Terms you'll need to understand:
MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCDBA, MCAD, MCSD, MCT, MOS, and MOS MI
Windows product family: Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows .NET
System administrator and network administrator
Software developer
Microsoft exam ID
Techniques you'll need to master:
Locating training and certification information on the Microsoft Web site
Obtaining descriptions and objectives for specific Microsoft exams
Locating practice tests to help prepare for specific Microsoft exams
Of all the vendor programs you'll encounter in this book, Microsoft's certification programs are arguably the most numerous and varied. Definitely, no other vendor whose programs are covered in this book offers as many different exams (not to mention related classroom training, courseware, self-study kits, Web-based training, and books) as Microsoft does. In this chapter, you'll have a chance to examine Microsoft's many different certification options and to understand how one certification can sometimes lead to another.
Let's review the many acronyms that relate to certification, Microsoft style. After that, you'll have a chance to investigate each certification in some detail. Then, you'll be presented with a road map that shows how all the pieces fit together and learn how to sign up for tests, track certification progress, and so on.
The following abbreviations are related to Microsoft certifications:
MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)—. This certification is for anyone who's passed any one exam—other than any of the Office-related exams—on a current Microsoft application or operating system.
MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)—. This certification is geared toward administrators who support Windows 2000 and/or .NET Server 2003 systems. To qualify for MCSA certification, a candidate must pass three core exams and one elective.
Note
The requirements for the MCSA and MCSE certification programs are expected to change in early 2003, after this book goes to print. Visit the Microsoft certification requirements Web pages at www.microsoft.com/TrainCert/mcp/mcsa/requirements.asp (MCSA) and www.microsoft.com/TrainCert/mcp/mcse/requirements.asp (MCSE) for the most up-to-date information.
MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)—. This certification is for candidates who prove their expertise with desktop and server operating systems, networking components, and Microsoft BackOffice products. To qualify for MCSE certification, a candidate must pass seven exams—five core exams and two electives.
MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator)—. Professionals who work with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 or higher and who manage databases or develop database applications will find this certification of interest. To qualify for MDCBA certification, a candidate must pass four required exams, including two SQL exams and one networking systems core exam, plus an elective exam.
MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer)—. Because this certification is aimed at entry-level developers, programmers who don't need to design Microsoft-based applications will find this certification of interest. To qualify for MCAD certification, a candidate must pass two required exams, including one Web or Windows application development exam and one Extensible Markup Language (XML) Web services and server components exam, plus an elective exam.
MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer)—. Candidates for MCSD certification must prove their abilities to design and build Web-based, distributed, or e-commerce applications. The MCSD program aims at senior developers rather than system or network managers. Knowledge of solution architectures, application-development strategies and techniques, and development tools is required of all candidates, who must pass three or four core exams (depending on the desired track) and one elective exam to qualify for MCSD certification.
MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer)—. This certification is for individuals who are authorized to teach elements of the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) or Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), usually at official, Microsoft-sanctioned training centers or academic affiliates. An individual obtains MCT credentials by acquiring a “premier” MCP certification (MCSE on Windows 2000, MCSD, MCSD for Microsoft .NET, or MCDBA on SQL Server 2000), monitoring a Microsoft course (three-day minimum) at a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC, often pronounced “see-tech”), meeting Microsoft's instructional requirements to demonstrate classroom teaching skills, and completing the MCT application.
MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist)—. This certification is for office workers such as temps, administrators, and clerical staff who prove their abilities to handle the Microsoft Office productivity suite (which includes Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook) in the Office 2000 or Office XP versions. This program recognizes three levels of certification: Core Specialist, Expert Specialist, and Microsoft Office Master. The newest MOS program is the Microsoft Project 2000 Core certification.
MOS MI (MOS Master Instructor)—. This certification is for individuals who are authorized to teach MOS courses. To qualify for MOS MI certification, a candidate must obtain a Microsoft Office Master certification in either Office 2000 or Office XP, provide teaching credentials, and complete an online application.
