Certification

To become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you must pass one or more Microsoft certification exams. View Move Ahead with Microsoft Certification, a Windows Media™ presentation, for an outline of the certification program basics. Then follow these steps to earn a Microsoft certification.

1 Decide Which Certification Is Right for You
Microsoft offers certifications focused on specific areas of expertise and ranges of job skills. Decide which certification is appropriate for you, based on your experience, skills, and interests. For examples of job titles that may be appropriate for each certification, see a description of each certification by clicking its title.

2 Gain Hands-on Experience with Microsoft Products and Solutions
The premier certifications (MCSE, MCSD, MCDBA) require at least one year of experience working with related Microsoft products and solutions. Recommended experience for the other certifications (MCSA, MCP, MCAD) range from 6–12 months. For more information about recommended experience, see the requirements for these certifications by clicking a certification title in Step 1.

3 Supplement Your Experience with Training
Use training resources to supplement your skills and experience.

4 Read the Exam Guide
Using Your Exam Preparation Tip Sheet, search for the exam prep guide of the exam you plan to take. Read the prep guide thoroughly.

5 Take a Practice Test
You may also want to assess your skill level by taking a practice test. Although your score on a practice test will not necessarily indicate what your score would be on a certification exam, a practice test does assess your readiness and lets you know in what areas you need work. Many companies sell practice tests; Microsoft's Certified Practice Test Provider program evaluates practice tests, ensuring the highest quality.

6 Register for an Exam
When you feel sufficiently prepared to take an exam, find out how to register for an exam. Pearson VUE and Prometric administer all MCP exams.

1	Decide Which Certification Is Right for You Microsoft offers certifications focused on specific areas of expertise and ranges of job skills. Decide which certification is appropriate for you, based on your experience, skills, and interests. For examples of job titles that may be appropriate for each certification, see a description of each certification by clicking its title.
2	Gain Hands-on Experience with Microsoft Products and Solutions The premier certifications (MCSE, MCSD, MCDBA) require at least one year of experience working with related Microsoft products and solutions. Recommended experience for the other certifications (MCSA, MCP, MCAD) range from 6–12 months. For more information about recommended experience, see the requirements for these certifications by clicking a certification title in Step 1.
3	Supplement Your Experience with Training Use training resources to supplement your skills and experience.
4	Read the Exam Guide Using Your Exam Preparation Tip Sheet, search for the exam prep guide of the exam you plan to take. Read the prep guide thoroughly.
5	Take a Practice Test You may also want to assess your skill level by taking a practice test. Although your score on a practice test will not necessarily indicate what your score would be on a certification exam, a practice test does assess your readiness and lets you know in what areas you need work. Many companies sell practice tests; Microsoft's Certified Practice Test Provider program evaluates practice tests, ensuring the highest quality.
6	Register for an Exam When you feel sufficiently prepared to take an exam, find out how to register for an exam. Pearson VUE and Prometric administer all MCP exams.