Microsoft Certified Trainers

Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the premier technical and instructional experts in Microsoft technologies. Join this exclusive group of Microsoft technical training professionals and reap the benefits of membership, including access to the complete library of Official Microsoft Learning Products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; readiness resources and access to a members-only online community; and invitations to exclusive events and programs.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, you will need to earn a Microsoft Certification validating your experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions for each course you deliver.

The Microsoft Certified Trainer program is an annual membership program. You will need to complete an online application, pay an annual fee, and meet program requirements to renew your certification for the coming year.

For questions about the certification process or about the program requirements, contact a Microsoft Regional Service Center near you.

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As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, you gain access to the MCT member site, where you can find a wide variety of useful resources, download your MCT certificate and MCT program logos, and engage with the MCT community.

Ongoing benefits and support

As an MCT, you gain access to the MCT member site, which provides all the latest news and resources, including trainer readiness resources, announcements about exams and Microsoft Learning products, and MCT program logos. The member site also provides access to the following MCT benefits.

  • MCT Central: Exclusive to MCTs, MCT Central offers both technical readiness and soft skills training materials to help MCTs prepare for teaching Microsoft courses, as well as easy access to product and program resources. In addition, MCT Central helps MCTs stay up to date on the latest news, find a job, or connect with other MCTs all around the world.

  • MCT prep kits: Access online trainer preparation packs containing helpful downloadable content for teaching courseware, including videos, slide decks, and courseware content, in a helpful OneNote format.

  • Microsoft Learning Download Center: Receive comprehensive access to the entire Microsoft Learning and Microsoft Dynamics library of learning materials.

  • Access to the Courseware Marketplace: Access digital versions of all available Microsoft courses and student guides.

  • MCT community: Join exclusive private communities for peer support and networking, and communicate with the Microsoft Learning team.

  • Courseware support: Get direct Microsoft support on questions about Official Microsoft Learning Products.

Special offers

Microsoft and other partner organizations offer products, services, and events exclusive to MCTs. Please keep in mind that some offers may not be available in all countries or regions and that all offers are subject to change. For the latest listing, please log into the MCT member site.

  • Microsoft TechNet Subscription Professional Not for Resale (NFR): With TechNet Professional NFR, subscribers can access the complete suite of full-version Microsoft infrastructure and business solution software to evaluate new features such as server consolidation, interoperability, enterprise-wide network management, and enhanced security models. TechNet subscribers also have access to Microsoft E-Learning courses, 24/7 chat for site assistance, and priority support on TechNet forums.

    The TechNet Subscriptions program will be retired after August 31, 2013, and all subscriptions must be activated by September 30, 2013. Subscribers who receive the TechNet Subscription benefit through the MCT program may continue to access the benefits through March 31, 2014.

    Learn more about the decision to retire this benefit (TechNet Subscriptions)

  • Microsoft Certified Trainer exam discounts: Microsoft values MCTs and is committed to helping them remain current with their certifications. Please register with Prometric customer service to receive exam discounts.

    Note The MCT discount does not apply to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA), and some Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) exams.

  • Early invitations to Microsoft Certification beta exams: Be among the first to earn new certifications by taking certification exams before they are available to the public. Please note that we offer a limited number of beta exam vouchers, and they are allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.

  • Free access to Microsoft E-Learning in the Learning Catalog: Blend e-learning courses with classroom training to deliver customized learning solutions.

  • Large discounts on Microsoft (O'Reilly) books: Receive a 40 percent discount on all printed books and a 50 percent discount on all e-books in the Microsoft Press (O'Reilly) catalog.

  • Exclusive invitations to industry events: Apply for the opportunity to participate as an MCT Ambassador at Microsoft and other industry events around the world, and help attendees achieve certification by delivering Exam Prep sessions or staffing a Microsoft Learning booth or certification area onsite.

  • Invitations to join beta programs for Microsoft software: Learn about new Microsoft products by getting hands-on experience with a beta version.

For every MCT program year, MCTs must acquire a valid Microsoft Certification for each course they deliver. See the list of certifications below. New MCTs must deliver at least one Microsoft course within their first year as an MCT. At various times during the program year, Microsoft conducts audits of the MCT community to ensure compliance with program requirements.

At the end of each course, MCTs must administer course evaluations to every student and maintain high customer-satisfaction scores. The Metric that Matters Guide provides instructions and best practices for getting the most out of Metrics that Matter, a tool that captures feedback from your students about their training experience.

The MCT Program Guide described in the application process provides detailed information regarding MCT program requirements.

Microsoft Certifications

Before you apply to become an MCT, you must acquire a qualifying Microsoft Certification for each course you deliver. Here is a complete list of qualifying Microsoft Certifications.

  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

  • Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

  • Systems Administrator: Security (MCSAS)

  • Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

  • Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

  • Microsoft Office 2007 Specialist (MOS)

  • Microsoft Office 2010 Specialist (MOS)

  • Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)

  • Microsoft Office 2007 Master

  • Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

If you are interested in becoming an MCT, review the 2013 MCT Program Guide and the MCT 2013 Program Agreement and apply for the program using the convenient MCT Enrollment Tool. You can apply for the 2013 MCT program year starting March 1, 2013.

MCT Program Guide and Agreement

Before you apply to the MCT program, review the MCT Program Guide and the MCT Agreement.

MCT 2013 Program Guide

Select a language to download and review the MCT 2013 Program Guide.

MCT 2013 Program Agreement

Select a language to download and review the MCT 2013 Program Agreement.

Online application

You can apply for the 2013 MCT program year starting March 1, 2013. The MCT online application is available from both the Microsoft Certification Professional member site and the Microsoft Office Specialist member site.

If you are a Microsoft Office Specialist and do not have a Microsoft Certification ID, send an email message to [email protected] to obtain your Microsoft Certification ID. Use your new Microsoft Certification ID to sign in to the Microsoft Office Specialist member site. Under the Microsoft Office Specialist tab at the top of the page, click MCT Enrollment Tool. Review the MCT enrollment details in the next section before you complete your online application.

Note Some regions require that you contact your local Microsoft Regional Service Center to start the online application process. If you are a resident of any of these regions, the MCT Enrollment Tool will explain how to continue.

Refer to the Quick Reference Guide and Video for the steps required to enroll or renew MCT certification for the 2013 program year. These resources are available in English and Japanese.

Use the MCT Enrollment Tool to do the following:

  • Review the MCT program requirements and sign the MCT Agreement. Your electronic signature validates your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of the MCT Agreement.

  • Update your profile information. The contact information that you provide will be used for MCT communications and mailings, including your MCT welcome kit.

  • Specify your employment status. If you are employed by a Learning partner, you need your employer's Learning partner ID number.

  • Select your payment method. Program fees vary depending on your country/region and employment status. See a list of program fees, organized by country/region.

Note If you are an employee of a Learning partner, your employer can pay your MCT program fee. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Confirm that your employer has agreed to pay your fee.

  2. On the “Employment Status” page, select the option to have your employer pay your enrollment fee.

  3. Verify that the correct Microsoft Learning Partner program name is displayed.

  4. When you select your payment type, do not select credit card.

  5. Print your invoice and give a copy to your employer to submit with your fee payment. Your employer can pay by credit card.

After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received. When your application is approved, you will receive:

  • An email message notifying you of the approval

  • A Microsoft Certified Trainer Welcome Kit

  • Access to the MCT member site