Note
You might still encounter acronyms for Internet-related certifications from Microsoft, such as MCP+Internet (MCP+I) or MCSE+Internet (MCSE+I), on the Microsoft Web site and in older editions of this book. We've omitted them here because those exams are no longer offered. However, according to Microsoft, individuals who hold those certifications will remain certified. We also omit discussion of the MCP+Site Builder (MCP+SB) certification because it has never gained much mind or market share in the Microsoft certification community. (In nearly three years, it has attracted only 2,000 certified individuals, a far smaller population than for any other Microsoft certification.) For more information about these certifications, please consult the Microsoft certification listings that are available at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/default.asp.
All the information in the preceding list, plus some additional details about the exams, is summed up in Table 2.1. Note that information about the number of questions, the cost, and the time period is for each exam for a certification, not for all exams for a certification.
The sections that follow examine each of these certifications in some detail and describe a little more about the exams that you must pass to qualify for each one. If you visit the URLs mentioned for each credential, in most cases you'll be able to jump straight to the details related to the required exams (and electives, where applicable). For brevity, we provide no descriptions for elective exams; all are easy to find on the Microsoft Web site.
Note
Table 2.1 includes information about fixed-form and adaptive exams. The number of questions and time allowed varies on adaptive exams. See the section “Microsoft Testing,” later in this chapter, for more information.
Anyone who passes a Microsoft certification exam other than any of the Office-related exams can become certified as an MCP. For example, if you pass the Microsoft 70-210 exam, “Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows 2000 Professional,” you earn MCP status. Because you'll learn about the range of exams that this broad category includes in the following sections, we won't list all the options here.
For a more detailed description of the requirements to become an MCP, visit Microsoft's MCP page, at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcp/requirements.asp.
In October 2001 Microsoft introduced the MCSA program. This midlevel network and system administration credential aims to identify individuals who work with Windows-based systems and networks on a day-to-day basis, without necessarily being responsible for planning or designing such environments. In fact, the biggest differences between the MCSA and MCSE programs are the lack of a design exam requirement in MCSA and the inclusion of that requirement in MCSE, with only one elective required for MCSA (pulled from a smaller set) and two electives required for MCSE.
MCSA is becoming a popular Microsoft certification for a variety of reasons. For one thing, this credential matches the aspirations of many MCPs who seek employment as network or system administrators but who may never aspire to become MCSEs. Also, because all requirements for MCSA also apply to requirements for the MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000, many aspiring MCSEs may stop for a breather at the MCSA level, intending to pursue the MCSE later.
Because of the timing of its introduction—that is, after the discontinuation of the Microsoft certification exams on Windows NT 4.0—the MCSA credential applies only to Windows 2000 certifications (which include exams on Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows .NET Server 2003, as well as Windows 2000 topics).
Note
Microsoft expects to release details of changes to the MCSA on Microsoft Windows .NET Server 2003 certification program in early 2003. Visit the MCSA Certification Requirements Web page at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/requirements.asp for the latest information.
Requirements for obtaining MCSA certification are covered in Tables 2.2 and 2.3. To earn this credential, you must pass all three of the required exams, plus any one of the elective exams listed. Also, you can satisfy your elective requirements by substituting either the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ credentials or a combination of the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ certification credentials for a Microsoft elective exam. Table 2.3 shows more detail for the elective exams.
Table 2.2. The MCSA Core Platform Exams
Table 2.3. The MCSA Elective Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
70-028 | |
70-081[*] | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 |
70-086 | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft System Management Server 2.0 |
70-088[*] | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0 |
70-214 | Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network |
70-216 | Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure |
70-224 | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server |
70-227 | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-228 | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-244 | Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network |
[*] This exam is scheduled to be discontinued as of July 1, 2003. | |
For a more detailed description of the requirements to become an MCSA, visit Microsoft's MCSA page, at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/default.asp.
The MCSE credential is the most widely sought after of all the Microsoft certifications. As the senior-level Microsoft system and network administration credential, MCSE identifies individuals who can deal with design and business issues as well as day-to-day operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Microsoft-based systems and networks. This explains why the MCSE program includes a Core Design exam. Also, MCSEs are expected to know and understand a broad range of Microsoft systems and platforms, which is why the four primary core exams also cover network and directory services infrastructure topics and why two elective exams are required.
