Introduction

How Long Will Microsoft’s MCT Program Fee Waiver Be Available? Microsoft first waived the fees for NEW MCT’s and current MCT’s looking to renew their certification in 2020. This was in response to the covid-19 pandemic. It was also the first-time fees were waived in the history of the MCT Program. The MCT Program started nearly 30 years ago in 1993 to provide training for Microsoft Certified Professional that held Windows 3.1 or SQL certification. The program has evolved over the years to include training on all Microsoft Products and Technologies. The MCT Program is internationally recognized and is the gold standard of technical training.

Who is a Microsoft Certified Trainer?

Microsoft Certified Trainers are experts in Microsoft technologies and are the only technical professionals authorized to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) Courseware to Microsoft Professionals and individuals seeking to become Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP). Get the delivery skills you need to become a successful Microsoft Certified Trainer.

The MCT certification not only establishes that trainers possess the technical skills in the subject matter that they are teaching, but also provides a great assortment of benefits to the educators and their students. A new MCT joins a world-wide community of technical educators who share the passion of learning and training Microsoft technologies. MCTs communicate through a private newsgroup and are invited to meet annually at one of several MCT Summits for face-to-face contact and technical training updates from Microsoft. These and many other opportunities are invaluable resources for broadening an educator’s technical expertise. ”Find Out More 

If you are seeking to upgrade your skills or use your existing certifications to leverage your career to explore the many opportunities, possibilities, and benefits of becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer continue reading for additional information.

Why become a Microsoft Certified Trainer?

If you are looking for a way to improve your career opportunities, then becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer is the right choice for you. There are many benefits to becoming an MCT, including:

• Increased earning potential. As an MCT, you can earn more money than someone who does not have the certification. This is because companies often pay more for certified training materials and services from MCTs.
•  Increased recognition. Being a MCT gives you credibility in the technology community. This makes it easier to find jobs and clients.
• Increased skills and expertise. Becoming a MCT will give you experience and knowledge in a variety of technology areas. This will make it easier for you to find a job that uses the technology that interests you most.
• Improved career opportunities. Becoming a MCT will open new career opportunities that were not available before. For example, many companies now require their employees to have multiple certifications from Microsoft or another vendor. Becoming a MCT can help you meet this requirement.
• Increased skill development by gaining access to MOC courseware and online labs at no cost, MOS exam vouchers and admission to the Azure Pass Program.
• Deep discounts on books and exams, including Beta exams. Access to MCT Job portal, connection to your regional MCT lead, and invitations to Microsoft events annually.

What are the standard fees to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer?

The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Program is an exclusive membership-based club. The initial cost and renewal for membership varies by geographic location. As an example, membership for U.S. residents is $1,000. Residents of the EU pay 800 euros, and other regions pay a few hundred dollars. These fees are separate from the cost of attending a Microsoft authorizes provider instructional skills course. Currently Microsoft Certified Professionals that qualify for MCT Certification instruction will not be charge the application/activation fee. You can learn more about the fees MCT Program calculator.

How long will the Microsoft Certified Trainer fee waiver last?

This the 64-million-dollar question. Remember Microsoft has never waived the fees for entry into the MCT Program. For nearly 30 years MCT candidates have had to pay a fee. These fees began as a few hundred dollars and are now up to $1,000 depending on your geographic location.

Microsoft clearly states in all their documentation, and website information, that they reserve the right to change their policies without notice. This was recently illustrated when they decided to remove the MOS certification from the MCT Program. NEW MCT candidates will no longer be allowed to submit MOS or Microsoft Office Specialist certification to meet the MCT Program entry requirements.

The standard cost for the Microsoft Instructional Skills course is roughly $1,700-$2,500 industry wide. There’s one provider that has developed a Self-paced program that is currently under $1,500 dollars that’s available. When you consider the cost and fees a typical Microsoft Instructional Skills course in the Virtual online or In-Person space is generally close to $3,000 or above. The best time to take advantage of the current Microsoft fee waiver is now, while you can still take advantage of the many benefits that comes with being a Microsoft Certified Trainer.

The Microsoft fee waiver for entry into the MCT Program can expire at any time, without prior notice. *Note Microsoft has stated that they will seek to provide 30-60 advance notice before reinstating the MCT Program fee. They are not required to provide such notice.

Why should you get your MCT while the fee waiver is available?

We have already discussed some of the reasons you should consider getting your MCT now. The benefits alone pay for the cost of MCT certification several times over. The career opportunities for Microsoft Certified Trainers are unlimited. One important benefit you should consider is the salaries that Microsoft Certified Trainers command.

• In 2021 the average salary for a Microsoft Certified Trainer working as an in-house trainer was $116,657 in salary and benefits. MCT that are employed in-house, work for education providers, small to large corporations, and technology companies.
• In 2022 the salary grew over 15%-16% to $136,181 for Microsoft Certified Trainers working within in-house environments. These professionals generally work in the same environments as those mentioned above. (source glassdoor).
• Salaries range from $85k to $253k in todays market. Salaries depend on experience and certification levels. MCT’s that hold expert level certification command higher salaries. Professionals holding associate level certification command excellent salaries as well. These salaries are based on what subjects you are certified in. An example of this would be Azure role-based certifications.
• It is important to note that MCT’s that decide to freelance, i.e., work as contractors will always earn more. These Microsoft Certified Trainers generally charge hourly, weekly, course and program rates. Because these professionals specialize subjects then tend to hold several certifications. This provides them with flexibility, travel opportunities, and freedom to work with only providers and clients they are comfortable with. Microsoft Certified Trainers set their rates based on the difficulty, duration, and demand for the course they are delivering.

What are the requirements to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer

There has always been confusion surrounding the requirements for entry into the MCT Program. Many have been told they need extensive training experience. Others believe they must hold multiple Microsoft Certifications before applying for entry into the program. Yet there is the last group that have the thought, that they need both training experience and multiple Microsoft certifications. The truth is you do not need to have previous training experience, nor do you need multiple Microsoft certifications. You do need at least (1) Microsoft qualifying certification, before you can take a Microsoft Instructional Skills course. You must also teach (1) course in the subject you are certified in within the first year of receiving your MCT Certification.

MCT Requirements

• Candidate must possess a qualifying Microsoft Certification
• Candidate must attend a Microsoft Instructional Skills Course from a Microsoft authorized provider to validate Instructional Skills.

Conclusion

Taking the step to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer is a big deal. The MCT Certification is the gold standard of technical training and is internationally recognized. If you are seeking to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer, please visit Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. to explore which course option works best for you.