Microsoft Certified Professional
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Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) refers to the broad certification program for Microsoft, although in previous generations it also referred to an individual candidate who had completed any one exam within the program (subject to some exclusions). The MCP program offers multiple certifications, based on different areas of technical expertise. To attain these certifications, a candidate must pass a series of exams within the program. The current certifications are Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA). Popular previous generation certifications include Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA).[1] Some employers require or prefer certain MCP certifications for specific jobs that involve Microsoft products and technologies. Other vendors have their own certification programs such as the Sun Certified Professional program, the Red Hat Certification Program, the Oracle Certification Program, the Cisco Career Certifications program, the Ubuntu Certified Professional program and the Apple Certification Program. In the developed world, each exam costs approximately US$125. Exams usually take between 2 and 3 hours to complete and consist of between 45 and 90 multiple choice, drag and drop, solution building questions and simulated content within exams where students are required to perform certain common administrative tasks appropriate for the topic at hand. Current Generation of CertificationsMicrosoft has released a new three-tiered certification hierarchy. It consists of three series and four credentials that introduce an entry-level Technology Series, a Professional Series comprised of an IT Professional and Professional Developer credentials and a new top-level Microsoft Certified Architect. There exist three series: Technology Specialist Series (MCTS)The Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies, and are generally the first step toward the Professional Level certifications. There are currently 20 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications which can be roughly grouped into the following specialisations:
Office SpecializationsTechnology Specialist: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/project2007/pm/) Technology Specialist: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/projectserver2007/pm/) Technology Specialist: Forefront Client and Server, ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Technology Specialist: Office SharePoint Server 2007, ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/spserver/config/) Technology Specialist: Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application DevelopmentThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/spserver/appdev/) .NET Framework SpecializationsTechnology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web ApplicationsThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/webapps/) Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows ApplicationsThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/winapps/) Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed ApplicationsThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/distapps/) SQL Server SpecializationsTechnology Specialist: SQL Server 2005This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/) Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 Business IntelligenceThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/bi/) Business Intelligence SpecializationsTechnology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/biztalk/) Technology Specialist: Live Communications Server 2005This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/livecomm/) Technology Specialist: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/exchangeconfig/) Windows SpecializationsTechnology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0 ApplicationsThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/mobility/) Technology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and ManagingThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/mobility/implement/) Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Application DevelopmentThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/spservices/appdev/) Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/spservices/config/) Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration, and ManagementThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/win2003/config/) Technology Specialist: Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and MaintainingThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/vistaoffice/) Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/vistaconfig/) Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-640.mspx) Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-642.mspx) Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure ConfigurationThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-643.mspx) Professional SeriesMicrosoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)These certifications are designed for .NET software developers and are based around .NET 2.0, Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005. Professional Developer: Web DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Professional Developer: Windows DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Professional Developer: Enterprise Applications DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)These certifications are designed for IT professionals including administrators and support personnel in addition to database specialists (both administrators and developers) IT Professional: Business Intelligence DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
IT Professional: Consumer Support TechnicianThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
IT Professional: Database DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
IT Professional: Database AdministratorThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
IT Professional: Enterprise Messaging AdministratorThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
IT Professional: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
