Course Overview

Microsoft has a range of certification programs for network and support personnel, including

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• Microsoft Certified Data Base Administrator (MCDBA)
• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)  

With these certifications you are recognised as a technical expert with the Microsoft Windows operating system and BackOffice products. Certified personnel provide quality support for Microsoft products and technologies, including system installation, configuration, maintenance and support.

To become certified candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and expertise by passing one or more proficiency tests. Once certification requirements are met, Microsoft provides certified professionals with up-to-date information and comprehensive technical support.

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Why Become Certified?

Earning a Microsoft certification acknowledges your expertise in working with Microsoft products and technologies. The information technology (IT) industry, your employer, clients, and peers will recognize your MCP credential as a symbol of the skills and knowledge you've gained through experience. Microsoft certification shows that you are a technical leader with the ability to successfully implement Microsoft business solutions for your organisation or client.

How To Certify

In order to become Microsoft certified, applicants must pass one or more certification tests. The courses in EXCOM's Microsoft certification training programs are available for those applicants who need instruction to prepare for the tests 

Certification Requirements

Microsoft certification candidates have the choice of the following paths:

• MCP - Pass any individual Microsoft certification exam.
• MCSA Win2003 - This requires passing 3 core exams and 1 elective.
• MCSE Win2003 - Pass 5 core Microsoft certification exams, plus your choice of 2 elective Microsoft certification exams.
• MCDBA  - Pass 4 core Microsoft certification exams plus your choice of 1 elective Microsoft certification exam.
• MCDST - Pass 2 core Microsoft certification exams
• MCAD - Pass 2 core Microsoft certification exams, plus your choice of 1 elective exam
• MCSD - This requires passing 4 core exams and 1 elective.

Note: for further information on available electives please contact EXCOM Education.

Certification Benefits

Microsoft provides technical and marketing support to organisations and individuals participating in their certification programs in some or all of the following ways (depending on level of certification):

• Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.
• 50 percent rebate or discount off the estimated retail price of a one year subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus during the first year of certification. (Fulfilment details will vary, depending on your location. Please see your Welcome Kit.) In addition, about 95 percent of the CD-ROM content is available free online at the TechNet Web site. For MCSEs and MCDBAs. 
• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through secured area of the MCP Web site.
• Access to exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Individuals who are currently certified can learn more about exclusive discounts by visiting the MCP secured site and selecting
  Other Benefits." Individuals with premier certifications may select "Premier Benefits."
• Microsoft logo, certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as Microsoft Certified to colleagues or clients. Electronic files of logos and transcript may be downloaded from the MCP secured Web site upon certification.  
• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
• Free access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online, a career and professional development magazine. Secured content on the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online Web site includes the current issue (available only to MCPs), additional online only content and columns, a MCP-only database, and regular chats with Microsoft and other technical experts.  
• A one year subscription to SQL Server Magazine. SQL Server Magazine is the number one resource for SQL Server professionals. Written by industry experts, the magazine contains technical and how-to tips and advice - a must for anyone working with SQL Server. The regular price for a one-year subscription is $49.95 a year - free to MCDBAs.  
• MCSE, MCSD, and MCDBA certifications. Enter the MCP secured Web site for access to the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online. (All MCPs are eligible for the online magazine's secured content. Some MCPs may also be eligible to receive the print version of the magazine free; eligibility is determined by the magazine.) 
• Microsoft Developer Network subscription. MCPs receive rebates or discounts on a one year subscription to the Microsoft Developer Network during the first year of certification. (Fulfilment details will vary, depending on your location; please see your Welcome Kit.)  

Who Can Be Certified

Anyone can become Microsoft certified. Typically this includes people working for Microsoft Solution Providers, independent service organisations, or anyone using Microsoft products. To become certified, technicians must posses a working knowledge of personal computers and the relevant Microsoft software and then complete a series of demanding certification tests. Microsoft accredited people are recognised as highly qualified individuals who posses a high level of technical skills for Microsoft based networks. 

Enhance What You Already Know

To prepare for certification testing candidates will need to first obtain the required level of knowledge. This can be achieved through attending a training program. This approach is highly recommended for anyone who is not already very experienced or does not have access to suitable equipment and facilities to undertake their preparation. 

During your training program at EXCOM you'll gain knowledge and experience by using quality Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC). This enhances your work experience by exposing you to Microsoft software, resources, documentation and practical computer based lab sessions. In addition, all EXCOM Education training includes additional services designed to ensure effective preparation for certification tests, such as access to lab facilities for practice, unlimited post-course technical support, and personalised advice and guidance regards the individual candidate's progress.

Testing

To register for a test, call your nearest Courses Now branch and everything will be arranged for you. When you call let the Courses Now staff member know that you want to register for a Microsoft proficiency test and have the following information available:

• Your testing ID number (first time applicants are assigned one)
• Test name or number
• Date and time you wish to take the test
• Current credit card