The Microsoft certified systems administrator and (MCSA) and the Microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) are the two premier qualifications for computer industry professionals. While debates about operating systems, their reliability and usefulness, will probably soldier on into the next century, the simple fact is the Windows O.S. has the lions share of the marketplace, around 98% at last count! Any computer specialist would be mad to ignore certification on Windows products as effectively they would be limiting their customer base to around 2% of the marketplace! For instance Microsoft has already certified over 1.5 million people and this number is sure to grow.

Entry level microsoft certification
The entry level microsoft certification program is the MCP – Microsoft certified professional program. The MCP program was developed to credentials that can verify the ability to work with Microsoft products effectively and professionally. This is the entry level as only one exam is required. However this exam counts as part of either MCSA or MCSE, to progress to these higher levels requires further examinations, in the case of MCSA you require 4 exams in total, while MCSE is 7 exams.
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Online university microsoft certification
Various distance learning organisations and companies worldwide offer “online university microsoft certification”, essentially this is a conventional distance learning program covering all aspects of Microsoft certification with online study guides, mock exams and even trial download versions of the Microsoft products required for course work. This is probably the cheapest microsoft certification, with the exception of simply buying a study guide ( these books generally retail in the region of US $50/ UK £35, however you would have to be a very dedicated and disciplined student to successfully study using this method and dont forget you will still have to pay for the exams at a Microsoft certified examination centre.

Microsoft certification prices
Costs for a tutor led training course for MCP can easily run into 4 figures ( without accommodation or travel costs) however these courses generally include examinations and resits if required and training from a MCT ( Microsoft certified trainer)

Microsoft computer certification training
For MCSE students undertake 7 exams, one client operating system, three network operating system courses, one network design exam and two electives. Along the way the student can acculate certifications to enhance their careers and job prospects, after 1st exam pass hold the MCP, after 4 exams the MCSA then finally the MCSE after 7 exams.

What are some microsoft certification programs?

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician (MCDST)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Applications Developer (MCAD)
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCAP)
Microsoft Master Instructor (MMI)
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC)

For more information see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/bb291022.aspx

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