For the Windows 2000 MCSE certification, applicants are required to pass five core exams—four of which are explicitly required—and a fifth that may be drawn from a pool of four different core design exams, which is why we call that exam an “elective core” exam. All MCSEs must also pass two valid elective exams.
Note
Currently, Microsoft recognizes MCSEs certified on Windows NT 4.0 as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. Candidates currently obtaining MCSE certification may do so on Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, or Windows .NET Server 2003, and they will be identified as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers on Microsoft Windows 2000. Microsoft expects to release details of changes to the MCSE on Microsoft Windows .NET Server 2003 certification program in early 2003. Visit the MCSE Certification Requirements Web page at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/requirements.asp for the latest information.
Table 2.4 summarizes Windows 2000 MCSE core exam requirements, and Table 2.5 lists valid electives for Windows 2000 MCSEs. You must take two electives to meet requirements for Windows 2000 MCSE certification. Any of the exams in Table 2.5 that are core exams may be used as electives, but each can be counted only once; thus, if you take a second elective core exam, it counts as an elective.
Table 2.4. Windows 2000 MCSE Core Exams
Table 2.5. Windows 2000 MCSE Elective Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
70-019 | Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 |
70-028[*] | Administering Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 |
70-029[*] | Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 |
70-056[**] | Implementing and Supporting Web Sites Using Microsoft Site Server 3.0 |
70-080[*] | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 by Using the Microsoft Internet Explorer Administration Kit |
70-081[**] | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 |
70-085[**] | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft SNA Server 4.0 |
70-086 | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft System Management Server 2.0 |
70-088[**] | Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0 |
70-214 | Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network |
70-218 | Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment |
70-219 | Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure |
70-220 | Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network |
70-221 | Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure |
70-222 | Migrating from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 to Microsoft Windows 2000 |
70-223 | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Clustering Services by Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server |
70-224[*] | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server |
70-225 | Designing and Deploying a Messaging Infrastructure with Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server |
70-226 | Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies |
70-227 | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-228[*] | Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-229[*] | Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-230 | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-232 | Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000 |
70-234 | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 |
70-244 | Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network |
[*] Only one of the three elective exams counts if the exams are taken in the following combinations: 70-026, 70-028, and 70-228; 70-027, 70-029, and 70-229; 70-076, 70-081, and 70-224; or 70-078, 70-088, and 70-227. [**] This exam is scheduled to be discontinued as of July 1, 2003. | |
The goal of MCSE certification is to produce professionals who are thoroughly confident working with Microsoft desktop and server operating systems and who are knowledgeable about modern network design, implementation, infrastructures, and maintenance. Those with MCSE certification are deemed able to plan, design, and implement network-based business information systems and to handle related technologies and products, particularly Microsoft's BackOffice suite.
For complete details about MCSE certification, visit the Microsoft MCSE site at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/default.asp.
The MCDBA credential is aimed primarily at database administrators and developers who work with Microsoft SQL Server and related products and technologies. Individuals who hold MCDBA certification are judged to be qualified to design, build, maintain, and manage databases and related applications using Microsoft SQL Server. This credential will be of greatest value to those who develop database designs, construct logical data models, create physical databases, create services with Microsoft's Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage database security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure Microsoft SQL Server.
Required exams for obtaining MCDBA certification (Windows 2000 track) are covered in Table 2.6, and the elective exams are in Table 2.7. To qualify, you must pass all three of the required exams, plus any one of the elective exams that are listed.
Note
Microsoft is incorporating Windows XP Professional and Windows .NET Server exams into the MCDBA program. Individuals holding MCDBA certification in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 will not need to pass additional exams on those newer Windows versions to remain certified. According to Microsoft, Windows 2000 certifications include Windows 2000 exams as well as equivalent exams based on Windows XP Professional and Windows .NET Enterprise Servers. In fact, Microsoft has stated that it intends to maintain both generations of exams in parallel and to discontinue them at the same time, so that aspiring professionals need not worry about which version of those exams will expire first.
