The MTA certification is available to customers at qualified educational institutions. Exams are administered on the school campus to faculty, staff and students. The available certifications are designed to test fundamental knowledge in one of four areas: software development, Windows development, Web development or database administration. Future IT professionals can take networking, security and Windows Server administration exams.
The Microsoft Office Specialist exams are designed for both students and information workers. The available exams cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and SharePoint. Exams are available in both standard and expert levels for most technologies and cover either the 2007 or 2010 versions of the Microsoft Office applications. Exams are also available for the older versions of these technologies, as far back as Office XP and Office 2000, but as these applications are replaced in common work environments, these exams decrease in relevancy.
Targeted at IT professionals and developers, the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist is the lowest level of certification available outside the MTA track that is offered to this group. The certification is achieved by passing a single exam in a given area. Candidates can take multiple exams and earn these credentials each time. With more than 40 subject areas, these exams cover a broad range of technologies, including SharePoint, SQL Server and .NET development.
As of July 1, 2011, Microsoft certification exam prices increase. However, this increase is not expected to add to the cost associated with the MTA or MOS exams. Testing, performed at Prometric test centers, Certiport test centers or at educational institutions, must be scheduled through the testing center. Training is available to provide candidates with the necessary skills prior to exam day.