Find the right IT certification

Click a category and you'll see your MCP certification options below.

Frequently asked questions about IT certifications

For more specific questions addressing the certification exam policies, please visit the Exam policies and FAQ page.

Show allHide all
A.

In order to ensure that our certifications are meaningful and valuable indicators of candidates’ skills, Microsoft has implemented a recertification requirement for the MCSE, MCSD, and MCSM certifications. MCSE and MCSM candidates will be required to recertify every three years, while MCSD candidates will recertify every two years. Initially, recertification requires passing one or two exams or earning the associated Masters certification. Microsoft is exploring other recertification options and will announce those options as appropriate.

MCSA certifications do not require recertification.

A.

Microsoft Certifications are valuable in the market and will remain valuable as long as companies are using the technologies covered in the certification. Over time, certifications will retire and will transition to a “legacy” status. Legacy Microsoft Certifications will appear on your transcript designated as such. Refer to the certification page for the most current information regarding status.

A.

Depending on the certification you have achieved, most certifications have an upgrade path available. Please check the appropriate certification page and view the section on how to upgrade for more information.

A.

Please refer to the newly released certification exams on the Certifications exams page.

A.

For those new to technology, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is the recommended starting point for our certifications. MTA certifications provide a solid foundation for those preparing for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and MCSD certifications. Those who have been working with the technology should start with the MCSA or MCSD certification. These are prerequisites for any further certifications. The MCSA certification validates that job seekers have a minimum set of skills to hit the ground running.

A.

When you pass your first Microsoft Certification exam, you become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) community with access to all of the benefits provided through the Microsoft Certification Program and the MCP member site. You can share your transcript with others to prove that you passed that exam and show your progress towards a specific certification. In some cases, such as when you pass an MTA or Specialist exam, that single exam will also earn you the associated certification.

A.

Certifications that require recertification are not “versioned” because they may cover multiple technologies.

A.

Expert-level certifications better prepare you to pursue a master-level certification by validating the full range of skills and abilities required to be successful at building technology solutions. Expert-level certifications also validate deeper technology skills than in the past, which helps bridge the gap to the difficulty level of master certifications.

A.

You will continue to earn an MCTS for passing Exams 70-640 and 70-642 until July 31, 2013. Also until July 31, 2013, when you earn an MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification, you will receive the MCITP: Server Administrator certification. After July 31, 2013, the MCITP: Server Administrator and MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certifications will be retired.

A.

Students can now get college credit by earning a Microsoft Certification. The American Council on Education (ACE) has recommended college credit for several Microsoft Certifications.