Table 2.6. The MCDBA Core Exams
Table 2.7. The MCDBA Elective Exams
In keeping with Microsoft's new policies on maintaining older certifications, the MCDBA on Windows NT track certification will remain recognized indefinitely. For more information about obtaining MCDBA certification, visit www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcdba/default.asp.
The MCAD certification for Microsoft .NET is an emerging entry-level developer certification, designed as a stepping stone toward the more senior MCSD certification in much the same way that MCSA can lead to MCSE. Those with MCAD certification therefore need to learn about specific Microsoft programming languages and development platforms, but their knowledge of applications doesn't need to be as broad as an MCSD's, nor do they need to master the wide variety of facts and details related to general Microsoft development architectures. That said, as a new developer certification, MCAD covers only .NET-related topics and tools; MCSD, on the other hand, also includes a Windows 2000–related track.
MCADs are required to pass two core exams and one elective exam. These may cover Web- or Windows-based applications, working either with Microsoft's Visual Basic .NET or with Visual C# .NET (a new, object-oriented implementation of the C programming language that is designed to act like and compete directly with Java) and with Microsoft's Visual Studio .NET development environment. Table 2.8 lists the core requirements for MCAD certification; Table 2.9 lists the electives. Note that an exam used to fulfill a core requirement cannot also be used to fulfill an elective requirement.
Table 2.8. MCAD Required Core Exams
Table 2.9. MCAD Elective Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
70-229 | Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-230 | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-234 | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 |
70-305[*] | Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
70-306[*] | Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
70-315[*] | Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
70-316[*] | Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
[*] If you take exam 70-305 or exam 70-315 as a core exam, you may take exam 70-306 or exam 70-316 to satisfy the elective requirement. If you take exam 70-306 or exam 70-316 as a core exam, you may take exam 70-305 or exam 70-315 as an elective. | |
For more information about this program, visit www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcad/default.asp.
The MCSD credential is aimed at software developers who seek to construct business solutions using Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. As a result, this particular program has very little overlap with the Microsoft certifications you've examined so far in this chapter, with the exception of MCAD. MCPs and MCSEs may design and build systems around specific Microsoft components and products, but if they develop content, its software component is more incidental or supplementary than central. However, for MCSDs, building or customizing software solutions is assumed to be the primary activity.
Microsoft offers two flavors of MCSD certification: MCSD for Windows 2000 and MCSD for Microsoft .NET. Candidates for certification in MCSD for Windows 2000 are required to pass three core exams and one elective exam. The core technology exams require candidates to demonstrate their competence with Microsoft's solution architecture and with developing desktop and distributed applications. The elective exams allow individuals to use their knowledge of programming languages or development environments. Table 2.10 lists the core requirements for MCSD certification; Table 2.11 lists the electives. The candidate must take one desktop application development exam, one distributed application development exam, and the solution architecture exam, for a total of three MCSD core exams. The solution architecture exam covers application planning, analysis, and design; implementation tools, environments, and strategies; and all-important Microsoft APIs. Any item in Table 2.11 may be counted as an MCSD elective. Note that an exam that is used to fulfill a core requirement cannot be used to also fulfill an elective requirement.
Candidates for certification in MCSD for Microsoft .NET must pass four core exams and one elective exam. Those exams are listed in Tables 2.12 and 2.13. The candidate must take one Web application development exam, one Windows application development exam, one XML Web services and server components development exam, and the solutions architecture exam, for a total of four MCSD for Microsoft .NET core exams. In addition, candidates must choose one elective exam, for a total of five exams.
