Information for IT Professionals

Updated: August 5, 2008

As an IT professional, you might design, develop, support, and manage computer software, hardware, and networks. Let Microsoft Learning help you develop the skills that you need to succeed in the IT industry.

Learning portals for IT professionals

•	Windows Server 2008 – Learning Portal Get ahead of the curve and start learning about Windows Server 2008. Learn about security and policy management, server virtualization, and more. For a limited time, free training materials are available!

•	Microsoft SQL Server 2008 – Learning Portal Display your skills on a brand new technology by earning your Microsoft Certification. Get ready to be a hero on SQL Server 2008, right from the start.

•	Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Learning Portal Find out about Microsoft Learning resources that will help you master the messaging innovations of Exchange Server 2007.

•	2007 Microsoft Office System – Learning Portal Make this your one stop for learning the 2007 Office system. Find online courses, classroom courses, and Microsoft Press books that will help you improve your business skills.

•	Windows Vista – Learning Portal Find the training you need to take advantage of the enhanced security, increased manageability, and state-of-the-art deployment of Windows Vista.

Advance in your career

•	Discover the new generation of Microsoft Certifications More focused and cost-effective, the new generation of Microsoft Certifications is designed to be directly relevant to the latest technologies and your specific job role.

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Learn the six steps to certification

Deciding which certification is right for you can be a challenge. Let us guide you through the decision process. Microsoft Certifications for IT professionals include the following:

•	Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
•	Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
•	Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
•	Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
•	Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
•	Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

Special offers

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Get an extra shot at Microsoft Certification— free offer!

For a limited time, Microsoft is offering a second chance at passing any IT professional, developer, or Microsoft Dynamics certification exam. Sign up for the Second Shot offer before you take your first exam. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you will get a second chance. This offer is available for a limited time, so be sure to register now.

•	Save 35 percent on select Microsoft Press books about the 2007 Microsoft Office system Take advantage of this special pricing to acquire books that you will turn to again and again. Check this page often for new products with this special pricing. (United States only)

Learning resources for IT professionals

•	Microsoft E-Learning IT Professional Catalog Choose e-learning courses and clinics from Microsoft to get career-building skills at the pace and place that suits you.

•	New and upcoming Microsoft Press books Microsoft Press offers a comprehensive line of books for IT professionals.

IT professionals in the know

•	TechNet Trial Software Center Try a product before you buy it, or test the latest beta to see what is in store for the next release. When you register, you get timely access to resources that help you make the most of your evaluation.

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Participate in a webcast for IT professionals

Find out about upcoming and previously recorded webcasts. Topics range from Active Directory to Windows Server 2008 and a wide array of Microsoft technologies in-between.

Listen to previously recorded Live Meetings on these topics:

•	2007 Office system certifications for IT professionals and developers
•	Exchange Server 2007 certifications
•	Introducing the Windows Server 2008 certification roadmap

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