Microsoft is not just a software company that sells different kinds of software for consumers and enterprise level customers. It also provides certification programs to IT professionals and students. A Microsoft certification is a great addition to any resume because it legitimizes your expertise in a given technology provided or developed by Microsoft. A Microsoft certification will make your resume look heftier in terms of experience and it can even result in you getting a higher salary.
Here are some of the steps you need to take in order to get Microsoft Certification — one of the career and life tips you can find here at o5.com.
Who should take a Microsoft Certification?
A Microsoft Certification is important for anyone who wants to solidify a career in information technology (IT). Many companies require it, or at least give extra points to applicants who have it. This can give you a much-needed advantage when jobhunting in a recession. Microsoft Certification is also important for job promotions.
Types of Microsoft Certification
Microsoft offers many different kinds of certification. Choose which ones you want to be certified in. Some of the more popular certifications provided by Microsoft include: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA). Each certification mentioned refers to different types of technological knowledge and aptitude. If you don’t know which certification you should get, take a skills assessment test. It will help you in determining which certification your skills and knowledge are more suited to you.
Also, find out the knowledge level requirements for enrollees. There are centers who will start the review from the basics but there are those that only concentrate on more high level materials that you may not understand if you are not too familiar with the fundamentals.
Making time for a Microsoft certification
Like any other learning endeavor, scheduling is important and can help you succeed in the long term. Make a timetable that takes into account your review and your test. You will be given the schedules for the test and for the review once you’ve applied for the certification you want to take. By making a schedule you can gauge the amount of time you have for reviewing what you’ve learned and also mentally prepare you for the actual test.
Reviewing for Microsoft Certification
The review is very important so don’t take it for granted. You can decide to review on your own or you can also join review groups or review centers. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. IF you decide to review on your own you have a free rein on when you want to review but you’re left to your own devices and you do not have the benefit of being ‘coached’.
If you decide to join a review center the reviews are more organized and you get review coaches that will help in explaining certain concepts you may have difficulty understanding and your review is more structured. But the downside is that you’ll spend money and you have to follow a review or class schedule. If you do decide to join a review center try to look for one that’s near you so you won’t have difficulty going to the review center.
Don’t forget to bring a valid ID when you take your test. This is a requirement and you may not be allowed to take the test if you are unable to present a valid ID.
Photo from microtech.gm