Microsoft’s array of Certification credentials provide IT professionals and computer users with credentials that validate their knowledge and experience in a wide variety of Microsoft software applications including:

• The Office suite of business applications
• .NET framework
• SQL Servers

IT professionals who obtain Microsoft certifications along with a Bachelor’s degree are qualified for careers such as:

• Systems Engineer
• Solutions Developer
• Database Administrator
• Others that involve working with Microsoft applications

In addition to obtaining Microsoft Certification credentials, careers in Systems Engineering, Database Administration and Solutions Development also require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or another relevant field. Several years’ worth of experience in a relevant career may also be required before a candidate is eligible for advanced career opportunities.

The certification process for Microsoft certifications follows a basic pattern and work best if you already have experience using Microsoft products at a basic level.

• Training - Follow a certification training program to study and learn the information included by the certification. Studying for the certification using a study program will insure that you are knowledgeable about all topics that will be covered by the exam
• Take a Practice Test - This will help you to understand what areas of the test you truly understand and what topics you still need more work on.
• Take the Exams - Now that you have studied and practiced you are fully prepared to take the exams required to pass acquire certification.

The US Department of Labor predicts faster-than-average (up to 16%) growth in available career opportunities careers such as Systems Engineer and Database Administrator through to the year 2016.

The growing popularity and dependence on computerized networks and information systems will continue to mean many jobs in the field. Individuals with at least a Bachelor’s degree in addition to Microsoft Certification or other types of certification will be able to take advantage of the best career opportunities.

Systems Engineers may earn between $76,000 and $120,000 or more, while Database Administrators can earn a salary of $65,000 to $110,000. Solutions Developers typically earn a salary of between $85,000 and $95,000. In all cases, credentials such as Microsoft Certifications can increase earning potential significantly.

Microsoft’s Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential is the top-level certification for IT professionals who use the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 as the infrastructure for designing business solutions and software applications. This credential is suitable for not only Systems Engineers, but also Systems Analysts, Network Analysts, and Technical Support Engineers. There are two different credentials, each geared towards a different platform, and each includes sitting and passing a minimum of six examinations.

A Systems Engineer with the MCSE credential is qualified to analyze business requirements for information systems solutions, and use Windows platforms to create and implement the infrastructure required. To do this, a Systems Engineer must first identify their client’s needs, and then determine what types of solutions will meet those needs. They will then provide advice and recommendations, oversee the installation of software, and configure the networks and databases that are required. They will also be responsible for ongoing maintenance, trouble-shooting, and quality assurance.

In addition to a high level of technical knowledge, Systems Engineers also need more universal job skills such as such as the ability to think analytically, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to work accurately even when under pressure. Systems Engineers should also be able to work well alone or in a team.

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET credential is Microsoft’s top-level programming certification for advanced designers who use Microsoft development tools such as BizTalk Server (an application that allows companies to automate a variety of business processes) in addition to Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1. Candidates must sit and pass a total of five examinations, including four core exams and one elective.

An IT professional with this qualification has proven their ability to design custom business software applications using Microsoft development technologies and tools. In essence, they use these tools to create software that meets the particular needs of their client or the company they work for.

Solutions Developers require a high level of expert technical knowledge, as well as excellent problem-solving skills, analytical skills, communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.

Microsoft’s Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) credential is designed for Database Administrators who implement and maintain databases using Microsoft SQL servers. Database Administrators are responsible for:

• Installing and configuring Microsoft SQL Servers
• Managing and maintaining databases
• Managing security issues
• Trouble-shooting any problems that arise

Obtaining an MCDBA credential requires passing three core examinations and one elective exam.

Database Administrators must have a high level of specialized technical knowledge, and also require excellent analytical and problem solving skills, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. In addition, they should be able to work well both independently an as a member of a team.

Microsoft’s Office Specialist (MOS) credential is designed for users of the Microsoft Office suite of business application software. Candidates must pass one or more examinations in the use of:

• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• Outlook
• PowerPoint
• Access
• Project

This is a basic credential that provides candidates with skills in one or more applications. However, there are four levels of the MOS credential—Specialist, Expert, Master, and Master Instructor, each of which provides increasing levels of advanced knowledge.

The MOS credential provides candidates with computer literacy skills that are useful in a vast array of careers that are not strictly limited to the IT industry, as the Microsoft Office suite is the most widely used business software world-wide.