MCTS Certification – Requirements, Studying, and Benefits
MCTS certification is an excellent way to prove your expertise in a specific Microsoft product or technology.
MCTS stands for Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist. There are a large number of different MCTS certification exams, all concentrating on different products or areas of knowledge.
Requirements
Gaining MCTS certification requires you to pass a single Microsoft exam in your chosen technology.
Some products such as Lync Server and Office Communications Server may only have one associated MCTS certification exam. More involved products, such as SharePoint and Project, have multiple exams available, each covering a certain facet of the technology.
For example, if you plan to certify on SharePoint, you may choose to concentrate on configuration or on application development.
Study Methods
As with all Microsoft certifications, you can opt to attend classroom courses, use computer-based training methods, or self-study from books.
As only one exam is involved to gain this accreditation, this is one Microsoft certification where disciplined self-study can prove adequate for many experienced IT professionals.
Benefits of MCTS Certification
MCTS certification is a relatively easy way to gain a qualification that allows you to tell clients you are “Microsoft Certified.”
MCTS qualifications can also contribute towards the requirements for more advanced Microsoft accreditations, including the new MCSE.
Beyond the benefits to your CV and your professional credibility, completing an MCTS certification will probably teach you new things about your chosen technology, even if it is something you have been working with for a long time. There are usually multiple ways to achieve the same ends with software—studying for an MCTS certification will make sure you know the Microsoft way.
Have you gained MCTS certification? Share your experiences in the comments below.
And to follow-through on the ideas introduced in this short post, be sure to download your free copy of the quick reference guide to the Top 21 IT Certifications for Small Business VARs, SPs, and Computer Consulting Businesses.
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