6 Steps For Microsoft Certification

1. Decide which certification is right for you.
   Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications that cover a spectrum of professions within—and outside of—the IT industry. You decide which certification is appropriate and best serves your career goals.

   Business worker: If you use Microsoft Office and Windows Vista at work, or you are looking for a job opportunity that does, consider earning a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification.

   • Learn how you can certify your Microsoft Office skills

   • Discover free, self-paced training courses for Microsoft Office programs

   Technology practitioner: We offer a range of certifications for IT professionals and developers at all skill levels, from entry-level technologists to architects.

   • Explore certifications by job role

   • Find certifications by technology

   • Find certifications by name

   • Learn more about Microsoft Certifications

2. Gain hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies.
   If you have one or more years of experience using Microsoft products and solutions in an IT professional or developer role, you might qualify to take an exam to obtain a basic certification.

   • Test your knowledge: Play "Are You Certifiable?"

3. Train.
   Take advantage of a wealth of training resources that are designed to fit diverse learning styles—everything from study guides and tutorials to hands-on, instructor-led training.

   • See available training resources

4. Know what to expect on exams.
   We provide exam preparation guides to help you learn about certifications you earn, training resources (classes, online courses, books, and Web sites), intended audience, and skills measured.

   For the business worker

   • Learn about Microsoft Office Specialist exams

   For the technology practitioner

   • Learn more about exams

   • Find exam preparation guides

5. Connect with the Microsoft Learning community.
   If you are already a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you can network, find answers, and share your expertise with others in the Microsoft Learning training and certification community.

   • Participate in the Microsoft Learning community

6. Take your required exams.
   Exams for specialist, professional, and master certifications are administered by Prometric, an independent testing organization with locations worldwide. Register online or at a Prometric testing site.

   • Schedule an exam or find a Prometric testing center near you (Prometric.com)

   Exams for the Microsoft Office Specialist certification are available through Certiport.

   • Learn more about Microsoft Office Specialist certifications

   • Locate a Certiport test center and register for an exam (Certiport.com)