Microsoft MCP Certification

The MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) certification program is designed to provide you with the skills to implement a Microsoft product or technology as part of an organization's business solution. Please refer to www.microsoft.com for more information on the MCP certification types.

What are the benefits of having MCP Certification?

Microsoft is the worldwide software leader for personal and business computing. The Windows and Windows NT platforms are considered the international standard. Earning the MCP Certification means that you have expertise with Microsoft products and technologies. Your MCP credential is recognized internationally by the IT industry, employers, clients, and peers.

According to the Microsoft's Fifth Annual Salary Survey for the Year 2000:

• Professionals with MCP Certification make an average salary of $46,600 annually.
• Approximately 20% of professionals who earned a certification reported a large increase in salary.
• MCP's with Windows 2000 emphasis are currently in high demand and earn the largest salaries for MCP professionals.

The courses taken and the skills learned when earning the MCP certification can be used as a foundation for higher-level certifications, such as the MSCE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer). MSCE professionals earn higher salaries and are in greater demand.

How do I earn MCP Certification?

To earn MCP certification, you must pass one Microsoft certification exam. The exams are developed by industry professionals to reflect how Microsoft products are used throughout the world.

There are multiple exams you can take to earn MCP certification. Each exam focuses on a different aspect of Microsoft products and technologies. These topics range from application development to network administration. Please visit Microsoft for more information.

The MCP Certification exam can then be taken at the SCC Professional Testing and Certification Center.

How does SCC help prepare me for the MCP exam?

SCC provides courses in Microsoft Windows 2003: Server, XP Professional, Network Infrastructure, Active Directory, and Designing Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure that help you prepare for the following MCP exams:

• Exam 70-270: Windows XP Professional
• Exam 70-290: Windows Server 2003
• Exam 70-291: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• Exam 70-294: Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
• Exam 70-297: Designing Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

The courses that Seminole Community College provides as part of its professional certification programs are designed to help students prepare for a certification exam. To earn a certification, the student must pass the exam. Passing the courses does not guarantee that the student will pass the exam.

What career opportunities can I explore with MCP Certification?

The MCP certification is a logical step towards entering a career as:

• Senior/Junior Network Engineer Network Manager
• Project Manager
• CIO

For further information on career possibilities or for assistance with job placement, please visit the SCC Career Development Center.

Did you know?

SCC's Cisco Systems Academy offers a blended-distance learning program.