Table 2.10. MCSD Required Core Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
Desktop Applications Development Exams (Select One Exam from These Options) | |
70-016 | Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 |
70-156 | Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual FoxPro |
70-176 | Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 |
Distributed Application Development Exams (Select One Exam from These Options) | |
70-015 | Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 |
70-155 | Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 |
70-175 | Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 |
Solution Architecture Exam | |
70-100 | Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures. |
Table 2.11. MCSD Elective Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
70-015 | Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 |
70-016 | Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 |
70-019 | Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 |
70-029 | Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 |
70-057[*] | Designing and Implementing Commerce Solutions with Microsoft Site Server 3.0, Commerce Edition |
70-091[*] | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications |
70-105[*] | Designing and Implementing Collaborative Solutions with Microsoft Outlook 2000 and Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 |
70-152 | Designing and Implementing Web Solutions with Microsoft Visual InterDev 6.0 |
70-155 | Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 |
70-156 | Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 |
70-175 | Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 |
70-176 | Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 |
70-229 | Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-230 | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition |
70-234 | Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 |
[*] This exam is scheduled to be discontinued as of July 1, 2003. | |
Table 2.12. MCSD for Microsoft .NET Required Core Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
Web Application Development Exams (Select One Exam from These Options) | |
70-305 | Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
70-315 | Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
Windows Application Development Requirement (Select One Exam from These Options) | |
70-306 | Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
70-316 | Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET |
XML Web Services and Server Components Development Exams (Select One Exam from These Options) | |
70-310 | Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework |
70-320 | Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual C# and the Microsoft .NET Framework |
Solution Architecture Exam | |
70-300 | Analyzing Requirements and Defining .NET Solution Architectures |
Because there are so many electives for MCSD certification and nearly all of them are easy to research at the Microsoft certification pages online, we forgo the brief descriptions here as well. For more information about this program and the tests mentioned, visit www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsd/default.asp.
The MCT credential is designed to identify individuals who are qualified to teach elements of MOC and MSDN within the Microsoft training channel. Training outlets within this channel may be identified as CTECs, Microsoft Certified Partners, or Microsoft IT Academy Programs. Basically, instructors teach MOC elements at CTECs but are recognized as qualified instructors for Microsoft-related topics and courseware in the other channels.
Obtaining MCT certification is a bit more convoluted and is subject to a greater number of potential alternatives than the other types of Microsoft certification. Therefore, we present these requirements in the form of a bulleted list rather than in table form, as with most other elements in this book. The MCT certification requirements for prospective candidates are as follows:
Attain a “premier” MCP certification (MCSE on Windows 2000, MCSD, MCSD for Microsoft .NET, or MCDBA on SQL Server 2000).
Monitor a Microsoft course (three-day minimum) that is taught by an MCT at a Microsoft CTEC. The candidate must attend this course within the year prior to applying for the MCT program.
Meet Microsoft's instruction requirement to verify that candidates possess the necessary classroom training skills. You can meet this requirement in one of three ways:
Complete a Microsoft preapproved training workshop. (Visit www.microsoft.com/mct for more information.)
Provide trainer credentials from Novell, Oracle, Cisco Systems, Caldera, or Citrix.
Produce credentials for the CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer+ (CTT+) certification.
Complete the MCT online application form at https://partnering.one.microsoft.com/mcp. (You must be a certified professional and possess a .NET Passport to access this site.)
After candidates achieve MCT certification, they should complete Microsoft course preparation checklists for each MOC element they want to teach. Completion of this checklist means meeting the following requirements:
Prepare to teach the MOC course—. Instructors must familiarize themselves with the contents of the Trainer Kit for that course and ready themselves to present it in the classroom either through self-study or by attending the course at a CTEC. A candidate can attend either a trainer preparation course at a Microsoft CTEC or any offering of the same course to the public; each candidate needs to bring his or her own Trainer Kit along.
Attend the course—. MCTs should attend the course they want to teach to become familiar with required course flow and timing elements and observe interaction between MCTs and their students. The course the MCT attends must be taught by an accredited MCT with two or more years of classroom experience.
Pass MCP exams to measure current technical knowledge—. Although it is not a requirement, MCTs are encouraged to pass MCP exams prior to teaching the associated course, to gain both technical knowledge and credibility with students and other instructors.
Accredited MCTs have access to a private MCT Web site where they can order Trainer Kits, obtain access to beta and instructor-only information, and so on.
The MCT program runs from October through September. MCTs are required to renew their certification annually. In addition, the MCT 2003 program requires proof of the following:
A Microsoft certification
Instruction performed for at least two Microsoft courses
Continuing education credits and/or proof of real-world technical skills
For all the details about the MCT program, review the Microsoft Certified Trainer Program Guide at www.microsoft.com/traincert/downloads/MCT_guide.htm#_Toc11810883. The MCT is rightly regarded as one of Microsoft's premier credentials.
