According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of software developers and engineers is expected to grow by 22% from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The increase in demand for these professionals could be attributed to a rise in the number and types of products that use software. As reported by the BLS, the median annual salary earned by software engineers in 2012 was $93,350. In addition to a college degree, earning certification from a well-established software company like Microsoft could enhance job prospects and open up new career opportunities for graduates in software engineering.
Individuals with professional certification may have a competitive edge in the job market. It indicates to potential employers that you are committed to your field, meet the required standards, and will be able to perform well in the job. Therefore, acquiring Microsoft degrees or certifications is an option that computer software graduates should consider. It may also be pursued by professionals who are seeking more advanced level opportunities and higher earning potential. There are many different Microsoft certifications that are awarded directly by the company. You should look through the details of certification programs to review content, structure, requirements, and duration of each program, and choose one that meets your interests and professional objectives.
The following is a list of some of the popular certifications along with their brief description:
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Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): This certification provides specialized knowledge and training related to a specific Microsoft technology including Microsoft Exchange Server, Windows Operating System, Microsoft Visual Studio, or Microsoft SQL server. As long as the technology that you are certified in continues to be used, your certification will remain valid.
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Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): You may acquire a MCSA certification in Windows server 2012, Windows server 2008, Windows 8, Windows 7, SQL server 2012, and SQL server 2008. These credentials demonstrate that you have the required expertise for installing, configuring, and administering the respective systems.
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Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): This certification indicates to potential employers that you will be able to design effective and efficient solutions based on on-premises as well as cloud technologies. You'll be required to recertify by taking an exam once every three years.
You will typically be required to pass a series of comprehensive exams before you are awarded a Microsoft certification. Some professionals also pursue more than one type of certification in order to acquire a more diverse and broader base of knowledge. Since the exams are quite rigorous and comprehensive in nature, it is recommended for students to be well prepared. You may take classes or enroll in an online Microsoft degree training program. These courses allow a lot of flexibility and enable you to study according to your own schedule and at your own pace.
You could prepare for a certification while maintaining your current job. According to Microsoft professionals, students should start off with acquiring certification of the product that they are already familiar with. Once they pass the exam, they should move on to other, more complex products. Students should also be well aware of the latest industry trends, and seek certification in the most prevalent market needs.