and presentation videos. Snagit helps you capture, edit, and share exactly what you see on your computer screen. This complimentary offer is now available to MCTs.

  • Early invitations to Microsoft Certification beta exams: Be among the first to earn new certifications by taking certification exams before they are available to the public. Please note that we offer a limited number of beta exam vouchers, and they are allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.

  • Free access to Microsoft E-Learning in the Learning Catalog: Blend e-learning courses with classroom training to deliver customized learning solutions.

  • Microsoft Press Complete E-Reference Library discount: As an MCT, you can order the Complete E-Reference Library with over 600 Microsoft Press books at a 60 percent discount at US$99.99 (recommended retail price: US$249.99).

  • Microsoft Press book discount: Receive 40 percent off Microsoft Press titles. Note English language titles only.

  • E-Reference Library student discount: As an MCT, you can pass on a 25 percent discount on E-Reference Libraries to your students.

  • Special price on Visual Studio Professional with an MSDN Premium subscription: MCTs who hold an MCSD on Microsoft .NET or any MCPD certification can now save 50 percent on Microsoft Visual Studio Professional when they purchase an MSDN Premium subscription. The subscription provides continuous, priority access to the development tools and technologies needed to build a broad range of applications and Web services.

  • MCT Special Offers page: Receive free software offers, specially priced practice tests, and more.

  • Exclusive invitations to and discounts on Microsoft events: These invitations are offered periodically in connection with Tech Ed and other major Microsoft events.

  • Invitations to join beta programs for Microsoft software: Learn about new Microsoft products by getting hands-on experience with a beta version.

Requirements

Microsoft recognizes and promotes MCTs as Microsoft technical and instructional experts. Program requirements ensure that MCTs consistently satisfy customers.

For the MCT 2009 program year (from April 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010), MCTs must fulfill the following requirements.

  1. Meet MCT competency requirements for each course they deliver.

  2. Administer course evaluations to every student and maintain high customer-satisfaction scores.

  3. New MCTs must deliver at least one Microsoft course within their first year as an MCT.

At various times during the program year, Microsoft conducts audits of the MCT community to ensure compliance with program requirements.

If you have questions about the certification process or about the program requirements, contact a Microsoft Regional Service Center near you.

Acquire a valid Microsoft Certification

An MCT must hold one or more related certifications in order to teach a Microsoft Learning or Microsoft Dynamics course. The full list of courses that an MCT is certified to teach is recorded in a transcript.

Before you apply to become an MCT, you must acquire either one of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certifications or a Microsoft Dynamics certification, as shown in the following tables.

Microsoft Certified Professional certifications

Technology

Certifications

Windows Server

Windows

Microsoft Visual Studio

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft Office Project

Microsoft Office Project Server

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server

Microsoft BizTalk Server

Microsoft System Center

Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server

Microsoft Forefront

Microsoft Office Communications Server

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Official Trainer (MOT)
Note For Japan-based trainers only

Microsoft Dynamics certifications

The following certifications are the Microsoft Certified Business Management Solutions Professional paths available for Microsoft Dynamics.

Technology

Certification paths

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Microsoft Dynamics SL

Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System MCT Designation

Trainer skills for Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft is currently offering a two-day, hands-on trainer skills course that counts toward the MCT program requirement. Expand your knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics, learn different strategies on your path to becoming an MCT, develop your trainer skills, and network with peers. Course attendees have commented that the class is "energizing and informational, and helps you step out of your normal comfort zone."

Explore the benefits of becoming an MCT for Microsoft Dynamics.

  • For more information about Microsoft Dynamics or related business product certifications, send an e-mail message to mbs-cert@microsoft.com.

  • To find out how to join the MCT program, send an e-mail message to mctdyn@microsoft.com.

Demonstrate instructional presentation skills

The following requirements apply to Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) candidates in North America. If you are an MCT candidate outside of North America, you can complete any one of these options or contact your local Microsoft Regional Service Center to find out about alternative requirements for your region.

To demonstrate that you have instructional presentation skills, you must indicate on your MCT application that you have completed one of the following requirements.

