The cost of Saying No to MCT Certification Just Went Up. We all want to become successful in our careers. IT professionals have many choices when selecting a career path. The choices we make play a big part in shaping the future for ourselves and our family.

The choices of certifications are almost endless. Not all certifications are created equally. Many young and seasoned professionals make decisions based on information received from friends. While this may not be a bad idea, we only know what we know, or have been exposed to.

As a parent of two adult children, I get it. One is in IT and doing quite well. The other is considering a career as an IT professional and bounces ideas and information off me often. As a parent first, and an IT professional that has built programs for all types of learners, I try to help them understand the nuances of the industry. My advice has always been that becoming a Microsoft Certified Training is the best way to launch your career to six figures in the shortest amount of time.

What’s my reasoning for this advice? Well, there are fewer Microsoft Certified Trainers than most other Microsoft certified professionals, therefore there’s less competition. The perks associated with being a Microsoft Certified Trainer are incredible, and contrary to what they may have heard, you don’t need previous training experience to become an MCT. IT professionals from all backgrounds, experience levels, and education should know what they are saying no to before making a decision that may not be in their or their family’s best interests’ long term.

What you are saying no to

It is important to have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Some things you may need to consider are. How is the certification viewed in the industry. The Microsoft Certified Trainer is the gold standard for technical trainers. It is one of the first and oldest certifications for IT Trainers having been developed by Microsoft in 1993 and was the third certification that Microsoft offered. It began to train Microsoft Certified Professionals that held Windows 3.1 or SQL Certifications. So, you would be walking away from perhaps Microsoft’s most premier certification. Microsoft certifications has evolved over the years to include hundreds of certification options.

Microsoft Certified Trainers are a part of the exclusive membership club with annual dues to remain in good standing. The dues are well worth the cost. Microsoft Certified Trainers have access to Microsoft’s complete library of courses. That’s right every course and certification Microsoft produces is at their fingertips of Microsoft Certified Trainers.  This means that you could get a free education diving as deep as you want at zero cost. MCT’s have access to trainer kits for each course as well to help you further develop your training skills and best practices.

Microsoft Certified Trainers not only have access to all Microsoft content, but access to the Official Microsoft Curriculum. This is the same curriculum delivered through Microsoft Education Learning Partners, complete with slide decks and tips built in. Do not go anywhere,, we are just getting started. MCT’s can access all the (MOC) labs online as well. They enjoy deep discounts on all other books and exams. Have access to the Microsoft Azure pass Program, the opportunity to participate in Microsoft’s Beta program getting access to new courseware and Beta exams before release to the public.

MCT’s gain access to a voucher program allowing them to receive a annual Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam at no cost. Microsoft Certified Trainers have their own forum that is exclusive to MCT’s, where they can converse, share ideas, and get helpful tips from members of the MCT Community. They also have access to a Microsoft MCT regional lead to answer questions and provide career guidance.

If that’s not enough Microsoft Certified Trainers have their own Job Portal, that’s just for MCT’s. This unique portal allows them to access career opportunities and job openings that are posted by Microsoft Education Learning Partners and other MCT’s before they are advertised to the public. Microsoft holds annual events that are exclusive to members of the MCT community annually in which only Microsoft Certified Trainers are allowed to attend and receive invitations directly from Microsoft.

Attempting to put a dollar amount on the value of MCT Certification is nearly impossible. MCT Certification is internationally recognized. MCT’s can work in any number of industries and careers. They are employed by corporations, large and small. They provide services to all industries from education, finance, consulting, and defense.

Microsoft Certified Trainers hold several positions within the IT industry from Trainer, Manager, Directors, and course designers. They can work as in-house employees or freelancers. Average salaries for in-house trainers as of August was $136,931 an increase of nearly 16% from 2021 average of $116,657. Pay ranges from $85k-$253K depending on experience and background. One more perk. Microsoft Certified Trainers are certified by Microsoft and are considered experts in Microsoft Products and Technologies. They have the sole authorization to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) to Microsoft Professionals, or those seeking to become Microsoft Certified Professionals. They are critical to the Microsoft eco-system as Microsoft Education Partners lean heavily on these professionals in training their clients.

How to execute your plan moving forward

Now that you have a better understanding of what you would be saying no to, let’s help you develop your plan to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer. MCT candidates get a good deal of bad information and do not know where to begin.

The first thing Microsoft Certified Professionals get wrong is that they must have previous training experience. We have covered this already, but we want to make clear that is not a requirement. The second thing they get wrong is that they need a reference from someone in the training business. Again, this is not correct. As a matter of fact, recently Microsoft changed the rules where Trainers with years of experience can no longer submit an employer reference letter to be considered for entry into the MCT Program. Now anyone wishing to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer must attend a Microsoft Instructional Skills course by a Microsoft Authorized Provider of Instructional Skills Certification.

Here are the requirements for Entry into The Microsoft MCT Program:

You must possess a qualifying Microsoft Certification.

You must attend a Microsoft Instructional Skills course from a Microsoft Authorized Provider.

Before you can attend a Microsoft Instructional Skills course you must qualify.

Where to locate a Provider

It’s time to locate a provider that can assist you in becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer.  A word of caution. Not all Microsoft Education Learning Partners are authorized providers of Microsoft Instructional Skill certification. There are roughly nine (9) or ten (10) authorized providers of Microsoft Instructional Skills. Not all authorized providers serve the global community. Check their websites or contact them directly to confirm that they serve your area. Most providers offer in-person and or Live Instructor led virtual courses. One also offers a Self-paced course. However, you are required to complete and pass a final exam when selecting this option.

Do not take your instructional skills course from providers that are not on the Microsoft approved list and be aware of providers that claim to have a special relationship with Microsoft. If you take an Instructional Skills course from a non-authorized provider, Microsoft will not honor your certificate of completion and you will need to retake the course with a authorized provider on the Microsoft list.  You can locate a complete list by visiting the Microsoft website by simply googling how to become an MCT. You can also see the complete list by visiting Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc A complete list of the certifications/exams that meet entry into the MCT Program can be found on both websites as well.

Making a better choice

Now that you have read through to the end, I hope you can see the cost of saying no to becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer. It is one of the fastest ways to a six-figure income, without years of training or the cost and time of college.

The value of MCT Certification is difficult to determine. As you read, it’s up to you to take advantage of all the perks and opportunities. From access to all the courses and labs, to deep discounts on books and exams. To enroll in the Azure Pass Program and using the MCT Job portal and all the available resources through the MCT Community.

The opportunity to shape the future for you and your family has never been better. There are less than 20,000 Microsoft Certified Trainers worldwide. The last actual count was 17,000. When you consider that there are millions of Microsoft Certified Professionals, you see how big an opportunity you have.

We hope this article has been helpful, and good luck in your pursuit of becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer.