Online Microsoft Certification Programs

Online Microsoft certification training is designed to help IT professionals prepare to work with Microsoft products.

Microsoft Corporation is a multinational computer technology corporation which develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports many software products for computing devices including the Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software. To prepare for Microsoft exams, students can take online training programs and Microsoft examination preparations courses. Completing and passing Microsoft certification can help you to have an advantage over other job applicants going for similar positions. In addition MCTE-certified job candidates can be eligible for higher salaries. In addition, having certification can help you earn a job promotion or get a raise. The benefits of getting Microsoft certification also include gaining respect as an expert, increased work responsibilities that are related to professional growth, and more additional opportunities for professional advancement.

Selected Online Microsoft Certification Programs

Kaplan Continuing Education

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certificate
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Certificate
• Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) Certificate

Western Governors University

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• CIW Professional
• CIW Associates
• CIW Database Design Specialist
• CompTIA A+ IT Technician
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Network+ (2009 Objectives)
• CompTIA Security+ (2008 Objectives)
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) - Windows Vista, Configuration 70-620

TechSkills (San Jose, Sacramento, and Las Vegas locations)

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
• Microsoft Certified Application Specialist for Office 2007 (MCAS)
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Administrator (MCITP - DBA)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer for MS .NET (MCSD .NET)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator - Security (MCSA - S)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
• Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
• Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist: SQL Server 2005 (MCTS)
• Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration (MCTS)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

• Certificate in Microsoft Networking

Locate Microsoft Certification Programs in your area

Search for Online Microsoft Certificate Programs

Microsoft certifications are professional credentials which are recognized by the Microsoft Corporation. Various online microsoft certification programs are available. These are awarded directly by Microsoft after candidates complete a series of qualifying exams.

A majority of employers for software and hardware positions require candidates to have a minimum of a four-year degree. These jobs include computer engineering and software engineering. In addition having vendor certification had the advantage of showing that you are committed to continuing education and advancing beyond your current level of education.

Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) varies according to the specific area of technical specialization including database and software development. Many colleges and career training institutes provide Microsoft Certification as part of their computer technology and information technology degree programs. A three-tiered certification is available as part of Microsoft's New Generation of Certification. It includes special ranks and tracks such as:

• Architect Series
• Technology Series
• Professional Series

Online Microsoft Certification Training

Microsoft certifications include:

• Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

Microsoft Certification Careers

Many IT professionals with Online Microsoft certification also earn either a associate or bachelor degree in information technology area while concurrently or subsequently working on the certification. Completing multiple certifications is an ideal way to earn higher income and gain deeper professional knowledge and in many cases this can be completed online. Many training colleges and companies offer training for multiple certifications with the option to customize you're your own training schedule.

Top industries with a need for IT professionals:

• Chemical manufacturing
• Electronics
• Computer systems design
• Scientific research
• Data processing
• Software publishing
• Motion picture industry
• Computer manufacturing

With online Microsoft certification income will vary by industry and specific specialization. Qualified IT professionals with MCP designation make about $65,000 a year but can go up to over $90,000 depending on the specific projects. According to a TechRepublic.com 2010 Survey, the following levels of income were reported:

• MCDST Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician $70,197
• MCTS Windows Vista, Configure $71,786
• MCP Microsoft Certified Professional $74,438
• MCSA Microsoft Certified System Administrator $76,337
• MCITP Microsoft Certified IT Professional $82,044
• MCSE Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer $86,454
  

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer software engineers earn an annual median salary of around $84,000 while computer software engineers earn about $90,000. The BLS also reports that computer software engineers are among the highest-growth careers and the employment for software engineers is projected to grow by about 38%.