Howard Haines asked:


Microsoft has well become an integral part of an information technology professional’s knowledge. If you work in the industry, you are sure to come across a server or computer that has some kind of Microsoft technology embedded in the architecture. Microsoft training certifications offer several different tracks to advance your knowledge in the different software programs, and it also gives you and the organization a better understanding for configuration, installation, troubleshooting, and security solutions to implement within a Microsoft based network.

Choosing a Microsoft training certification track can be difficult since many of the exams overlap in technology.

Software Application Developer
If your main job function is application development, design, or support than a MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) and MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) are perfect for your career advancement. Microsoft training for these certifications give the information technology professional a better understanding of the Microsoft .NET Framework. As any developer knows, the .NET Framework is the main substance that makes a programmer’s application backbone.

Systems Engineer

System Engineers such as desktop support, server administrators, or network administrators can benefit from Microsoft training for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) course. The MCSE gives professionals a better understanding of the main software operating systems, corporate networking infrastructure, and networking protocols.

Systems Analyst

System Analysts familiar with the overall lifecycle of software development will appreciate a Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD). This form of Microsoft training gives analysts a better understanding for proper design, development, testing and maintenance. Even project managers engaged with working with software developers can benefit from this type of Microsoft training to create a better way to work with software management and design.

IT Business Analyst

Microsoft training includes certifications for simple Office application professionals. For Business Analysts, understanding all the functions, macros, and sharing techniques for Office business products can be done with Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams. Not only are MCP exams great for Office applications, but it is a step up for further Microsoft training for such certifications such as an MCSD.

Software Engineer

Software engineers have the benefit of being able to go two ways in their Microsoft training certifications. Both the MCSD and the MCSE can benefit a software engineer depending on the topics on which you want to focus. An MCSD will give you a better understanding from a project management perspective such as the software development lifecycle. Conversely, the MCSE will give a professional who is stronger in programming development and languages a better understanding of development tools, technologies, and platforms.

Network Administrators

Network administrators can best advance their knowledge through Microsoft training and MCSE certifications. MCSE exams focus on networking technologies, software development, and operating systems for both servers and desktops. It also tests your knowledge on the different networking protocols.

If you are a professional in an organization that is mainly Microsoft technologies, certifications in any of the above categories can greatly increase your personal worth as well as bring your organization a more qualified professional.