Become a MCT remotely
AI for Trainers, Facilitators, Coaches & Educators — Included with FCI.
The Microsoft Certified Trainer program remains an important credential for professionals who train Microsoft technologies—but the pathway has changed. Here is what prospective MCTs need to know today, and how professional instructor development can complement Microsoft technical expertise.
Become a MCT remotely: From Subject Expertise to Instructional Capability
The Microsoft Certified Trainer program remains an important credential for professionals who train Microsoft technologies—but the pathway has changed. Here is what prospective MCTs need to know today, and how professional instructor development can complement Microsoft technical expertise.
Professional Context
Become a MCT remotely provides a professional foundation. FDTEC Certified Instructor™ develops the communication and facilitation skills to make that expertise accessible to learners.
Where You Can Apply It
Use questioning, active listening, presentation, coaching, and feedback to help others apply complex knowledge in real work.
Knowledge Transfer Effectiveness™
Develop instruction that moves learners through Understanding → Retention → Application → Performance → Capability.
Career Expansion
Expand into organizational training, consulting, government, customer education, and independent professional instruction without abandoning your existing expertise.
FCI develops 15 transferable professional instructor competencies: communication, active listening, facilitation, emotional intelligence, presentation, questioning, classroom management, conflict resolution, executive presence, coaching, feedback, adaptability, critical thinking, problem solving, and knowledge transfer.
Transfer What You Know. Develop What Others Can Do.
Technical or occupational expertise provides the subject foundation. Professional instructor capability strengthens communication, facilitation, coaching, and the application of knowledge in real work.
Any One of These Three Pathways Qualifies
Recognized Certification
Relevant technical, industry, professional, or occupational certification.
Professional Experience
At least one year of relevant professional experience.
Employer Verification
An employer verification letter confirming relevant expertise.
Only one accepted pathway is required. No college degree is required.
Choose Your Professional Instructor Certification Pathway
FDTEC Certified Instructor™
Develop professional instructor competencies around the expertise you already possess. Includes the AI module, digital credential, and lifetime course access.
Explore Standard FCIFCI Capstone Verified
Extend the FCI pathway with applied instructional performance verification.
Explore Capstone VerifiedApply Your Expertise Through Professional Instruction
The Microsoft Certified Trainer program remains an important credential for professionals who train Microsoft technologies—but the pathway has changed. Here is what prospective MCTs need to know today, and how professional instructor development can complement Microsoft technical expertise.
FDTEC historically provided instructional-skills training associated with the Microsoft Certified Trainer pathway. Microsoft has since changed its process.
For new MCT candidates, Microsoft now requires candidates to complete the Microsoft MCT Onboarding experience. Microsoft states that, beginning July 1, 2026, AB-730 or AB-731 are the qualifying certifications accepted for the new-candidate instructional-skills pathway.
Microsoft also states that it generally no longer accepts instructional-skills course completions from other organizations for new MCT candidates, with limited provisions associated with language availability.
Therefore, FDTEC Certified Instructor™ should not be represented as a substitute for Microsoft's current MCT Onboarding requirement.
Candidates pursuing MCT should always verify current requirements directly with Microsoft before beginning the application process.
Microsoft Certified Trainer is Microsoft's professional trainer membership program for professionals who train customers on Microsoft technologies.
Microsoft describes MCTs as technical and instructional experts in Microsoft technologies. Active MCT status provides access to Microsoft training resources, community opportunities, benefits, and participation within Microsoft's customer-skilling ecosystem.
MCT is an annual Microsoft membership. Candidates and active trainers must meet Microsoft's applicable enrollment or renewal requirements.
The important distinction: MCT is specifically connected to the Microsoft ecosystem. It should not be confused with a cross-platform professional instructor certification designed to travel with a professional across different technologies, employers, industries, and learning environments.
Microsoft controls MCT eligibility, onboarding, application, approval, renewal, and program requirements. Prospective candidates should use Microsoft's current documentation as the authoritative source.
FDTEC Certified Instructor™ includes 15 transferable competencies, the AI module, a 36-month credential validity period, and lifetime course access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Become a MCT remotely
How can become a mct remotely lead to professional instructor opportunities?
Subject-matter expertise can become a foundation for training, facilitation, consulting, customer education, and workforce development when paired with professional instructor competencies.
Do I need a college degree to qualify for FCI?
No. Candidates qualify through any one accepted pathway: a relevant recognized certification, at least one year of relevant professional experience, or employer verification of relevant expertise.
What is included in the FDTEC Certified Instructor™ program?
The self-paced program develops 15 professional instructor competencies and includes AI for Trainers, Facilitators, Coaches & Educators.
What does Standard FCI cost?
Standard FDTEC Certified Instructor™ self-paced costs $1,497.
What does FCI Capstone Verified cost?
FCI Capstone Verified self-paced costs $2,497 and adds applied instructional performance verification.
Can I use FCI skills outside one technology platform?
Yes. The competencies are designed for cross-platform, cross-industry application, including technology, healthcare, consulting, government, and education.
How long is the FCI credential valid?
The FCI credential has a 36-month validity period, with streamlined renewal and no additional annual FDTEC program fee.
How does Knowledge Transfer Effectiveness™ relate to instruction?
It emphasizes a progression from understanding and retention to application, performance, and demonstrated capability.
Qualification and Certification Assessment
Candidates qualify through one accepted pathway: a relevant technical, industry, professional, or occupational certification; at least one year of relevant professional experience; or employer verification of relevant expertise. No degree required.
The FCI assessment includes 50 questions, a two-hour time limit, a 75% passing score, and multiple attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AI module included with FCI?
Yes. AI for Trainers, Facilitators, Coaches & Educators is included with FCI.
How do I qualify for FCI?
Candidates qualify through one accepted pathway: a relevant technical, industry, professional, or occupational certification; at least one year of relevant professional experience; or employer verification of relevant expertise. No degree is required.
What is the FCI certification assessment?
The assessment has 50 questions, a two-hour time limit, a 75% passing score, and multiple attempts.
What are the self-paced program prices?
FDTEC Certified Instructor™ is $1,497. FCI Capstone Verified is $2,497.
How long is the FCI credential valid?
The FCI credential is valid for 36 months.
Expand Where Your Expertise Can Take You.
Cross-Platform. Cross-Industry. Professional Instructor Certification Is Here.