Option 1. Provide evidence of your Certified Technical Trainer (CompTIA CTT+) certification from CompTIA
CompTIA CTT+ is a cross-industry certification that validates that a technical instructor has attained a standard of excellence in the training industry. CompTIA CTT+ consists of two tests: a computer-based test that is available at Prometric testing centers, and a video submission.

Option 2. Attend and pass a presentation skills course
Prove that you have passed a presentation skills course or train-the-trainer course from a CompTIA Learning Alliance provider or from one of the additional presentation skills training providers listed in the following spreadsheet.

Option 3. Prove that you are an experienced technical trainer
Provide evidence of your certified instructor credential from any one of these vendors:

  • Microsoft

  • Cisco Systems

  • Citrix

  • Novell

  • Oracle

Option 4. Prove that you are an instructor at an accredited academic institution
Provide evidence of your employment status with an accredited academic institution.

Program Guide and Agreement

Before you apply to the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) program, review the MCT Program Guide and the MCT Agreement.

MCT 2009 Program Guide
Select a language to download and review the MCT 2009 Program Guide.

MCT 2009 Program Agreement
Select a language to download and review the MCT 2009 Program Agreement.

Attention: MCT candidates who reside on the Indian subcontinent
Because the MCT program is relatively new in cities, countries, and regions on the Indian subcontinent (including Bangalore, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Calcutta, Chennai, Maldives, Mumbai, Nepal, New Delhi, and Sri Lanka), the program requirements include some exceptions for your region. Before you apply, review the India subcontinent amendment to the Program Guide:

Apply

After reviewing the MCT Program Guide and Agreement, you are ready to apply to the program.

How to apply

You can apply for the MCT 2009 program year starting March 2, 2009. The MCT online application is available from any of the following Microsoft Certification member sites.

If you are a Microsoft Office Specialist or Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist and do not have a Microsoft Certification ID, follow these instructions to apply for the MCT 2009 program year.

  1. Send an e-mail message to customerservices@certiport.com to obtain your Microsoft Certification ID.

  2. Using your new Microsoft Certification ID:

  3. Select MCT Enrollment Tool in the left-hand column. Review the MCT enrollment details in the next section before you complete your online application.

Note Some regions require that you contact your local Microsoft Regional Service Center to start the online application process. If you are a resident of any of these regions, the MCT Enrollment Tool will explain how to continue.

By using the MCT Enrollment Tool, you can do the following:

  • Review the MCT program requirements and sign the MCT Agreement. Your electronic signature validates your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of the MCT Agreement.

  • Update your profile information. The contact information that you provide will be used for MCT communications and mailings, including your MCT welcome kit.

  • Specify your employment status. If you are employed by a Learning Solutions partner, you need your employer's Learning Solutions partner ID number.

  • Select your payment method. Program fees vary depending on your country/region and employment status.

    If your Learning Solutions employer is paying your fee:

  • Specify how you have proven your instructional skills and which course you completed to meet the requirement. New candidates must mail or fax proof of meeting this requirement as part of their application.

At this point in the enrollment process, you have the opportunity to change or confirm the following information:

  • Your profile information

  • Your payment method

After you submit your application, you receive an e-mail confirmation that your application was received. New candidates must mail or fax proof of instructional skills and course attendance to complete the application. Your application will not be considered complete unless it is accompanied by appropriate documentation and any applicable fees. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Allow two weeks for processing. When your application is approved, you receive:

  • An e-mail message notifying you of the approval

  • A welcome kit

  • Access to the MCT member site

Request fee payment by a Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions employer

If you are an employee of a Learning Solutions partner, your employer can pay your MCT program fee. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Confirm that your employer has agreed to pay your fee.

  2. On the Employment Status page, select the option to have your employer pay your enrollment fee.

  3. Verify that the correct Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions program name is displayed.

  4. When you select your payment type, do not select credit card.

  5. Print your invoice and give a copy to your employer to submit with your fee payment. Your employer can pay by credit card.

15,000 reasons to become an MCT

Certification Resources