Note
Microsoft accepts the CompTIA CTT+ credential in lieu of the MCT. Because it's cheaper and easier to obtain than an MCT, we urge you to flip to Chapter 4, “CompTIA Certification Programs,” and check out the CTT+ requirements if you're thinking of pursuing the MCT certification.
The MOS program is designed to provide a cadre of certified individuals who can function in today's workplace. The skills that a MOS can document are in high demand, and Microsoft has announced that it has certified more than 500,000 individuals for some level of MOS certification, and it continues to issue an average of 22,500 MOS certificates monthly.
The MOS program recognizes three levels of proficiency:
Microsoft Office Core Specialist—. This level indicates that users can handle a wide range of everyday tasks and requires successful completion of any one of the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, or Outlook core exams for the 2000 or XP versions. This certification is known as the Core Certification for Office 2000 or Office XP. The latest addition to MOS Core-level certifications is called the Microsoft Project 2000 Core certification, which recognizes users who have a broad understanding of Project 2000 and Project Central.
Microsoft Office Expert Specialist—. This level indicates that users can handle complex assignments that involve advanced formatting and functionality. This certification applies to the Word or Excel components of Office 2000 or Office XP. Thus, an individual could claim to be a Microsoft Expert Specialist in Excel and Word, for instance. This certification is called Expert Certification for Office 2000 or Office XP.
Microsoft Office Master Specialist—. This level indicates that users have attained Master Specialist status in all five of the Office 2000 or Office XP components for which testing is currently available: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. This is the highest-level MOS certification available.
Unlike tests mentioned for other Microsoft certifications so far in this chapter, MOS tests rely almost entirely on simulation techniques and task-oriented assignments to assess the test-taker's skills. That is, most of the questions involve manipulating a mock-up of one or more Office applications' interfaces and require individuals to complete a battery of assignments within a period of time.
At present, a battery of Microsoft tests for the various MOS certifications is available at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/officespecialist/requirements.asp. For more information, visit the Microsoft Office Specialist Frequently Asked Questions page, at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/officespecialist/faq.asp.
The MOS MI program certifies individuals to teach MOS courses. As the MOS program expands to meet high demand, we expect the number of MOS MI certifications to follow suit. A candidate must do the following to gain MOS MI certification:
Obtain Microsoft Office Master certification for Office 2000 or Office XP.
Provide any of the following teaching credentials:
A college diploma
A teaching certificate
An MCT certificate
A letter from a current or past employer stating that the candidate provided Microsoft Office desktop training for two or more years
An instructor completion certificate from Caldera, Certified Internet Webmaster, Cisco Systems, Citrix, Lotus, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, or Santa Cruz Operation
Submit the online application, along with the $95 application processing fee.
For more information about this rapidly growing certification program, please visit www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/officespecialist/instructor/default.asp. You can also contact Customer Service at 888-999-9830 or 801-847-3100 (outside North America), or you can send email to [email protected].
By now, you've certainly read about a sizable number of Microsoft tests. You're probably wondering what's involved in signing up for or taking such tests.
For all the MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCAD, MCSD, and MCDBA tests, you may sign up with one of two testing companies that handle testing for Microsoft certification:
Prometric—. You can sign up for a test (current exams only; no beta exams through the Web) through the company's Web site, at www.2test.com, or you can register by phone at 800-755-EXAM in North America.
VUE—. You can sign up for a test or get the phone numbers for local testing centers through the Web page www.vue.com/ms.
To sign up for a test, you must possess a valid credit card or contact either company for mailing instructions to send a check (in the United States). You can register for a test only when payment is verified or a check has cleared.
To schedule an exam, call or visit either Prometric or VUE at least one day in advance. When you want to schedule a test, you should have the following information ready:
Your name, organization, mailing address, and email address.
Your Microsoft Test ID. Your Microsoft Test ID is either your Social Security number (in the U.S.), your social insurance number, or a testing ID assigned by Prometric.
The name and number of the exam you want to take.
A method of payment.
