The advancement of technology requires that information technology professionals stay ahead of the curve. Information technology degree programs offer a solid foundation of knowledge; however, supplementing education with a relevant certificate provides several benefits. Certification programs validate your knowledge and skills in a specific area. Customized programs, such as vendor-specific certification, prove to employers that you have the necessary skills and abilities to perform tasks with a vendor’s software. Microsoft certification training can prepare you to take several of Microsoft’s certification examinations.

How can Microsoft certification benefit me?

Microsoft offers a large portfolio of software programs, database software and other technologies. Each program requires a specific skill set and knowledge for basic, intermediate and advanced operation. In some situations, Microsoft’s programs are designed for development by information technology professionals. Consequently, Microsoft offers certification programs at the following professional levels:

• Programs for IT professionals
• Programs for developers
• Programs for business management professionals

Employers increasingly prefer working with individuals with a basic background in software, at minimum, depending on job duties. Certification offers several benefits. The successful completion of a certificate offers recognition, skills validation and proof that you are current in your knowledge.

What Microsoft certifications are available?

Microsoft offers certification for all skill levels; however, many certifications require some prior knowledge or hands-on experience. You can select from multiple certificates in several areas that will complement your knowledge and education.

Your decision to accomplish certification for Microsoft training depends heavily on your chosen career path or employment and education goals. For example, if you work in administration, you can acquire the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). The MOS validates your knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, which includes Excel, Word, Outlook and Access. Microsoft also offers certificates at the development, troubleshooting and business development roles. Below is a brief list of available certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
• Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
• Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)

Each of Microsoft’s certification programs is granted for a specific technology. For example, you can pursue MCTS certification in the following areas:

• SharePoint
• SharePoint Server
• Windows Client SQL
• Server Project and Project Server
• Exchange Server

This is a partial listing of certification options. Each of the certification programs offers flexibility in selecting the appropriate technology.

How can I get Microsoft certification?

You can start by selecting the appropriate certification track. Choosing the right certification depends on your current experience, skills and knowledge. It also depends on your career goals. For example, if you want to obtain an entry-level faculty position, the MTA certificate may suit you. Once you select an appropriate certification track, you can review the prerequisites to ensure you have the appropriate level of knowledge to begin training. Meeting the prerequisites increases your chances of passing the examination(s). You can then select a training course to gain the fundamental knowledge required to successfully pass the examination(s). Microsoft training and knowledge programs are taught by professionals, who are well-versed in specified Microsoft applications. You can also review Microsoft’s supplemental materials in conjunction with a training course.

How long will the certification be valid?

The life span of your certification and continuing education are important parts of maintaining your credential. Certification life spans vary, depending on how long Microsoft supports a specific technology. Some certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), do not expire at this time; however, several certifications reach retirement age. Once a certification is retired, you can recertify (usually with one exam) to keep your knowledge, skills and certification updated. Additionally, some certifications require that you recertify at specified intervals. This ensures you maintain your knowledge and skills in a changing information technology environment. 

Site engineers perform technical, organizational and supervisory roles on construction projects. They work as part of the site management team liaising with and working alongside architects, construction managers, supervisors, planners, surveyors and subcontractors. To become effective in this job, one must have the right education, certification and on-the-job training. He must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering and getting certified is also recommended. The certification programs can provide additional training that can be obtained through workshops, professional groups and even online courses. The best trainings are learned while on the job, which is the best place to put everything that was learned from school and certification training programs into actual use. As simple as operating lifting equipment to learning to interacting with other site workers such as developers, city managers and co-workers, all these will be learned during the on-the-job training. This is especially true if you want to become an effective materials handling equipment engineer and operator:

Dropping out – a painful mistake

I have had the misfortune of dropping out of college a couple of years ago because of financial reasons. The tuition payments, we can deal with, but the lodging and other logistic issues were simply too much for me and my family to handle. I couldn’t handle the stress of getting a part-time job to make ends meet because it hindered me from getting good grades. Scholarships and grants were out of the question because of my previous grades. I had to drop out because I simply could not afford to go to college.

Our modern world has changed tremendously in the past few centuries.  So much so that a person who lived a hundred years ago would not recognize the world we live in now.  Our society is so infused with technology that our way of life, from how we live to how we communicate, is dependent on modern machines for us to survive.