Why MCT Certification can be Critical to Your Long-Term IT Success. As the world of technology is threatening to go off a cliff with the announcements of wide scale layoffs, IT professionals scramble to survive the downturn. It’s important to keep in mind that opportunities are always found in industry disruptions.

Microsoft certified professionals that possess mid to high level certifications have a great opportunity to secure long-term success. Though there are millions of Microsoft Certified Professionals which makes for a competitive market during a downturn in the technology sector. There are less than 20,000 IT professionals that are in possession of perhaps Microsoft’s most prestigious certification, the Microsoft Certified Trainer or MCT Certification.

Microsoft’s MCT Certification is its oldest and most revered certification in the technology industry, though many Microsoft Certified Professionals are not aware of its power. The Microsoft MCT Program was created in 1993 to provide training to those holding Microsoft’s flagship certifications Windows 3.1 and Microsoft SQL both established in 1992.

The Microsoft MCT Program has evolved over the years to provide training on all Microsoft products and services. The MCT Certification is the gold standard of technical training and is internationally recognized.

There are several reasons why the MCT Certification can be critical to your long-term IT success.

Holders of MCT Certification experience the lowest unemployment rate in the industry, never having exceeded 3.5%. There are always opportunities for these professionals as their skills are sought by Microsoft Education Learning Partners, for profit and non-profit institutions and corporations both large and small and over the last 5-10 years colleges and universities who are seeking to strengthen their student populations job prospects by offering certification-based training.

The MCT Certification gains the holder access to Microsoft’s complete library of training courses and certifications. Microsoft Certified Trainers can dive deeply into the entire Microsoft ecosystem of content, which is impossible to attach a true dollar figure to. Think about it just from a subject matter perspective. You have access to the entire suite of Azure technologies, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and the Microsoft 365 products, at zero cost. This by itself can have a significant impact on your long-term IT success.

Microsoft Certified Trainers not only have access to the Official Microsoft curriculum, but they also have complete access to the Microsoft Official online labs for all products and certifications. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, you have access to the Microsoft trainer kits across the ecosystem to further your development as a trainer. These kits come complete with slide decks and instructor notes to provide insights into best practices.

The opportunity for growth as an IT professional during a market downturn can be incredible when you can upskill at little to zero cost. Microsoft Certified Trainers not only can gain valuable access to certifications they have interest in pursuing, but they get deep discounts on books and exams, both practice exams and certification exams.

MCT’s have their own job portal. That’s right Microsoft Certified Trainers are part of such an exclusive membership-based club, that they can access career opportunities posted by Microsoft Education Learning Partners or any firm seeking trainers through their own job portal. MCT’s can enroll in the Microsoft Azure Pass Program and the Microsoft Beta exam program to increase their skills, but can have to access any changes to existing exams or exams that Microsoft is considering for release.

These are just some of the benefits and perks of MCT Certification. You can probably start to see why becoming a MCT is critical to your long-term IT success.

Microsoft Certified Trainers earn excellent wages. In-house trainers earned on average as of August 2022 $136,931 according to glassdoor. This is nearly a 16% increase over 2021 incomes of $116,657. Salaries range from $85,000 to $253,000.

Freelancers typically earn more than in-house trainers. Freelancers set their rates based on several factors that include type of course, difficulty of course, length of course, number of students, prep time, location of course, air travel, accommodations, meals and car rental. Freelancers have the option of building their own practice working with clients they are comfortable with.

So, is the market really in a downturn? It depends on how you view the market. MCT Certification can be the gateway to an entire world of learning and sharing with others your passion while eliminating your cost. You also have access to Microsoft’s MCT community for support and guidance. You receive exclusive invitations to Microsoft events internationally and locally to network with other members of the MCT community to discuss trends and opportunities.

How do you become an MCT

There have always been a number of views on what it takes to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Much of this information has led to confusion among Microsoft Certified Professionals.

Many have come to believe that they must have previous training experience. Others have come to believe that they need a recommendation from an employer of current Microsoft Certified Trainer.

The reality is you do not need to have previous training experience, and a recommendation from a current MCT has never been an option. Before August of 2022 you could provide an employer attestation letter. However, this is no longer acceptable for entry into the MCT Program.

You gain entry into the Microsoft MCT Program by:

• You must possess a qualifying Microsoft Certification
• You must attend a Microsoft Approved Instructional Skills course.

You can see a complete list of certifications that are acceptable by visiting Microsoft’s website or by visiting Fourth Dimension Technologies, Inc.

Locating an Approved Instructional Skills Provider

There are limited number of approved providers for Microsoft Instructional Skills Certifications. Currently there are nine (9) providers.

Many providers offer courses in their local region only. It is important that you check directly with the provider to determine if they offer courses in your local region.

All providers should offer in-person courses. This is generally the most expensive option. Many will offer Virtual Instructor-Led Online courses. Again, it is important to check for courses that serve your region. Lastly, one offers a Self-Paced course to the global community. This course requires that you complete and pass a final exam. The purpose for this course is to address the needs of active adults that need to take a course at a pace that works for their lifestyle, while overcoming any geographical restrictions.

You can see a complete list of providers by visiting Microsoft’s website. Providers are listed on the same page where qualifying certifications are located.

Now is not the time for IT professionals to panic because of the buzz surrounding market downturns.

MCT Certification will provide opportunities that secure your long-term IT success.

Best wishes in your pursuit of career freedom through MCT Certification