In today's world, IT professionals need to get as many certifications as possible. Many of these certifications are vendor specific. As Microsoft produces the operating system on which most desktop and laptop computers run as well as some of the most popular business software, it is particularly vital to get certified on Microsoft products.

Even there, though, Microsoft offers a lot of different courses and exams. Which one should you earn?

Microsoft Certified Professional

The Microsoft "system" is that you pass exams and get certified based off of the number of exams you pass. To be a Microsoft Certified Professional you only have to pass one Microsoft Certification exam - it does not matter which one. However, this excludes the exams for Microsoft Technology Associate.

To get your MPC, then, you have several options. First, you can get a Microsoft Specialist exam in an area you find particularly useful in your work - such as Windows 7 Configuring or Programming in C#. Or, you can start working towards your Microsoft Certified Solution Associate. Windows 7 Configuring or Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuring is a good start here.

Which is the best Microsoft Technology Associate exam?

To get the certificate, you only have to pass one of the exams. For IT Infrastructure, it is generally best to start with Networking Fundamentals, Windows Server Administration Fundamentals or Mobile and Device Fundamentals. For Database there is only one option - Database Fundamentals to Database Administration Fundamentals. For Developer, the best starting point is Software Development Fundamentals. However, you should look at the list and decide which will be the best option for you and your career goals.

Moving towards Microsoft Certified Solution Expert

Having an MCSE means you have a globally recognized certificate that shows you have knowledge both on premises and in the cloud. It covers a variety of areas of expertise.

You should start by taking the MCSA courses for one of three areas: Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows 8. The first leads to the Server Infrastructure, Data Platform, and Communications track. The second goes towards Desktop Infrastructure, Business Intelligence, and SharePoint. The third leads into Private Cloud and Messaging. So, you need to determine which of these areas are most useful to you and your career development.

Network and system administrators should consider Server Infrastructure, Communication or Private Cloud. Desktop Infrastructure and SharePoint are good for people who primarily provide support for end users using PCs. Messaging and SharePoint are handy for both.

You need to re-certify every two years by taking a recertification exam.

What About Developers?

Developers should aim for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification. There are four tracks here - Windows Store Apps, Application Lifecycle Management, Web Applications, and SharePoint Applications.

How Do I Decide Which Certification to Earn?

Again, you should look into the one that is most useful to your career goals. For example, if you are already working with Android and iOS, then adding Windows Store Apps would be a good move, allowing you to develop across all three major mobile platforms. If you are a web designer and developer then you should obviously consider the Web Application track.

If you have a particular dream job in mind, look into which certifications will be most relevant to this job. If you are looking to get ahead at an existing job, you should consider sitting down with a manager and discussing which might be the best option for you.

Consider Infotec for all of your Certification Training

Infotec offers all of these Microsoft certification courses and exam. We can also meet many other training needs. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a class, be sure to contact Infotec today to speak with a helpful representative.

For more information about Infotec or any of our programs click here: http://www.infotectraining.com/ or https://ops.infotecpro.com/course_schedule/course_schedule.cfm.