How to Get MCP Certification

MCP — the abbreviation for Microsoft certified professional — may signify expert status in a wide range of Microsoft specialties. Examples including Microsoft certified technology specialist, professional developer, systems engineer, architect, systems administrator and IT professional. Anyone who passes just one of these exams is referred to as an MCP. Becoming an MCP in any area of specialization will strengthen your resume.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify the certification you require and the exam you must take.

2. Obtain the preparation guide for the exam you plan to take.

3. Visit the Prometric website to register for the exam. All MCP exams are administered by a third-party testing company, Prometric. The price of most exams as of November 2011 is $150.

4. Study for the exam.

5. Take the exam.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a student you may be eligible to receive academic pricing on certain MCP exams.

• If you are part on the IT staff in an academic institution, you are also eligible to receive discount pricing on certain MCP exams.

• Be careful about when exactly you want to schedule your test. The most convenience might not be the best time for you to take the exam. For example, many people are tired and cannot perform on tests quite as well right after lunchtime, so a 1:00pm start time would not be smart for these types of people. Schedule the exam based on when you know you'll memorize things and perform the best.

References

• Microsoft Learning: Microsoft Certifications by Technology
• Microsoft learning: Getting Started with Certification – FAQ
• Microsoft Learning: Microsoft Certification Exams
• Microsoft Learning: Training Catalog
• Prometric