Obtaining a Microsoft certification gives an individual a chance to demonstrate his or her mastery in one area of the computer industry. Students have many different options for different types of Microsoft certifications that will help them specialize in their area of interest.

Most people who seek a Microsoft certification have at least an associate degree in information technology, and the certification enhances their skill set. The current job market in this industry is currently flourishing, which is providing a very promising outlook for people considering pursuing this certification.

This Microsoft certification is basically an exam that is taken by individuals who wish to pursue a career in the computer industry. Many of these individuals hold an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in a field such as information technology, and the Microsoft certification helps to enhance and solidify their skills in their professional field. The credentials that students earn from taking this examination are recognized by the Microsoft Corporation and highly regarded in the industry.

These individuals work primarily in offices on a day to day basis, performing many different tasks on the computer for different companies. Some daily tasks include programming computers, controlling data, installing hardware, and designing and installing different computer programs. Currently, almost every industry is hiring people to work with the computers in their company, so new graduates have a very high chance of getting a job upon graduation. Individuals typically work forty hours per week.

Career Specializations

There are various certifications that students can achieve within the Microsoft certifications program. Some examples include the following:

• Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

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Degree Levels Available for Microsoft Certifications

All certifications within the Microsoft certification program are at the same degree level. Many individuals who hold a Microsoft certification also hold a degree of some type in the IT field. These degree levels are:

Associate in Information Technology - 2 years

Bachelor's in Information Technology - 4 years

Master's in Information Technology - 2-3 years

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Education and Certification Requirements

In order to be prepared for the Microsoft certification exam, students will have a great deal of information to become very familiar with. After studying for the exam, students will be able to choose a testing date. This is a basic certification for which studying is done on the student's own time, but studying and preparation resources are available to students.

The preparation guide that students will receive upon registering for the exam will be filled with preparation tools that are provided by Microsoft. Within this information there is a "skills measured" section that will help students measure their progress.

Whenever students graduate from a Microsoft certifications program, they are able pursue a career in this field. There are no additional required certifications that students need to obtain in order to work. There are, however, a few voluntary certifications that students can obtain in the computer industry to show to their future employers that they have mastered their field of study.

In addition, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society has recently released plan to require certification of some individuals in the future. (United States Department of Labor).

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Salary Information

Individuals who hold the most educational background in this industry have the best chance of earning the highest starting salary. The average yearly salary for someone who has achieved a Microsoft certification varies between $46,000-$80,000 (United States Department of Labor).

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Job Outlook

Overall, people who have Microsoft certification are seeing increasing employment opportunities in almost every industry, each year. Everything from start-up companies to top industry leaders need people who are well versed in the computer industry to work for them. During the 1998-2008 decade, the computer industry grew faster than any other industry, and it is still continuing to grow. As technology advances across the board, the computer industry will increase as well because more computer engineers will be needed to update systems. 

Individuals who have the strongest programming, analysis, business, and interpersonal skills will look the most appealing to future employers. In addition, it is important that individuals have a strong educational background and a computer-related degree (United States Department of Labor).

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Related Careers

Computer Scientists - These individuals are in charge of designing and creating new computer technology. These individuals must possess a PhD in order to practice this type of work. Many of these individuals solve complex issues and create new products that people will use on a daily basis.

Computer Networking - These individuals work to help people and different organizations store and share information on different computer networks and systems. They both design and install different computer systems. They work in many different professional environments with the goal of helping networks be accessible to their users.

Computer Software Engineers - These individuals work to analyze the needs of computer users. They design and construct different computer applications that have many different uses. These individuals must master many different computer languages in order to qualify for various employment opportunities.

Computer Hardware Engineer - These individuals work with everything dealing with computer hardware. They install, update, and repair computer hardware. The hardware that they work with includes systems, modems, keyboards, and printers, among many other things.

Database Administrators - These individuals are in charge of managing all computer data. The store, analyze, and develop new ways to use the data. They are also in charge of testing the data for any problems, fixing them, and keeping the performance of the overall system up-to-date and functioning properly at all times.

(United States Department of Labor.)

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