Getting Certified

Getting Certified

Earning a Microsoft Certification can be the start or continuation of a life-long career path that includes strengthening your technical skills and knowledge, collaborating with other technology professionals, and increasing your job satisfaction. Whatever your path, certification helps get you recognized by employers who seek the most qualified IT professionals, developers, and business workers—leading to greater career opportunities for you.

Steps to Certification

  1. Decide which certification is right for you.
    Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications that cover a spectrum of professions within—and outside of—the IT industry. You decide which certification is appropriate and best serves your career goals.

    Business worker: If you use Microsoft Office and Windows Vista at work, or you are looking for a job opportunity that does, consider earning a Microsoft Business Certification (MBC).

    Technology practitioner: We offer a range of certifications for IT professionals and developers at all skill levels, from entry-level technologists to solution architects.

  2. Gain hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies.
    If you have one or more years of experience using Microsoft products and solutions in an IT professional or developer role, you might qualify to take an exam to obtain a basic certification.

  3. Train.
    Take advantage of a wealth of training resources that are designed to fit diverse learning styles—everything from study guides and tutorials to hands-on, instructor-led training.

  4. Know what to expect on exams.
    We provide exam preparation guides to help you learn about certifications you earn, training resources (classes, online courses, books, and Web sites), intended audience, and skills measured.

    For the business worker

    For the technology practitioner

  5. Connect with the Microsoft Learning community.
    If you are already a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you can network, find answers, and share your expertise with others in the Microsoft Learning training and certification community.

  6. Take your required exams.
    Exams for specialist, professional, and master certifications are administered by Prometric, an independent testing organization with locations worldwide. Register online or at a Prometric testing site.

    Exams for the Microsoft Business Certifications are available through Certiport.

Certifications by Job Role

What is your career focus? Explore certifications by job role.

Certifications for IT professionals

Certifications for IT professionals make up our largest group of certifications. Choose a certification that focuses on a specific technology or job role, such as building, troubleshooting, or debugging a Microsoft technology.

Certifications

Technologies

*This is a legacy certification. Some legacy certification exams are no longer available, in which case the certifications can no longer be earned. Refer to the individual certification requirements for more information.

Certifications for developers

Maximize your value by certifying your advanced technical skills for a specific developer job role.

Certifications

Technologies

* This is a legacy certification. Some legacy certification exams are no longer available, in which case the certifications can no longer be earned. Refer to the individual certification requirements for more information.

Certifications for business management (Microsoft Dynamics)

Demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics or related business management solutions.

Certifications

Technologies

  • Microsoft Dynamics AX

  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM

  • Microsoft Dynamics GP

  • Microsoft Dynamics NAV

  • Microsoft Dynamics SL

  • Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System

  • Microsoft Dynamics Point of Sale

Certifications for business workers

Certify your Microsoft Office expertise to improve your performance or stand out in a competitive job market.

Certifications

Technologies