Introduction
Why Salaries for Microsoft Certified Trainers continue to grow and how you can benefit. Technology firms offering cloud-based services continue to see rapid growth. Microsoft remains resilient as a market leader. Microsoft is seeing rapid growth in the Azure cloud space. A recent article in Forbes illustrates this point, referencing 95% of fortune 500 companies now use Microsoft Azure. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bethkindig/2022/08/08/microsoft-stock-azure-growth-proves-resilient/?sh=66e1a8bd59f6
This was achieved through hybrid computing where Microsoft was first-to-market on serving a mix of on-premises, private and public clouds for their large enterprise customers. This article explores why salaries are continuing to grow for Microsoft Certified Trainers.
Why salaries are growing for Microsoft Certified Trainers
Microsoft Certified Trainers remain the gold standard for technical trainers. Microsoft introduced its MCT Program in 1993 to provide training and guidance to Microsoft professionals certified in Windows 3.1 and SQL its flagship certifications.
The MCT Program evolved with Windows N.T. 3.5 and 4.0. This progress continued throughout Microsoft’s introduction of various products. Microsoft Professionals previously holding MCT Certification generally were also MCSE or MCSD certified.
As Microsoft has moved to role-based certifications, combined with growth in cloud-computing, particularly Azure, the need for Microsoft Certified Trainers has increased as well. While there are a few million Microsoft Certified Professionals, there remains less than 20,000 Microsoft Certified Trainers.
The opportunities for Microsoft Certified Trainers have never been better. Microsoft has made significant changes to the MCT Program. These changes mean that MCT Certification has incredible value. The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification no longer qualifies for entry into the MCT Program for new MCTs. Candidates also can no longer submit a reference letter from employers to qualify for MCT Certification. Those seeking entry into the MCT Program must now complete a Microsoft Instructional Skills course.
Who are Microsoft Certified Trainers
Microsoft Certified Trainers have the sole authority to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) courseware to Microsoft Education Learning Partners, and Microsoft Professionals. MCT’s are experts in Microsoft Technologies, and Products combined with the expertise to transfer knowledge to student populations.
Microsoft Certified Trainers are members of an exclusive club of Microsoft Training Professionals, and enjoy deep discounts on books, and exams. MCT’s have their own job portal, access to the MCT community, a regional lead, and access to all MOC online labs and trainer kits. They can join the Azure pass program and get access to MOS vouchers, and beta exams.
What is the pay for Microsoft Certified Trainers
The pay for Microsoft Certified Trainers averages $136,000 and above. The range of pay is from $85,000 to $253,000. Microsoft Certified Trainers have tremendous earning power. The average MCT earned $116,657 in 2021 through an employer. Salaries have increased 15% -16% in 2022. The highest salary reported is $564,695 (source glassdoor) MCTs have the career flexibility to work as freelancers as well. MCT’s charge hourly, daily, or weekly rates.. Freelancers generally earn more than employees. There are few professions where an investment of a few thousand dollars, or less can launch you to a six-figure income.
How to become a Microsoft Certified Trainers
There has been some confusion surrounding the requirements for entry into the MCT Program. MCT candidates must follow stringent guidelines established by Microsoft.
- You must possess a qualifying Microsoft certification to be eligible to move to the next step.
- You then attend a Microsoft Instructional Skills course from a Microsoft Authorized Provider of Instructional Skills Certification.
A word of caution. Your instructional Skills Certificate of Completion must be issued by a Microsoft Authorized Provider of Instructional Skills. Not all Microsoft Education Learning Partners are authorized to provide instructions skills certification.
Keep in mind that there are few firms that offer this certification and fewer that specialize in Microsoft Instructional Skills, with perhaps (1) that offers this service globally. Consult Microsoft’s website by googling how to become a MCT to see the complete list of providers.
Final thoughts
Microsoft continues to gain market share in cloud computing, Azure is used in 95% of fortune 500 companies. There are less than 20,000 MCTs globally and demand for MCT, s continue to grow.
Opportunities for Microsoft Certified Trainers have never been better, with average salaries above $136,000 for in-house trainers. Freelancers earn more, as rates are set hourly, daily, weekly and based on the course. The MCT certification is recognized internationally and is the gold standard for technical trainers.
Microsoft has made recent changes to the MCT Program, and you must complete a Microsoft Instructional Skills course to enter the MCT Program.