Microsoft Gold Certification

Microsoft Corporation uses a certification process to partner with independent companies that provide sales and service of its products. Gold certification represents the highest level an independent business can achieve in the Microsoft partnership program.

Microsoft Partners

Microsoft requires partners to pass tests to qualify for certification in an area of expertise. Areas of partnership expertise include infrastructure, e-commerce, business intelligence and networking, to name a few. Types of partnerships include Microsoft Certified Partner, Microsoft Silver Certified Partner and Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.

Gold Certification Requirements

Microsoft requires Gold certified partners to achieve a minimum of one area of competency. Achieving competency requires active membership in the partnership network, customer references to verify competency, competency certifications, and payment of membership fees. Areas of competency include content management, digital marketing, customer relationship management, and mobility, among others.

Gold Certification Benefits

Gold level certification offers the highest level of Microsoft partner benefits. Gold certified partners can receive unlimited pre-sales support from Microsoft (a minimum of telephone-based support), access to Microsoft sales resources, access to research content, and technical guidance. Additional benefits include up to 100 licenses of Microsoft's latest software (per product) and the highest search ranking in Microsoft's Solution Finder, accessed by customers for technical solutions.

References

• Microsoft Corporation: Microsoft Certified Partner Program
• Microsoft Corporation: Microsoft Partner Network Core Benefits at a Glance
• Microsoft Corporation: Showcase Your Expertise Through Microsoft Competencies