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Microsoft Certifications: Introduction: Microsoft certifications are for those who have hands on experience working with the technologies being tested. The certification tracks are retired periodically, however, Microsoft offers upgrade paths to the current track. These certs are widely recognized in the industry and very popular. Editor's Notes: During the Windows NT 4.0 track, training companies around the world advertised huge salaries to those who achieved their MCSE. At the time, MCSEs were making very good money, but this huge push combined with the availability of braindump and cheat sites flooded the market with new MCSEs. Many of these people did not have the experience or knowledge necessary to perform the job and this continues today due the proliferation of cheat materials. The result has been a very negative one for Microsoft certifications as well as the I.T. industry as a whole. Now, an MCSE is often required for entry-level jobs and it no longer commands the respect and salary that it once did. There have been some efforts including lawsuits and criminal charges brought against those offering illegal materials, but not enough has been done and they continue to flourish. From my experience running several popular certification sites, there appears to be a recent and growing backlash against braindumps and cheat materials. While there are still too many that choose this path, it seems that many people have realized that everything we said would happen to the certifications if cheating continued has come true. Designations: The table below outlines the different certifications available from Microsoft: Certification Link Description MCP Official Site Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is earned by passing one of Microsoft's professional certifications. MCDST Official Site Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) is earned by passing 2 exams and is for those who troubleshoot Microsoft operating systems. This certification is geared toward helpdesk employees. MCSA Official Site Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is earned by passing 4 exams and is for those who manage and troubleshoot Microsoft operating systems. The MCSA offers specializations in Security and Messaging. MCSE Official Site Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is earned by passing 7+ exams and is for those who design and implement large-scale infrastructures. This certification is geared toward system administrators. The MCSE offers specializations in Security and Messaging. MCDBA Official Site Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) is earned by passing 4 exams and is for those who design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Servers. This certification is geared toward database administrators. MOS Official Site The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) offers several different levels of certification for those who wish to become certified on the Microsoft Office Suite of products. MCAD Official Site Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) requires the passing of 3 exams and is for those who build applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services. MCSD Official Site Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) requires the passing of 8 exams and is for advanced developers who design and develop enterprise solutions. Official Resources: Microsoft's web site can answer most of the questions that you have regarding their certifications, however, it is sometimes difficult to navigate so I have listed some of the more useful pages that you will want to check out. Microsoft Certifications: Overview General FAQs MCP FAQ MCDST FAQ MCSA FAQ MCSE FAQ MCDBA FAQ MCAD FAQ MCSD FAQ Financial Aid Opportunities Microsoft Technet

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