Microsoft Instructor Certification
The certification for Microsoft instructors is known as the Microsoft certified trainer (MCT) credential. Individuals who receive this credential have proven that they are among a group of elite individuals who truly know Microsoft technologies. As such, MCTs go through an extensive certification process. Individuals cannot teach a Microsoft technology course unless they have an MCT credential.
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Benefits
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There are several benefits to attaining the MCT credential. With the credential, you are granted access to trainer kits for Microsoft Learning Products and Microsoft Dynamics Learning Products and Microsoft Official Academic Courses trainer resources. You also have access to the Microsoft Learning E-Learning library. There are also a few discounts that you receive for the credential. There is a 25 to 40 percent discount on some Microsoft certifications and a 40 percent discount on Microsoft Press books.
Certification Process
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There are several steps involved in becoming an MCT. The first couple of steps deal with proving that you are worthy of the MCT credential. First, you must receive certification as a Microsoft Certified Professional or a Microsoft Certified Business Management Solutions Professional. Secondly, you must demonstrate that you meet the required presentation skills. The last step before applying for the MCT credential is to obtain a Metrics that Matter ID.
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Presentation Skills
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It is important that you are able to prove that you have the required presentation skills to receive the MCT credential. As of July 2010, there are four ways for you to do this. You may attain the Certified Technical Trainer credential through CompTIA or pass a course for presentation skills. You also have the option to attain an instructor certification through Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Citrix, Novell or Oracle or work as an instructor from an accredited academic organization.
Certification Renewal
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The Metrics that Matter ID that you obtain prior to receiving the MCT credential allows you and Microsoft to keep up with your credential’s renewal requirements. The renewal period may vary from year to year; however, it may fall around the same time each year. The renewal period for 2010 is from March 1 to April 30. You may apply for renewal as long as your credential is in good standing, according to Microsoft. If you don’t apply for renewal, your certification status may be disrupted.
Salary Potential
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As some of the elite instructors in the information technology field, Microsoft certified trainers may command some relatively high salaries. Some of the highest paid ones are those working as information technology (IT) consultants. They report a salary range of $86,500 to $125,000, as of July 2010. Those working as IT trainers report a salary range of $53,300 to $75,900 while those working as IT senior systems engineers report a salary range of $78,900 to $86,900, according to PayScale.com.
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References
- Photo Credit lecture hall image by GeoM from Fotolia.com
