How the right IT Certification changes your life in 2-3 days Being certified is one thing, having the right certification is quite another. The IT market continues to see growth for the foreseeable future.  IT Industry outlook. There is strong growth in cloud computing, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity.

Would be IT professionals can select from several vendors. This includes Microsoft the most widely known software company worldwide. We have witnessed growth in the cloud computing industry from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The three leaders in space.

Professionals with little to no experience can select from a range of vendors that include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, CompTIA, Linux, Cisco, and others. The list of vendors seeking to gain your business is endless.

Those that are more experienced or have some certification under their belt should seek certifications that lead to more career opportunities, flexibility, earning power, and growth. As the training market continues to heat up IT Professionals may be overlooking a huge value opportunity by becoming IT Trainers. We will focus especially on Microsoft Certified Trainers since Microsoft remains the most widely used software, and there are so few Microsoft Certified Trainers Globally. Additionally, professionals seeking this prestigious certification can accomplish their goal in 2-3 days.

The Value of MCT Certification

Becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer can increase your professional value x times over. Microsoft Certified Trainers are experts in the Microsoft Product line. They are certified by Microsoft as the sole experts when providing training to companies, and students seeking either Microsoft Certifications, or desire to increase their knowledge of Microsoft technologies.

Microsoft Certified Trainers or MCT’s teach from the Official Microsoft Curriculum. As members of this exclusive club, Microsoft Certified Trainers have access to Microsoft’s complete library of courses. They can access all (MOC) labs online, trainer kits to help with the developments as trainers, and deep discounts on both books and exams. Microsoft Certified Trainers are such a critical part of the Microsoft eco-system that they have their own job portal, MCT community forum, and even a MCT regional lead to answer any questions and provide guidance.

Within this unique community, MCT’s share job and career opportunities before they hit the open market. They get information related to industry trends, tips on training, and get positive helpful feedback from other trainers. Microsoft Certified Trainers also can enroll in Microsoft’s beta program, allowing them access to products and updates to exams before the public. They have access to the Azure Pass Program and receive an annual voucher for the (MOS) exam. They can participate in annual Microsoft events that are invitation only for Microsoft Certified Trainers to further develop their training skills, meet other trainers and network with Microsoft Professionals, while getting insights into Microsoft’s future product and exam considerations.

Why MCT Certification may be right for you

MCT Certification may be right for you. This is particularly true if you have desire and passion in helping others. The Microsoft Certified Trainer Certification is ideal for professionals who have a desire to set their own schedule, want to travel while earning and want to increase their earning potential.

Microsoft Certified Trainers average a salary of $136,931 as of August. This was an increase of nearly 16% over 2021 where salaries were still high at $116,657. This number represents an average. Pay ranged from $85k-$253k in 2021. These are salaries for employee-based trainers, meaning in-house trainers. Many corporations require that trainers within their organization hold MCT Certification status for employment consideration.

Microsoft Certified Trainers that decide to become freelancers earn more than in-house trainers for a few reasons.

1. They can set their own rates.
2. Rates are based on type of course
3. Length of course
4. Difficulty of course
5. Number of participants.
6. Travel
7. Additional considerations

Keep in mind that freelancers can charge based on their experience both in training and the field. They may also require additional compensation for travel and or other accommodations. This includes type of delivery needed, Live Instructor-Led, or In-Person, along with any classroom configuration or repairs to machines doing course.

 Freelancers have the ability and option of building their own business by acquiring clients that are private companies, organizations, and Microsoft Education Learning Partners. Microsoft Education Learning Partners must have MCT’s on staff to both acquire the Microsoft Partnership Status and to maintain it Keep this in mind if you decide to work as an in-house trainer as you negotiate your salary requirements.

How to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer

We try to cover this in many of our articles. There is much incorrect information regarding how to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer, how much experience you must or should have before pursuing a career as a Microsoft Certified Trainer, and who can issue your certificate of completion for consideration for entry into the MCT Program.

You do not need previous training experience to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Microsoft Certified Trainers have field experience in Microsoft Products and Technologies. Your certificate of completion must be obtained from a Microsoft Authorized Provider of Microsoft Instructional Skills (MCT) Certification. Microsoft Education Learning Partners are not all authorized to deliver Microsoft Instructional Skills courseware.

You should be on the lookout for companies that claim that their certificate of completion meets Microsoft’s MCT Program entry requirements, or that they have a special arrangement with Microsoft.

Microsoft list of authorized providers of Instructional Skills Certification can be found on their website. You can google how to become a MCT and locate the site in the search results.

Here are the requirements to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer

• You must possess a qualifying Microsoft Certification
• You must attend a Microsoft Instructional Skills course from a Microsoft Authorized Provider.

Note recent changes to the MCT Program.

• MOS Certification will no longer be accepted for entry into the MCT Program for NEW MCT’s.
• Employer Attestation Letter concerning your previous training will no longer be accepted for entry into the MCT Program.

Finding a Trainer Provider that fits Your Needs

Finding a trainer provider that fits your needs may be your most difficult hurdle. There are only nine (9) or ten (10) authorized providers of Microsoft Instructional Skills (MCT).

Many of the providers serve their local area and offer classes that are in-person based. You may also locate a Live Virtual Instructor-Led course to provide your training.

There is one provider that offers both a Self-Paced course, Live Virtual Instructor-Led and In-Person courses. The Self-Paced course requires that you pass a final exam.

You can locate a complete list of providers by visiting Microsoft’s website. There are a few providers that specialize in Microsoft Instructional Skills. Please check the providers website to determine if they provide services on a global scale.