The removal of MOS certification from the MCT Program and its impact must be compared to the history of the Microsoft Certification Program.
Read the Tea leaves: Get MCT Certified. Let’s start from the beginning. Do you know when Microsoft first started its certification program? The year was 1992 that Microsoft launched the MCP Program for those working in the IT space. The only exams offered initially was Windows 3.1, Lan Manager and SQL Server.
The MCP Program was a huge success and started expanding in 1993 with the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Certified Product Specialist (MCPS) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE) certifications being introduced. By early 1994 demand for Microsoft Certifications grew and by the end of the year there was 5,000 Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) members.
In 1997 Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS) to address the end-user application community. As of 1997 IT Professionals having any of these certifications, would qualify to become Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT)
In early April of this year Microsoft sent shock waves through the IT community in announcing, that the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification would no longer qualify for those seeking to become a new Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).
The good news, individuals that currently hold MCT certification can continue to count MOS certification toward their MCT. Though the MOS certification has been an integral part of the end-user application learning process it is no longer a part of the MCT entry requirements and therefore, no longer qualifies for consideration to obtain MCT status. Below is the full announcement from Microsoft.
MCT Program Announcement
| Update to recent message regarding changes to the certifications and qualifications eligibility list. |
April 6, 2022
| Updates to the Recent Announcement about Changes to the Microsoft Certifications and Qualifications Eligible for MCT program membership and renewals. On April 1st, the MCT program team made an announcement regarding upcoming changes to the certifications and qualifications eligibility criteria for program membership and renewals. After receiving feedback from the community, we have reviewed our proposed changes to certifications eligible for the MCT program. We will continue to accept Microsoft Office Specialist certifications as part of acceptance list for existing MCTs only. The certification titles include: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Master 2016, Master 2013, Expert Excel 2016, Expert Excel 2013, Expert Word 2016, Expert Word 2013, Word Associate (Word and Word 2019), Excel Associate (Excel and Excel 2019), PowerPoint Associate (PowerPoint and PowerPoint 2019), Outlook Associate (Outlook and Outlook 2019), Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019), Word Expert (Word and Word 2019), Excel Expert (Excel and Excel 2019), Access Expert (Access and Access 2019) or Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 365 and Office 2019) At this time, we will not accept new MCTs to enter the program leveraging the MOS certifications. We will continue to provide you with updates on program changes as they are made. |
MCT Program Team.
What does this mean in the long term for IT Professionals seeking MCT status? Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. is a provider of Instructional Skills Certification. We have provided these services since 1999. The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) has always been Microsoft most exclusive certification. Microsoft has sent a very clear message in our opinion that IT Professionals will be required to hold premier high level technical certifications to be considered for the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Program going forward.
You may be asking what is our reasoning behind this statement? Think about it. The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is a flagship certification. It is only 4 years younger than Microsoft’s bedrock MCP, MCSE and MCT certifications and programs. It has qualified for entry into the MCT Program for 25 years. By removing it from the MCT Program ,Microsoft is clearly putting IT Professionals on notice that it’s Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Program is its most coveted certification, and the entry requirements are becoming stricter.
There are millions of Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) holding a wide range of certifications. However, there remains less than 30,000 Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) worldwide. The landscape is changing daily. Remote working and learning are here to stay. Flexible schedules, the use of internet tools to communicate such as Microsoft Teams, and work life balance has created opportunities for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) that is unprecedented. The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification has always been recognized internationally as the premier certification for Technical Trainers. In today’s world an MCT can truly teach anywhere and anytime, while demanding excellent daily and course rates.
If you want career growth, are passionate about technology and desire a hedge against market disruptions, follow our steps to MCT Certification today.
Steps to MCT Certification
Over the years we have had many questions on how to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer. There are many opinions on how to get this coveted certification. We will layout the facts on obtaining MCT Certification.
Step # 1
If you are seeking to become a MCT the first step is to Obtain A Qualifying Microsoft Certification. Click here for the certification that Microsoft accepts to qualify for MCT Certification. Scroll down and find MCT requirements.
Okay, now that you are clear on the certifications that qualify for MCT status, you will need to.
Step # 2
attend an Instructional Skills course from an approved provider of MCT Instructional Skills Certification. Be aware that you only need one of the qualifying certifications that you verified on the qualifying course list. The reason we want to clarify is, that many times we have students ask if they need all the certifications on the list. Remember you only need one qualifying certification.
Steps # 3
Next you must attend a Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. Instructional Skills Course. We have 3 paths to choose from. The first and most popular path is our self-study course. This course is designed for active or working adults. Active adults do not always have the time to take a traditional class. They lack the time to take a class that requires 2-3 days to complete. Our self-study course allows you to take the course at your own pace. This course can be completed in a few days. You could also take a month or more to complete the course. Since we designed this course for working adults, we added some things for your convenience. First we have added a final exam. The final exam must be completed in 2 hours. You can take it multiple times at no additional cost if you do not pass on your first attempt. You need 65% for a passing score. The exam consists of 50 questions.
If you desire a more traditional experience, you should choose our Virtual Instructor-Led online delivery method. This course has proven an excellent choice for Microsoft professionals that are in different regions of the world. This course is scheduled to run on U.S Eastern Standard Time and European time. The course is designed to be completed in 2-3 days. There is no final exam required for this course.
Lastly, if you desire an in-person course this is the offering for you. This course is not offered regularly due to the recent covid-19 pandemic. We also limit the class side with this offering. Students will not exceed 10 per session. This course is delivered in a brick-and-mortar environment. The course is designed to complete over 2-3 days.
So now that you know that you must follow 2-3 steps to qualify for the MCT Certification. A qualifying Microsoft Certification. And Attend a Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. approved Instructional Skills course. You will be issued a Certificate of Completion from Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc. You must Provide Microsoft a copy of our Certificate of Completion. This is done by uploading your certificate through the MCT enrollment tool. You must go to the online application which is accessed through the MCT Enrollment tool. Use the online tool for the following: Review the MCT program requirements and sign the MCT Program Guide and Agreement. Your electronic signature validates your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of the MCT Agreement. May sure you follow this step.
We have discussed the 2 critical steps to MCT Certification. We have touched on what should have first after you receive your certificate of completion.
Step # 4
The next step is simply to update your profile information. The contact information that you provide is used for MCT communications. The MCT Program team are Microsoft personal dedicated to the MCT community. It is important that you provide current information to take up to date on newsletters, events, and discounts. We will discuss some of the benefits of MCT certification in another article.
Step # 5
During the enrollment process, specify your employment status. If you are employed by a Learning Partner or a Microsoft Imagine Academy, you need your employer’s Learning Partner or Microsoft Imagine Academy ID number. Providing your employer MCID allows for discount on MCT enrollment fees if your organization qualifies.
Step # 6
You then select your payment method. Program fees vary, depending on your country/region and employment status. To find the MCT and MCT Alumni membership fees for your country/region. Click here If you are a current MCT and do not have a Microsoft Certification ID (MCID), you can get one by contacting customerservices@certiport.com
Let’s talk about the MCT Application fees. You must pay the any Microsoft fees associated with the processing and activation of your MCT.
In summary we have discussed the 2 steps you need to become an MCT. We then walked through the steps of activation. How to update your profile. The process of payment of MCT fees.
We are a Microsoft Approved Provider of MCT Certification. You may visit us here.