How to Check Microsoft Certification

Microsoft offers certification in many of its applications, particularly Microsoft Office. When job applicants or freelancers claim they are certified in one or more of these applications, you may want to verify that their certification is legitimate, valid and current.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Microsoft access code

Instructions

1. Tell your intended subject to create an access code. (When someone achieves a Microsoft certification, Microsoft sends them an email with instructions on how to access the Microsoft member certification site. This email contains their unique transcript ID and includes instructions for going to Microsoft's member certification site and creating a unique access code that allows others to view their transcripts.)

2. If you are a potential employer, look on the applicant's resume. Some applicants include the information needed to access their Microsoft certification transcript online. If not, simply ask your potential employee for his or her Microsoft Transcript ID number and Access Code. Write this information down, as you will need it to access their Microsoft certification transcript.

3. Open your web browser and navigate to https://mcp.microsoft.com/authenticate/validatemcp.aspx. Enter the ID number and access code. Click the button labeled "Log In."

4. You can now view a record of this individual's Microsoft certifications, which will show you in which applications they have achieved certification and the date each certification was achieved. It will also show you which Microsoft exams the person completed successfully in order to achieve certification. The report does not include the score received on each exam.

5. If you wish to print the transcript, you must do so before logging out and while the transcript is being viewed in your browser. Click on your browser's File menu, then on Print.

Tips & Warnings

• When accessing certification information, be sure that the name on the transcript exactly matches the name you are researching.

• If you want to see the scores the applicant received on each of the exams, ask the individual to log in to their test provider's website and print an official transcript.

References

• Microsoft's General Certification Website
• Microsoft Certification Verification Website

Resources

• Microsoft Certification Verification Website