After you sign up for a test, you'll be informed as to when and where the test is scheduled and how much time you should plan to spend at the testing center. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You must supply two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID.
To cancel or reschedule an exam, you must call at least 12 hours before the scheduled test time or before close of business the preceding working day. If you don't give proper notice of canceling or rescheduling, you might be charged, even if you don't show up to take the test.
All Microsoft exams are closed book. In fact, you aren't allowed to take anything with you into the testing area; you are furnished with a blank sheet of paper (which you might be required to return after the exam) and a pen. The majority of testing centers do not allow you to write notes before the exam begins, so you should relax and ready yourself for the exam.
Microsoft is increasingly using adaptive and short-form rather than fixed-length exams. An adaptive exam is set up to determine the test-taker's testing level by adjusting the level of difficulty, depending on whether the answer to a question is correct (in which case the next question is more difficult) or incorrect (in which case the next question is easier). Short-form exams determine the exam questions that most fully test a candidate's knowledge of the subject on the basis of the results of statistical analyses of other tests. For more information, visit the Microsoft site at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcp/default.asp; point to the Exam Resources link on the left side of the page, click the Exam Resources: Overview link in the resulting menu, and then click the Exam & Testing Procedures FAQ link on the resulting page.
The test subject matter is the same in both adaptive and fixed-length exams, but each type of test offers different numbers of questions and different time limits. In an adaptive test, the number of questions you need to answer depends on the number of questions you get right or wrong. An incorrect answer on such tests results in the next question being different from the one that comes up after a correct answer. Essentially, this means that you can't return to a question later as you can in a short-form or fixed-length test.
Three other kinds of Microsoft tests also appear on the testing scene. The select-and-place test calls on candidates to synthesize information across a number of subjects and to use their results in answering exam questions. The case study–based test relies heavily on descriptions of different situations, or scenarios, in posing test questions. For this kind of exam, candidates have to put their knowledge to work in the situation that an exam question postulates. The third kind of exam—simulation—reproduces a component or an environment as closely as possible (error messages, dialogs, and so forth), and the candidate must read a scenario and perform one or more tasks, using the simulation. All three kinds of exams are designed to do away with rote memorization as a test factor as well as to force candidates to use what they know in solving theoretical problems.
At the end of the exam, you receive a pass/fail result. Your actual numeric score will be available at a later date. See the section “Tracking MCP and MOS Status,” later in this chapter, for more information.
To sign up for a MOS test, you must identify a local MOS testing center (called an iQcenter) and call it directly to schedule the test you want to take. To do this, you can do one of the following:
Call 888-222-7890 in North America.
Send email to [email protected].
Visit the online test center locator at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/officespecialist/officespecialist_locator.asp.
You can also call Microsoft's main number, 425-882-8080, and ask to be connected to a Microsoft Office Specialist program coordinator. You should expect most of the financial terms and restrictions for the MOS tests to be like those we've described for the other Microsoft tests.
As soon as you pass any Microsoft operating system exam, except for the Office-related exams, you attain MCP status. Microsoft generates transcripts that indicate the exams you've passed and your corresponding test scores. You can order a transcript by sending an email to [email protected]. You can also obtain a copy of your transcript by calling the MCP program's customer service number, which is 800-636-7544 in North America. Outside North America, you can contact the Microsoft location nearest you for more information.
At present, Microsoft hasn't automated access to MOS status as it has for its other certifications. For now, you must call 800-933-4493 (in North America) to obtain MOS status information. Elsewhere, you can call Microsoft's main number, 425-882-8080, and ask to speak with an Office Specialist program coordinator.
After you pass the necessary set of exams to obtain MCSE certification, you are certified as an MCSE. Official notification normally takes anywhere from four to six weeks, so you shouldn't expect to get your credentials overnight. It might be possible to verify status and obtain information to access the MCP-only Web site by calling Microsoft the week after you pass the exam. If you're already certified as an MCSE and complete the upgrade requirements, you don't hear anything from Microsoft, so the next paragraphs apply only to new, first-time MCSEs.
