HOW MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION HELPS YOU IN GETTING GOOD JOB
6 min readJun 13, 2019
Microsoft is best known for its Windows operating systems and Office software. But the company has a much broader product portfolio that includes online services (Bing, MSN, advertising), gaming (Xbox 360), hardware (tablets, PCs, keyboards and mice) and more. The company also has a sizable certification program that turns out qualified administrators and technicians to support its system and application products.
Achieving IT certifications through the Microsoft Certification Program shows a person’s competence in a specific IT role, and it can result in all kinds of work-related and personal benefits. For example, studies show that IT certifications increase the chances of landing a job (or getting a promotion), and over 80 percent of hiring managers report IT certifications are medium to high priority in hiring decisions.
MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Currently, the Microsoft Certification Program is divided into seven main categories:
- Cloud Platform and Infrastructure:This category encompasses business intelligence, Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Azure, machine learning, cloud data platform solutions, data analytics and big data, software-defined data centers, server infrastructures, private and hybrid clouds, DevOps, and more. This is the “new mainstream” for Microsoft certification.
- Mobility:This category is for end-user and desktop topics, including Windows 10, desktop and enterprise applications, working with System Center Configuration Manager and Intune, and planning for and managing devices in an enterprise setting.
- Data Management and Analytics: Data management and analytics cover a range of topics, including cloud data platform solutions, big data analytics solutions, database solutions, implementing data models and reports, and various aspects of business intelligence solutions.
- Productivity:This category brings the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) credentials together with those related to Microsoft productivity offerings, such as Exchange Server, SharePoint Server and Skype for Business, as well as Office 365 identities, requirements and services.
- App Builder:This is a development-oriented category that covers the ins and outs of using Microsoft solutions and platforms to build compatible software. Topics in this category include architecting, designing, testing and building solutions around Azure, programming in HTML5with JavaScript and CSS3, developing ASP.NET MVC Web apps, managing development throughout the entire software lifecycle, and more
- Business Applications:This category focuses on Microsoft Dynamics 365 platforms and technologies, including Dynamics 365 for Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Distribution and Trade, Trade, financial management (Finance and Operations), Retail, Talent, and Field Service and other focused applications.
- Core Infrastructure: Core Infrastructure focuses on virtualization, storage, networking, system management, identity management, and modern data centers.
CERTIFICATIONS WITHIN THE MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING CREDENTIALS:
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- Microsoft Solutions Developer (MCSD)
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
BENEFITS OF MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS
- Microsoft Certified Professionals gain market-relevant skills that employers recognize and respect.
- Earning the latest Microsoft certifications proves you are up-to-date with new Microsoft releases.
- Passing Microsoft certification exams demonstrates advanced technical problem-solving skills.
- Microsoft certifications help distinguish you from competing job candidates for IT positions.
- Committing the time and resources to earn Microsoft certifications proves career dedication.
- MCPs gain access to a huge global community of certified professionals, featuring exclusive
networking opportunities, conferences, parties, training sessions and special events. - Microsoft Certified Professionals have access to exclusive online career-building resources including:
- Microsoft Transcript Tool — Share password-protected transcripts with hiring managers and employers.
- Microsoft Certificate Manager — Create, download and print customized certificates of IT achievement.
- Logo Builder — Design custom logos to enhance your brand and highlight your Microsoft certifications.
BENEFITS OF MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES
- MCPs have the skills and expertise to maximize the ROI of Microsoft software and hardware.
- Microsoft Certified Professionals are proven to be more efficient and productive in the workplace.
- Businesses employing MCPs can leverage the power of the Microsoft brand to attract and win new business.
- Companies employing Microsoft Certified Professionals experience less downtime and lower employee turnover
RELATED JOBS AND CAREERS
IT professionals who earn Microsoft certification often receive extra recognition from hiring and supervising managers, and enjoy improved on-the-job success and promotion opportunities. Companies that negotiate large volume purchase or subscription agreements with Microsoft (or its partner resellers) often include funding for official curriculum training and Microsoft certification exam vouchers as part of what’s covered therein.
HERE ARE HOW THE VARIOUS MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION AREAS SHAKE OUT, JOB-AND-CAREER-WISE:
- A Microsoft Cloud certification is ideal for the IT professional who designs, deploys, configures and/or manages a Windows Server environment, stand-alone or cloud-based, which may include various desktops and devices. Folks who achieve this type of certification work as systems administrators, systems analysts, technical specialists (often with a platform focus such as SQL Server, Skype for Business or Exchange Server), and the like.
- A Microsoft Mobility certification is designed for those who deploy, configure and/or manage a Windows desktop environment and related devices, whether on-premises or in the cloud. IT professionals with this type of certification usually fill positions such as help desk technicians, support personnel and systems administrators, to name a few.
- Of late, Microsoft Productivity credentials have been gathering interest, coverage and momentum. People who pursue these certifications work with key Windows platforms such as Office, Office 365 and Microsoft Dynamics 365, which covers CRM, ERP and more. They are usually responsible for making sure that rank-and-file employees are able to work effectively and productively, and that technology provides a boost to the bottom line.
- Microsoft Data certifications cover a lot of ground. Database design, creation and maintenance are particularly important to organizations today, considering that data storage is key to most business computing, and nearly every website is supported by one or more databases running in the background. A database administrator is in charge of all kinds of database-related functions, from development to storage and retrieval, troubleshooting and security. Now, Microsoft’s database coverage also integrates business intelligence and big data/data analytics components, too, so IT professionals interested in these subject matters will find a lot to chase down and learn here.
- Microsoft App Builder certifications aim at application and mobile app developers who use programming languages and source code to create software. A developer may work independently or, more often, with a team, to develop, prototype, deploy, test, and modify applications for computers and many types of electronic devices. This certification portfolio also includes development for Microsoft’s cloud-based Azure environment and for software lifecycle management as well.
- Microsoft Business Applications certifications aim at those involved with back-office, line of business systems and applications built around Microsoft Dynamics 365 (including the “for operations” version of that platform). This credential aims at those who upgrade, configure, and customize such systems as well as those who develop custom applications for specific, proprietary uses in-house or on behalf of clients. Such professionals also support customized configurations for various organizational units, including sales, field service, retail operations, finance, distribution and trade and more.
- Trainers (MCTs) and educators (MCEs) also play a vital role in the Microsoft ecosystem as well. MCTs populate the front lines of key training for IT professionals across all of its platforms, tools and technologies with an emphasis on cultivating workplace readiness and imparting skills and knowledge suitable for on-the-job deployment. Arguably, MCEs are even more important, by helping students at all levels of education — primary, secondary and beyond — to understand and make the most of Microsoft tools, technologies, platforms, and development environments.
MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (MCP) SALARIES
Average Salary for Microsoft Certified Professionals:
- MOS: Microsoft Office Specialist: $53,000
- MTA: Microsoft Technology Associate: $55,000
- MCDST: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician: $57,000
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: $59,000
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: $73,000
- MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer: $80,000
- MCTS: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: $81,000
- MCITP: Microsoft Certified IT Professional: $90,000
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: $91,000
- MCPD: Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: $94,000
- MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator: $96,000
- MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer: $97,000
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: $97,000
- MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: $100,000
- MCA: Microsoft Certified Architect: $113,000
