by Alex Russel

An MCP, or Microsoft Certified Professional, is anyone who has received certification in any one of several Microsoft sanctioned examinations. In February 2005, MCP candidates could choose any of the following certification training programs:

• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
• MCSA: Security on Microsoft Windows 2000
• MCSA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• MCSE: Security on Microsoft Windows 2000
• MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
• MCSD on Microsoft .NET
• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

The level of training and the amount of completed exams needed for certification is different for each specialty. Also, the list of required certification examinations changes regularly, keeping up with adapting technologies at Microsoft.

Step-By-Step MCP Certification Training

Some of these certifications are actually steps on the way towards other certifications. For example, a MCSA is the first training step towards becoming a MCSE, widely considered one of the most specialized and highest paying certifications from Microsoft. MCAD is the second training step towards MCSE certification, but any one of them is enough to make you a MCP, a computer worker with Microsoft certification.

Choose MCP Training Wisely

Because some of these MCP certifications are cumulative, it's important to choose your training course wisely. If your goal is to ultimately become a top programmer at a Fortune 500 company, then the MCSA to MCSE certification track is a wise one. If database programming is your goal, then go straight to MCDBA training.

As MCP certification covers all specialties of computer programming, MCP income levels are as varied as earnings for the industry as a whole. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2002, MCP certification holders could expect to make anywhere between $35,080 to $96,860. This makes MCP training well worth looking into.

About the Author

Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Lucky enough to grow up in Europe with family all over the world, he has been a consummate traveler his whole life. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.