When the MCSE package arrives, it includes a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements, including the following:
An MCSE certificate that is suitable for framing, along with an MCSE Professional Program membership card and lapel pin.
A license to use the MCP logo on documents, advertisements, promotions, letterhead, business cards, and so on. An MCP logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork, comes with the license. (Note that before using any of the artwork, individuals must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates that they'll abide by its terms and conditions.)
A half-price subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus—a collection of CDs or DVDs that includes software, documentation, service packs, databases, and more technical information than you can digest in a month. In our opinion, discount access to TechNet is the best and most tangible benefit of attaining MCSE status.
A subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional magazine, which provides ongoing data about testing and certification activities, requirements, and changes to the program.
Many people believe that the benefits of MCSE certification go well beyond the perks that Microsoft provides to newly anointed members of this elite group. It's not at all uncommon to see job listings that request or require applicants to have MCSE certification, and many individuals who complete the program can qualify for increases in pay and/or responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, MCSE certification is a badge of honor in many IT organizations. The same is true of MCSD certifications.
At a minimum, you should use the following to prepare for a Microsoft exam:
For most exams, Microsoft offers self-study kits or computer trade books. Microsoft Press publishes both types of materials. You can search for such information by using the search facilities at your favorite online bookstore or at the Microsoft Press site, at http://mspress.microsoft.com. You can also search for related technical reference titles from Microsoft Press; these are usually quite useful books, both for exam preparation and when you're working with the products or topics they cover.
Exam preparation materials, practice tests, and self-assessment exams are available for most, if not all, tests on the Microsoft Training and Certification page, at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcp/default.asp; click Exam Resources on the left side of the page and then click Prepare for an Exam. Find these materials, download them, and use them!
You can check out the Que Certification Exam Cram 2 and Training Guide books. The Exam Cram 2 books are the first and last things you should read before taking an exam. Each includes practice questions, study tips, additional resources, and a sample test. Training Guide books are detailed study guides to help those not already familiar with a test's subject learn that subject matter and prepare to take that test. Each chapter breaks down a subject area and concludes with hands-on projects and review questions. A CD-ROM that contains practice tests, an electronic copy of the book, and other ancillary materials, is also included.
In addition, you'll probably find any or all of the following materials useful in your quest for Microsoft expertise:
Study guides—. Numerous publishers offer MCSE study guides of one kind or another. Check out CramSession's many offerings at http://studyguides.cramsession.com/cramsession/microsoft.
Microsoft Resource Kits—. Although not every Microsoft test is the subject of one of these publications, all the Resource Kits include valuable information about Microsoft terminology, products, and technologies. Resource Kits are available from Microsoft Press and are important resources—not just for test preparation but also for living with these products after you've passed the tests.
Classroom training—. CTECs, academic institutions, and unlicensed third-party training companies (such as Wave Technologies, Global Knowledge, Learning Tree, and Data-Tech) offer classroom training on Microsoft exam topics. These companies aim to help prepare network administrators to understand Microsoft's requirements and pass the tests. Although such training costs upward of $350 per day in class, individuals lucky enough to partake find them to be quite worthwhile.
Other publications—. You'll find plenty of other publications and resources if you take the time to look around on the Web or in a local bookstore. There's no shortage of materials available about Microsoft exams.
TechNet—. TechNet is a monthly CD or DVD subscription that is available from Microsoft. TechNet includes all the Windows BackOffice Resource Kits and their product documentation. In addition, TechNet provides the contents of the Microsoft Knowledge Base and many kinds of software, white papers, training materials, and other good stuff. TechNet also contains all service packs, interim release patches, and supplemental driver software released since the last major version for most Microsoft programs and all Microsoft operating systems. The full price of a one-year subscription is $299—and it is worth every penny, if only for the download time it saves. For an additional $150, you can sign up for TechNet Plus and get beta versions of all Microsoft products as part of your monthly CD or DVD delivery as well. TechNet is also available for free online at www.microsoft.com/technet, but the monthly CD or DVD subscription appears to be more up-to-date than the freebie.
This set of required and recommended materials represents a nonpareil collection of sources and resources for Microsoft exam topics and software.
