Microsoft MCITP Certification

There are several MCITP credentials.

As an internationally recognized certification, the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) helps demonstrate your range of expertise, real-world skills and mastery of Microsoft products, according to Microsoft. As such, it is geared toward individuals who have at least two years of experience working as an IT professional.

Certification Process

The certification process for the MCITP is very similar to that of other certifications. The first step is to choose which MCITP certification you want. If you have more than one exam to take, you must decide which examination you want to take first, and then register for it through contacting the Prometric either online or over the phone. Once you’ve scheduled your test, you may begin to prepare for it through taking practice tests or a course.

Microsoft Technologies

The MCITP credential is available for a wide array of Microsoft products. For individuals looking to specialize in the Windows client, they have the MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7 and the MCITP: Consumer Support Technician. They also have certifications for Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Office Project Server and Microsoft Exchange Server. Several of the certifications in these technologies are designed for server administrators, database administrators or business intelligence developers.

Examinations

There are several examinations for the MCITP certifications. The exam that you take depends on which Microsoft technology you wish to receive certification in. Some of the certifications require that you only take one examination, while others, such as the MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician and the MCITP: Database Administrator 2008, require that you take two tests in that area. Some certifications, such as the MCITP: Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization Administrator, require you to take more than two exams. According to Microsoft, most of the exams cost $125 each.

Certification Life Span

Unlike many other certifications, the Microsoft MCITP certifications do not require renewal at any point, according to Microsoft. This is due to the fast changing nature of the technology field. Instead of requiring that you renew your MCITP credential, Microsoft merely retires the credential as the technology becomes obsolete or is no longer as readily used. A retired MCITP then becomes inactive. When this occurs, there is generally an upgrade certification available.

Salary Potential

Individuals with an MCITP credential have varying salaries based on their job. Information Technology (IT) Consultants report a salary range of $53,900 to $95,400, while Senior Systems Engineers (Computer Networking / IT) report a salary range of $76,900 to $104,200, according to PayScale.com. As of June 2010, MCITPs working as Information Technology Specialists report salaries that generally fall between $40,200 to $57,900 and Senior Systems Administrators report a salary range of $63,800 to $97,600.

References

• Microsoft: MCITP Certifications
• Microsoft: MCITP FAQs
• Microsoft: Microsoft Certification Exams
• Payscale.com: MCITP Salaries
• Microsoft: Microsoft Certification Exams