Microsoft Press for Certification

Microsoft Press, a 25-year-old business unit of technology giant Microsoft, produces training materials for home and office users, developers and other IT professionals. Microsoft Press books are written by industry professionals and are geared to help you master the technical skills and knowledge necessary to obtain a Microsoft certification. These materials are available in dozens of languages.

Significance

• Microsoft certification may enhance your job prospects and help you advance in your career. There are 18 certification programs as of November 2010 including Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, Microsoft Certified IT Professional, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. There are certifications geared for IT professionals, developers, home and office users, trainers and advanced IT workers.

Certification Training Contents

• These self-paced training materials include a Microsoft study guide and a CD with practice tests. The training kit includes objective review, expert exam help, case studies and job-based troubleshooting labs. This kit allows you to customize your study by selecting timed or untimed testing or generating random tests. The kit includes comprehensive discussion of right and wrong answers and guidance for additional study needs.

Types

• The certification training kits available include MCITP, for exam 70-622, MCTS (exam 70-680), MCITP (exams 70-640 and 642), MCITP (exam 70-623), MCSA (exam 70-720), MCSA/MCSE (exam 70-291), MCITP (exam 70-646) and MCTS (exam 70-620). There are combination kits for training for multiple tests. These kits range from $38 to $150 as of November 2010.