Microsoft Certification Overview

Microsoft certification is available for desktop applications and technical products/technology. To become Microsoft certified you must pass the authorized exam(s).

The best way to prepare for a certification exam is with hands-on experience with the technology. ONLC Training Centers is a Microsoft Gold Learning Partner. We have been helping students prep for certification since Microsoft first introduced their professional certifications.

Our instructor-led training (ILT) classes are Microsoft authorized and provide you with live, hands-on training. You can attend classes at any of our more than 300 training locations, or from your own location.

If you prefer to study on your own, consider MOC On-Demand—Microsoft's official self-study option. ONLC Training Centers is one of a handful of approved providers from which you can purchase MOC On-Demand courses. Learn about MOC On-Demand.

Microsoft Certification Levels

There are different credentials, levels and areas of focus available for certification.

Below are the Microsoft certifications for which ONLC offers training.

Non-Technical (Business / End User)

• Microsoft Office Specialist ( MOS )
  An MOS certification demonstrates that you have the skills needed to get the most out of a specific software program within the suite of Microsoft Office. MOS certification is available for most Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and so on. A possible next step after earning MOS is MOS Expert, however, MOS is not a required prerequisite for MOS Expert certification. Learn more.
  
  
• Microsoft Office Specialist Expert ( MOS Expert )
  MOS Expert certification demonstrates that you have advanced skills in key Office programs such as Excel, Word and so on. Find out more.
  

 

Technical (IT Pro / Developer)

Microsoft's new, streamlined MCSA / MCSE / MCSD certifications align to industry-recognized areas of competence and provide flexibility to showcase your specific skills on Microsoft products and services, including:

• Mobility
  (Windows 10)
  
  
• Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
  (Windows Server, Azure, Linux, Private Cloud)
  
  
• Productivity
  (Office 365, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, Skype for Business, Windows Server)
  
  
• Data Management & Analytics
  (SQL Server, Azure, BI, Machine Learning)
  
  
• App Builder
  (Visual Studio, Universal Windows Platform, Web Apps, Azure, SharePoint Server)

 

Microsoft certification is an industry standard that's recognized worldwide. It can help you get noticed and move forward quickly in your career.

Technical-level Microsoft certifications include:

 

• Microsoft Technical Associate ( MTA )
  MTA is an entry-level Microsoft certification that validates the fundamental knowledge of those new to IT who need to start building a career in Microsoft technologies. With a modest investment of time and resources, candidates can build foundational understanding in the areas of IT Infrastructure, Database or Development and earn a professional certification.
  
  A possible next step after earning MTA is MCSA, however, MTA is not a required prerequisite for MCSA certification. See MTA certification details.
  
  
  
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate ( MCSA )
  MCSA certification proves that you have the core technical skills required to build a sustainable career in IT. MCSA certification is a required prerequisite for the expert-level MCSE and MCSD certifications. Learn more about MCSA certification.
  
  
  
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert ( MCSE )
  MCSE is an expert-level credential for IT Professionals. Holding it proves your ability to build, manage and administer innovative cloud and on-premises solutions across multiple technologies. You must earn an appropriate MCSA level certification before you can become an MCSE. See MCSE certification options.
  
  
  
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer ( MCSD )
  MCSD is an expert-level credential for Developers. Having this credential proves your ability to develop and build innovative cloud and on-premises solutions across multiple technologies. You must earn an appropriate MCSA level certification before you can become an MCSD Learn about MCSD certifications.

Why ONLC as Your Microsoft Training Partner

 

MCSA / MCSE Certification Bundles
We've bundled together the authorized classes, exam prep software and exam vouchers at a great savings to help you prepare for MCSA or MCSE certification. Some MCSA Bundles are as little as $1,638 with the MCSE just $644 more! Find out more

 

 

 

Authorized Microsoft Classes at ONLC Training Centers
ONLC is a Microsoft Gold Learning Partner. Microsoft technical classes use authorized materials and are taught by a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).

 

 

Education Advisors to Help You
Our advisors can answer questions you may have about classes and vendor certification programs to help you select the training that is right for you. For assistance, contact our Education Advisors toll free in the USA at 1.800.288.8221 (8am-6pm Eastern).

 

 

Microsoft Software Assurance Vouchers Accepted Here
ONLC gladly accepts Microsoft Software Assurance (SA) Vouchers on approved classes. These vouchers can be redeemed for any official Microsoft instructor-led training course that was created for the IT professional or developer audience. Learn more and view approved classes.

 

Top of page

For More Information

To register for class or to learn more about classes and certification contact our Education Advisors...

1.800.288.8221