Microsoft Certification Requirements
Microsoft Corporation offers two types of certifications: Microsoft Certified Professional, for information technology professionals, and Microsoft Business Certification, for people who use Microsoft Office programs. If you are considering taking one of these certification examinations, know that getting into the exam can be a simple process, but it is your job to make sure you are ready to take the exam. Luckily, it is possible to retake exams.
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Prerequisites
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There are no requirements to take the exam. Individual exams may have prerequisites, which may be other exams. Also, some certifications have multiple exams, so you have to find out the order you need to take the exams in. Microsoft recommends exam participants have experience with the subject being tested, but you do not need formal training.
Getting Ready
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Since you do want to be adequately prepared when you go to take one of these exams, review the "Skills Measured" part of the exam's web page (which can be found in the Learning Catalog). There are preparation guides available for every exam. If you are taking a Microsoft Business Certification exam, there are free training courses for Microsoft Office programs available on the Microsoft website.
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Exam Registration
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Before taking an exam, you must registe. You can register by phone or online if taking an exam administered by Prometric (for the Microsoft Certified Professional exams), and register online if taking an exam administered by Certiport (when taking Microsoft Business Certification exams). You will need to register for an ID number (if you don't already have one), and have a mailing address, phone number, email address, company name and a payment method.
Payment
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Taking an exam generally requires a fee payment (except for beta exams, which are free). Microsoft says most exams are about $125, but Microsoft recommends you contact the exam provider (Prometric or Certiport) for the exact cost. Discounts may be available for groups.
Exams
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When you take your exam, you may have to respond to case studies, participate in simulations and virtual labs and answer various questions that are outlined under the frequently asked questions on Microsoft's web page for Preparing for and Taking an Exam. You won't know before the exam what formats will be on the tests, so you need to be prepared going into the test.
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