Do Not Wait for A Pink Slip Get MCT Certified. The technology universe is going crazy with fear, fear, and more fear. Technologists are roaming around looking over their shoulders to make sure they remain arms lengths from anyone they think may be getting the dreaded pink slip.

We have all been there at some point in our careers, of course unless yours is just starting.

Many IT professionals that’s been in the game for 10 or 20 years have seen this movie before. However, that does not make the fear go away. Recently it’s been reported that even those in upper-level positions at such firms like google that were earning more than $1,000,000.00 (1 million) have not survived the latest tech meltdown. Technologists have started to run for the hills and have started Facebook and LinkedIn groups for support and to network with others for employment opportunities.

IT professionals that hold premier Microsoft certifications can simply pivot and become Microsoft Certified Trainers or MCT’s.

Why do I say this? Well in 2007-2009 we faced a similar problem that was such bigger. We faced a complete collapse of the U.S. and world economic system. The entire system was off its rocker with the housing market crash. IT professionals were not spared. However, those that held perhaps Microsoft’s most prestigious certification did not get crushed. Now let’s be clear we did see rates decrease, but that was more of the training providers taking advantage of a fearful market. So, where previously a Microsoft SQL trainer could command $1,600 or more a day, we saw the rate drop as low as $1,000 a day.

Trainers had families to feed and took the hit. The same will be true for other IT professionals in today’s tech market. We will see highly skilled professionals take a hit. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the growth in some areas will not stop or even slow down much. Data Analytics and Cybersecurity remain not only hot, but necessary skills with over 6.5 million jobs available worldwide.

IT consultants in products like Microsoft Azure and the 365 product line may see an increase in business opportunities as firms large and small begin to strip down their internal IT departments.

Microsoft Certified Trainers will weather this storm for several reasons.

• Companies will seek to educate their workforce across domains tasking their IT staff with developing multiple skills.
• Firms will either bring the training talent in-house or offload it to training providers.
• Competition among MCT’s remains low as there are roughly only 20,000 globally.
• Microsoft Certified Trainers have historically had the lowest unemployment rate in the Microsoft ecosystem. Never having exceeded 3.5%
• MCT’s have a unique advantage over other IT professionals as they can provide multiple services such as a trainer, mentor, project manager, program manager and hands-on IT professional.
• Microsoft Education Learning Partners and other training providers will not slow their pace of seeking a larger share of the pie. This is exceptionally true in data and cyber-space.
• Colleges and universities have discovered a new revenue stream by providing certification-based programs to their offerings through firms like 2U edX and others link with major universities to provide certification programs.
• Colleges and universities that have seen success with certification-based programs are now competing with traditional training providers for Microsoft Certified Trainers.

How do you become an MCT

Many Microsoft Certified Professionals do not have a full grasp of the power of MCT Certification which we will discuss later, but how to go about becoming a MCT.

The requirements to become an MCT are stringent but straightforward. Before we discuss the requirements, I would like to clarify what does not meet the requirements for entry into the MCT Program.

The Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications do not qualify for consideration to enter the MCT Program. The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) no longer meets the MCT entry requirements as of April 2022 for New MCT’s. If you are a current MCT the (MOS) certification will still count toward your MCT.

Employer attestation letters proving that you have previous training experience no longer meets the requirements for entry into the MCT Program as of August 2022 and a recommendation from a current MCT has never been acceptable for entry into the MCT Program, nor has a Certificate of Completion from a non-approved provider of instructional skills certification.

Lastly, you do not need to have previous training experience for entry into the MCT Program.

Now that we have covered the things that will not get you MCT Certification here are the requirements.

• You must possess a qualifying Microsoft Certification.
• You must attend a Microsoft approved instructional skills certification course.

For a complete list of qualifying certifications you can visit Microsoft’s website or visit Fourth Dimension Technologies FAQ and Requirements page. Remember you only need to possess (1) of the qualifying certifications on the list.

The Benefits of MCT Certification to unlock your potential.

IT professionals that have been awaked know they don’t have to wait for a pink slip to get MCT Certified.

Microsoft Certified Trainers are members of an exclusive membership-based annual club. MCT’s as members of this club, MCT’s receive deep discounts on Microsoft exams, both industry exams and practice exams up to 75% of alone with discounts on Microsoft books.

MCT ‘s have access to the complete library of Microsoft’s Official Curriculum (MOC) courses. This level of access helps the Microsoft Certified Trainer to develop not only their training skills, but also gain a deeper understanding of technologies that have an interest in pursuing.

MCT’s have access to the entire suite of Microsoft’s (MOC) online labs to gain additional hands-on experience. There is no cost associated with access to the (MOC) courses or online labs. MCT’s cannot share this information with others outside of the MCT community.

It is difficult if not impossible to put a hard dollar value on the MCT Certification. This is not just based on the perks we have already discussed, but includes the ability to enroll in the Microsoft Azure Pass Program and Microsoft Exam Beta program. This helps not only the MCT acquire additional skills but also for Microsoft to receive valuable feedback on its products and services, but on exams that are being developed for release to the public.

Microsoft Certified Trainers earn excellent salaries working in-house or working as freelancers. In-house trainers averaged $136,931 ax of August of 2022. This is an increase over the $116,657 that was the average in 2021 a nearly 16% increase. Freelancers earn more as they have the ability to not only build a practice, but they also work with clients that they are comfortable with. Freelancers set their rates based on several factors such as

• Type of course
• Difficulty of the course
• Number of students
• Classroom set-up
• The demand for the course
• Their own level of certification
• The location of the course
• Is the course online or in a brick and mortar?
• Travel, hotel, meals, and other accommodations

Microsoft Certified Trainers have access to their own regional MCT lead to answer questions and provide guidance. MCT’s have their own Job Portal. This is unique to the Microsoft MCT ecosystem and community. Microsoft Education Learning Partners, other MCT’s and recruiting agencies post career and other job opportunities here first. The hope is to secure a MCT for an upcoming course, before looking at outside job boards etc.

Members join a community of other MCT’s where they share not only job information and opportunities, but delivery tips, fixes to any lab bugs, and is an international support system.

Microsoft also has annual events exclusive to the MCT community. These events are reserved for MCT’s only and are invitation based. MCT’s can connect with like-minded professionals to share trends they are experiencing in the market, but also interact directly with Microsoft on upcoming changes to Microsoft’s products and services.

How to locate an approved provider for your needs

Becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer is a big deal that comes with several perks.

There are only 9 approved providers as of this writing. Many Microsoft Certified Professionals believe they can acquire this certification through any Microsoft Education Learning Partner. This is not the case. There are not many Microsoft Education Learning Partners that are approved to provide Microsoft Instructional Skills Certification.

You can get a complete list of approved providers by visiting the Microsoft website. Each provider will offer in-person courses. You must check the providers directly to get times and scheduled dates. Many providers offer virtual online live instructor-led training. Again, contact them directly to for times and dates.

One Provider offers a Self-Paced course that has been developed for active working adults, that do not want to take 2-3 days away from work, and desire to work at a pace that fits their schedules. Students have reported that they have enjoyed this method as the supplemental videos allow students to continue to re-visit the skills that have been developed for increased retention. A final exam is required when choosing this option.

Not all providers offer their services globally. Many providers are limited to geographical regions. This can lead to additional costs for students that need to travel to receive training.

Please contact providers directly through email or phone to determine if they provide Microsoft Instructional Skills Certification globally. You should also check their websites.

We know the tech market is experiencing some shake-ups. You can increase your career choices. Do not wait for a pink slip. Get MCT Certified!

Best wishes in your quest for MCT Certification.