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Microsoft Developer Certifications: What's Your Path? March 31, 2003 MCT The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification is the last IT certification we will discuss. This certification was intentionally left until last because one of the major criteria for this certification is to hold one of the "premier" Microsoft certifications before you can achieve MCT status. Basically, you must hold at least an MCSE on Windows 2000, MCSD on Visual Studio 6 or .NET, or MCDBA before you can pursue the MCT. This certification is for those premier certification holders who want to train others in Microsoft IT technologies or for someone in which training others will be a part of their overall job description. Getting the MCT certification allows you to be able to teach elements of the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) or Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) in Microsoft-approved Training Locations. You will also have access to a private MCT site where you can download course materials and curriculum materials. Typical holders of the MCT credential will teach MOC courses in Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers, also known as CTEC's (pronounced see-techs). You will also be able to deliver instruction for Microsoft Partners and for Microsoft IT Academy Programs. The MCT is regarded highly within Microsoft certification channels because obtaining this certification requires much from the candidate in order to gain. According to www.mcpmag.com, approximately only 10,000 individuals hold this certification. Also, it is important to note that another MCT program requirement is that you must renew this certification on an annual basis. The MCT "year" runs from October to September. The following list provides you with the requirements to achieve the MCT certification: Acquire a Premiere MCP Certification: As mentioned earlier, you must hold at least an MCSE 2000, MCSD on Visual Studio 6 or .NET Technologies, or an MCDBA. Attend a Microsoft Course at a Microsoft CTEC: This requires the MCT candidate to attend a Microsoft technical education class that is at least three days in length and attendance is made within 12 months of submitting your MCT application. This is a critical element because you will experience class flow, instructional design and ideas, typical student questions, lab exercises, and interaction skills. It is recommended that you find an MCT who has two years of experience teaching Microsoft technologies. Demonstrate Instructional Presentation Skills: This requirement asks you to provide evidence of instructional skills. In other words, you have proven your ability to teach and effectively interact with technical students. Several ways exist for you to prove this. First, you can obtain the CTT+ certification from CompTIA (see www.comptia.org for details), you can attend a Microsoft training workshop, or provide a technical training credential you may have earned from Caldera, Cisco, Citrix, Novell, or Oracle. Fill Out the MCT Application: This step can be completed at https://partnering.one.microsoft.com/mcp. This is a secured Web site. To access this site, you must be a certified professional and have a Microsoft Passport. If your year has come to an end and you need to complete a renewal application for your MCT status, the following list gives you what you need to have (as reported by Microsoft's MCT site): Maintain a premier MCP certification Deliver at least two Microsoft training courses Earn 15 Technical Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) Earn 5 Instructional Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) To stay current on MCT news and events and to stay informed on MCT requirements and renewal policies, visit the MCT site.