Certifications & exams > MTA
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a recommended entry point into IT certification and job preparation. Pass just one exam and you’ll earn a certification, taking your first step toward a career in technology. If you are just starting your IT career path or are looking to enhance your understanding of IT fundamentals, MTA will validate your core knowledge. MTA is an optional industry-recognized certification for those pursuing a career path in IT infrastructure, database design, or software development using Microsoft technologies.
MTA certification tracks
You can earn an MTA certification by taking an exam in one of the following tracks, depending on your interests and career goals.
Click a track and you'll see the MTA certification options below:
MTA IT Infrastructure track—for those intending to build a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing:
Title | Training | Exam | Certification earned by passing any one exam |
|---|
Windows Operating System Fundamentals | | | |
Windows Server Administration Fundamentals | | |
Networking Fundamentals | | |
Security Fundamentals | | |
MTA Database track—for those intending to build a career in data platform administration or business intelligence:
Title | Training | Exam | Certification earned |
|---|
Database Fundamentals | | | |
MTA Developer track—for those intending to build a career as a software developer, this track helps prepare you for hands-on product training and MCSD certification. Start with MTA Software Development Fundamentals and then select the additional topics in this track to help you meet your career development goals:
Title | Training | Exam | Certification earned by passing any one exam |
|---|
Software Development Fundamentals | | | |
Windows Development Fundamentals | | |
Web Development Fundamentals | | |
.NET Fundamentals | | |
Mobile Development Fundamentals | | |
Gaming Development Fundamentals | | |
HTML5 App Development Fundamentals | | |
- Are you a technology educator or administrator?
For academic institutions seeking to educate students on the latest and most relevant technologies, the Microsoft MTA certifications enable you to validate a student’s information technology (IT) knowledge and product and solutions building skills and to graduate students with Microsoft Certifications in addition to their diploma. By offering Microsoft Certifications, you’ll attract career conscious students to your institution and provide your school with the recognition that comes with offering trusted, relevant certifications from an industry leader.
The recommended entry level path for students is Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) skills development. Once students are well versed in the basics, they can begin preparing for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD). Business students can enhance their business skills and differentiate themselves by validating their technology literacy with MTA.
MTA campus license
Integrating the MTA campus license into your IT program will help your institution stand out as an innovative technology curriculum provider, while offering students an opportunity to earn a Microsoft Certification right in the classroom. MTA campus licenses are available in sizes to fit your institution’s needs. Exams can be administered and proctored by your educators anywhere on campus, anytime it’s convenient for you, without classroom or desktop restrictions. Certiport is Microsoft’s academic authorized exam delivery partner for MTA. MTA Campus Licenses and academic vouchers can be purchased through Certiport.
- Are you enrolled in high school, college, or university?
If you’re new to technology, start with MTA training and certification. MTA certifications allow you to explore career options in IT and validate your understanding of core concepts in IT infrastructure, databases, and software development. They’ll also help prepare you for more advanced technology education and certifications. If you’re a business student, consider MTA as a degree enrichment opportunity that provides you with a core understanding of how technology impacts business.
Each MTA certification can be earned in one semester and can be used to demonstrate your capability and commitment when applying for entry level IT positions.
Ask if your school offers MTA in the classroom or locate a public Certiport test center and provide your student ID to register for your MTA exam.
- New to technology?
MTA certification provides that essential “first step” and the baseline understanding you need to successfully pursue advanced certifications such as the MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD.
If you’re a business professional looking to develop or enhance your IT skills, MTA training and certification can give you the fundamental IT knowledge you need to contribute to business and technology decisions in a more meaningful way. What’s more, an MTA certification proves to business managers and hiring managers that you understand the critical role that IT plays in business and that you have enhanced your professional skills with a working knowledge of IT.
Classroom and online training in Microsoft technologies is provided by Microsoft Learning Partners. Use our class locator tool to find training that suits your needs.
Exams are administered by Prometric, Microsoft’s authorized exam delivery partner. You can register for exams at on the Prometric site.
Frequently asked questions
The following questions specifically address the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications. Visit the Certification overview or Exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.
- Q.How does the MTA certification fit into the overall Microsoft Certification Program?
- A.
The MTA certification provides the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue our Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications. The MTA certification creates a new entry point to help people without this knowledge jumpstart their career aspirations.
If you already have an in-depth understanding of and hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies, you might want to start with a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification or a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification. Find out more about Microsoft Certifications.
- Q.What do I get when I earn an MTA certification?
- A.
Earning an MTA certification helps prove your knowledge of fundamental technology concepts. Having a validated certification from Microsoft can help you launch a successful career.
When you earn an MTA certification, you become a member of our Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) community. You get access to members-only benefits, such as special offers, a transcript tool, and private newsgroups where you can network, find peer support, and share your accomplishments with millions of MCPs worldwide.
- Q.Is MTA a required prerequisite for MCSA or MCSD?
- A.
No, MTA is not required. MTA is for people new to technology and who need to validate their knowledge of fundamental concepts before moving on to certifications such as MCSA and MCSD.
- Q.How many exams do I need to pass to earn an MTA certification?
- A.
To earn an MTA certification, you need to pass one exam.
- Q.Will MTA certifications expire?
- A.
No, MTA certifications do not expire.
- Q.Where can I take my MTA certification exam?
- A.
If you are a student, find out if your school is set up as a Certiport testing center and signed up to administer MTA certification exams. If so, your teacher or a proctor can deliver your exam to you. If your school is not signed up to administer MTA certification exams, an administrator or teacher at your school can contact Certiport at www.certiport.com.
If you’re not affiliated with an academic institution you can take MTA exams at a Prometric test center. Please visit www.prometric.com/microsoft to register for your exam.
- Q.I'm an instructor. How do I integrate MTA certification exam review kits into the curriculum I’m already teaching?
- A.
The exam review kits were created in a modular format so that they can be adapted for a variety of teaching scenarios. Each kit includes 20 lessons based on the topics covered in the associated MTA certification exam. You can select which lessons to use in your classroom based on the curriculum you are already teaching.
