MCP Certifications for Not Yet Techies

"Computer Careers: The First Step Toward High Tech Jobs With Leading Microsoft Certifications"

by Richard Stooker, President Info Ring Press and author of Secrets of Changing to a Computer Career

MCP certifications background:

MCP certifications come from Microsoft, which needs no introduction, I hope. Microsoft MCP certifications are really each test needed for its higher certifications, especially MCSE 2000. Take one test toward that and you don't yet have all you need to call yourself an MCSE 2000, but you can call yourself an Microsoft Certified Professional in that test.

Type of Microsoft MCP certifications for computer careers:

Vendor

MCP certifications worth it?

Standard disclaimer:

Whether or not any certification is "worth it" is an individual decision. You alone must decide what your career goals and needs are.

Look at certifications from a cost/benefit or Return On Investment (ROI) basis. If they help you get a better paying job or make more money at your current job, they are obviously "worth it."

The problem is, there is no real way of measuring how much you can expect your income to go up as a result of any given certification. It also depends on non-related job search skills such as how well you network.

MCP certifications bottom Line:

"The Microsoft Certified Professional credential is for individuals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product or technology as part of a business solution in an organization."

You earn (Microsoft Certified Professional) MCP certifications by passing one test on a current Microsoft product. It is a first step toward the "real" Microsoft certifications: MCSE 2000, MCSE+Internet, MCP+Site Building, MCSD, MCDBA and MCT.

Note: Microsoft did have an MCP+Internet certification but it is retired as of December 31, 2000 and anybody who would have chosen that certification is directed to consider going for the MCSE 2000 or MCSE+Internet instead.

Passing one MCP exam will not by itself get you into a big time computer career, though it may help you get an entry level job by demonstrating that you are on track to achieve one of the other certifications.

Obtaining Microsoft MCP certifications would also demonstrate product knowledge if you wanted to teach classes in that subject. Show Microsoft that you have teaching skills and experience and they will issue you an Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification for that particular exam.

When a product becomes out of date, Microsoft also retires the exam for it. Therefore, before you take a test, make sure that the test is not scheduled for retirement. If so, it's a waste of time.

The first MCSE exam -- Networking Essentials -- also does not qualify you for MCP certifications since it is considered a fundamental part and does not itself test you on any particular Microsoft product.

The most important thing is that you know what you want the MCP certification for. Most everybody should aim for one of the *important* cert. You get MCP certifications simply by passing your first exam (except Networking Essentials) but it is a simply a step toward your real goal.

Next: MCP+I

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