IT Professional: Enterprise Support TechnicianThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Architect SeriesMicrosoft Certified Architect (or MCA) identify top industry experts in IT architecture. Microsoft Certified Architects have proven experience with delivering solutions and can communicate effectively with business, architecture, and technology professionals. These professionals have three or more years of advanced IT architecture experience; possess strong technical and leadership skills; and form a tight-knit, supportive community. The Architect Series is completely different from the Technology Specialist and Professional series, comprised of a five-week training session, at a cost of $25,000. Candidates are paired with an existing Microsoft Certified Architect for the duration of the program who mentor and provide guidance to complete a series of tasks. At the conclusion the candidate must submit an extensive report and pass a rigorous Review Board interview conducted by a panel of experts. The Architect Series is very similar to other industry professional certification programs, such as the Certified Practising Engineer (CPEng) offered by Engineers Australia There are two primary tracks in the Architect Program: Technology-based ArchitectureThe Microsoft Certified Architect technology-based certifications are for individuals who hold the highest level of professional certification on the Microsoft product platforms. There are two MCA Certifications in the Technology-based Architecture track:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/architect/technology/) Broad ArchitectureThis track is designed for professionals that use a variety of Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies to deliver customer solutions. Again there are two primary tracks:
Previous Generation Certification ProgramsMicrosoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or MCSE) [2] is the best-known and premiere Microsoft certification. It qualifies an individual as being able to analyze the business requirements for information systems solutions, and design and implement the infrastructure required. As of 2007, the MCSE is available for two different product lines; Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, each of which requires a different set of exams. For the MCSE 2003, candidates must pass six core design exams (Four networking exams, one client operating system and one design exam) and one elective exam, for a total of seven exams. For the MCSE 2000, a candidate needs to pass five Core Exams (Four operating system exams, one design exam) and two electives. For the MCSE NT 4.0 (which is no longer available to earn, though it is still recognized as a valid certification), a candidate needed to pass four Core Exams (Networking Essentials, Windows NT Workstation, Windows NT Server and Windows NT Server in the Enterprise) and two electives. The topic of these exams include network security, computer networking infrastructure, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, and other topics of both general networking interest as well as specific Microsoft products. Windows Server 2008 Certifications Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) [3] certification is the mid level programming certification offered by Microsoft, leading to the MCSD. To fulfill the requirements of the certification, a total of three exams (two core exams, one elective exam) must be passed. Microsoft has declared that this certification will be focused towards the needs of developers using .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1 versions. Developers using .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 are expected to consider undergoing Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification. Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) [4] certification is the highest level programming certification offered by Microsoft. To fulfill the requirements of the certification, a total of five exams (four core exams, one elective exam) must be passed. Some of the core exams are also requirements for the MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer). Microsoft has declared that this certification will be focused towards the needs of developers using .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1 versions. Developers using .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 are expected to consider undergoing Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) [5] certification certifies a user's knowledge in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems and is generally simpler than, but not a subset of, the MCSE. The Windows Server 2003 MCSA is achieved upon passing 2 networking system exams, a client operating system exam, and an elective exam. The Windows Server 2000 MCSA title is granted after taking 3 core exams and one elective. Although the MCSA is not a subset of the MCSE, it is possible to gain an MCSA on the way to an MCSE without doing any exams that are extraneous to the MCSE. Whereas the MCSE is supposed to certify a person's ability to "plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures in medium- to large-sized companies", the MCSA certifies a holder's ability to "implement, manage, and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium- to large-sized companies". Like the MCSE, the MCSA is available as "MCSA on Windows 2000" and "MCSA on Windows 2003" as of 2005. There exist two specializations for both tracks: Messaging and Security. As an alternative to the electives on the MCSA electives table, certifications or certification combinations may substitute for an MCSA elective. For example, CompTIA A+ and Network+ together or CompTIA A+ and Server+ together can be credited and substituted for an elective through a Microsoft and CompTIA partnership agreement. One may also substitute Security+ alone which counts for the elective and one of two exams for the "Security Specialization." Security+ counts for MCSA 2003 and MCSE 2003. This is just one cost effective way to earning an MCSA if candidates are already certified in other areas. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) [6] credential is for database administrators, who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. The certification is appropriate for individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure SQL Server. This certification requires passing three core exams, and one elective exam. According to Microsoft, people who operate SQL Server 2005 should apply for other certifications such as the MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) or MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist), rather than the MCDBA. Complete course lasts 250 hours. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) is a lower-level credential that demonstrates a technician can competently support end users and troubleshoot desktop environments running on Microsoft Windows. MCDST candidates are required to pass two core exams. Elective exams are not required. Complete course lasts 50 hours. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), previously named Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) is a certification for using the Microsoft Office suite of business applications. While listed under the MCP Certification Programs, it is not officially an MCP Certification. The MOS exams are managed by a third party company, Certiport. It appears (January 2007) that a new set of qualifications will replace the MOS/MOUS certifications for Office 2007. The direct application specific skills are the “Microsoft Certified Application Specialist” (“MCAS”) for each Office 2007 Application. And, a new “Microsoft Certified Application Professional” (“MCAP”) based on how to complete more common business tasks. While these qualification exams will be managed by Certiport it appears other exam providers may also become involved. Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification is for individuals who intend to train users wanting to obtain any of the other certifications. They must have some type of certification out of the Microsoft Course. For example, in Australia, many MCT's have a diploma or degree in teaching either primary school or secondary education. It is also a requirement by many training companies, especially Microsoft Gold Partners to have MCT's with a degree in teaching. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)Anyone passing just one operating exam, can be certified as Microsoft Certified Professional, although some individual exams are excluded along with any of the Microsoft Dynamics series of certifications. The individual MCP status no longer holds any meaning in the current generation certification Current Upgrade PathsWith the exception of Obsolete Certifications, Microsoft generally offers upgrade paths which allow a person holding a previous generation certification to upgrade to the current generation paths by sitting upgrade exams. Typically this is a single normal exam, usually consisting of a mixture of questions from the composite exams making up the current certification path. Using this upgrade feature, professionals in the field can maintain their certification standards without having to start from scratch every few years. With the introduction of the Professional Series Microsoft now require MCPD and MCITS holders to re-sit their certification every three years in order to continue to hold that status. [7] Technology Specialist Series (MCTS) UpgradesThere are no upgrade paths that lead only to an MCTS certification. All prior certification paths lead to either an MCPD or MCITS certification, which will indirectly confer the relevant prerequisite MCTS certification on the successful candidate. Professional Developer (MCPD) UpgradesThe upgrade paths for the Professional Developer series require that candidates have a minimum existing Microsoft Certified Application Developer certification, although since this is a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer series, this also qualifies. Generally candidates who specialised in Windows Forms development in the MCAD would upgrade to the MCPD: Windows Developer, Web developers would take the MCPD: Web Developer path, and MCSD holders would upgrade to the MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer. However, there is no actual restriction enforced and a candidate holding any variant of the MCAD three MCAD to MCPD paths, and an MCSD can take any of the four MCSD to MCAD paths. MCAD/MCSD to MCPD: Web DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
MCAD/MCSD to MCPD: Windows DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
MCAD to MCPD: Enterprise Applications DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
MCSD to MCPD: Enterprise Applications DeveloperThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
IT Professional (MCITS) UpgradesMCDST to MCITP: Enterprise SupportThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/project2007/pm/) MCDBA to MCITP: Database AdministratorThis certification requires that one pass the following examination:
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbadmin/) MCSA and MCSE UpgradesThe current MCSA and MCSE qualifications are still considered "current" so there are no direct upgrade options available at this stage. The composite exams for these qualifications have been upgraded to reflect Windows 2003R2 and other relevant technologies so that new candidates sitting these are qualified in the latest technologies, but as this is only an incremental update Microsoft has not bothered to make IT people re-sit for this technology. Candidates wishing to gain qualifications in other MCSA/MCSE areas such as the new versions of Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server simply sit the current MCTS/MCITP exams. With the release of Windows 2008 due soon, presumably Microsoft will introduce an upgrade path to allow MCSA/MCSE holders to upgrade to the Windows 2008 variants of the MCITP certification the same way they have for MCAD/MCSD to MCPD developers. Microsoft Certification ResourcesThere are several courses, Boot camps, and practice tests from different vendors offering preparation material for Microsoft certification exams. Bootcamps normally provide residential program that includes food and lodging. These courses are meant for busy professionals who do not have enough time for self preparation or wish to get trained by professional trainers. Microsoft Press provides several books towards Microsoft certification exams preparation. Books are normally the first place to explore Microsoft certification options, and preparation. Apart from Microsoft Press books, there are other reputed publishers like Sybex, and others. In addition to books, Microsoft Learning also offers courses for each of the exams. Apart from books, there are several practice tests vendors that offer pre-certification exams. These mock exams almost mimic actual exams, and normally priced much less than the actual exam. Several user forums are available for certification preparation where most questions are answered by other forum users. Experts and past candidates recommend not only reading more than one book, but spending a good amount of time practicing the concepts on computers on a test environment. After practicing and reading, it's also recommended to take sample exams before taking the Microsoft exam. Obsolete CertificationsMicrosoft Certified Professional + InternetMicrosoft Certified Professional + Internet (MCP+I) requires passing three exams: Windows NT 4.0 Server, TCP/IP for Windows NT 4.0 Server and Internet Information Server 4.0 (or IIS 3.0 + Index Server) Microsoft Certified Professional + Site BuilderMicrosoft Certified Professional + Site Builder (MCP+SB) requires passing three exams: Windows NT 4.0 Server, Microsoft Site Server 3.0 and Microsoft FrontPage 98 (originally FrontPage 97) References
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