Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) refers to both an individual Microsoft certification and a broader professional certification program.
To be an MCP, candidates must complete any one exam within the program. 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. Popular certifications are MCP, 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. MCP curriculum revolves around Microsoft's operating systems. 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.
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, and solution building questions. In early 2006 Microsoft announced a return to simulated content within exams where students are required to perform certain common administrative tasks appropriate for the topic at hand.
In October 2005, Microsoft announced the restructuring of its certification by launching a three-tiered certification program.[2]
Certification Programs
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or MCSE) 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.
Perhaps due to controversies over the term Engineer, this qualification has also been pejoratively referred to as Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert.
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) 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 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
The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) 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 (generally Microsoft Windows XP), 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
The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) 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 MSSQL 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
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
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
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
Anyone passing just one operating system based exam, can be certified as Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)(270, 271, or 272). (Except for exam 70-058: Networking Essentials since it isn't a product exam).
Microsoft Certification Resources
There 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.
Microsoft New Generation of Certifications
Microsoft has released a new three-tiered certification hierarchy. It consist 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 Series
Professional Series
Architect Series
Technology Series
The seven Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications are:
Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation
Exam 70-528: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Web-Based Client Development
Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation
Exam 70-526: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows-Based Client Development
Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation
Exam 70-529: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Distributed Application Development
Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/default.mspx)
Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-445: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence - Implementation and Maintenance (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/bi/default.mspx)
Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-235: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/biztalk/default.mspx)
Technology Specialist: Live Communications Server 2005
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-262 TS: Office Live Communications Server 2005-Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting (available early 2006) (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/livecomm/default.mspx)
Technology Specialist: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam Exam 70-540: TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 - Application Development (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/mobility/default.mspx)
Professional Series
These certifications are based around .NET 2.0, Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
Professional Developer: Web Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Prerequisite: MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
Exam 70-547: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Professional Developer: Windows Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Prerequisite: MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
Exam 70–548: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Professional Developer: Enterprise Applications Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Prerequisite: MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
Prerequisite: MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
Prerequisite: MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
Exam 70–549: PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
IT Professional: Database Administrator
IT Professional: Database Developer
=====IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer=====
MCITP : Enterprise Support Technician - current
MCITP : Consumer Support Technician - current
MCITP : Server Administrator - Feb 28th, 2008
MCITP : Enterprise Administrator - Feb 28th, 2008
Obsolete Certification
Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet
Microsoft 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 Builder
Microsoft 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)