The MCP benefits package is changing. Microsoft says the changes offer further proof that the company is listening to you and shaping the MCP program to better meet your needs.
The New MCP Benefits
The MCP benefits package is changing. Microsoft says the changes offer further proof that the company is listening to you and shaping the MCP program to better meet your needs.
- By Donna Senko
- December 01, 1999
During the past year, research has told us that MCPs
value two aspects of the program above all: first, that
the MCP credential is highly credible and confers great
market value; and, second, that it facilitates an on-going
relationship between the MCP and Microsoft. To boost the
value of the first aspect, we’ve done considerable work
over the past year, implementing new testing technologies,
upgrading exam quality, and working closely with our exam
vendors to better control exam site security. To enhance
your ongoing relationship with Microsoft, we’ve made several
changes in the benefits program, including a major overhaul
of our online resources and the addition of free or discounted
content, products, and services.
You’ll spot the online changes the moment you visit Microsoft’s
exclusive MCP secured Web site. We’ve added technical
information and links so that this may be the only Microsoft
reference source you need to address many of your professional
concerns. And to make this new content more accessible,
we’ve redesigned the navigation system; the site is now
better structured around your needs. Content is refreshed
and updated regularly to give you compelling reasons to
keep coming back.
Another reason to come back to our Web site is that it
serves as a portal to content now available only to MCPs
at MCP Magazine Online. The expanded online magazine,
called "Club MCP," contains all content in the
current print issue, an exam chart listing the status
of all exams with links to reviews, twice-monthly exam
chats with peers, and a referral database through which
MCPs can promote their services. In addition, individuals
holding the MCSE, MCSE+Internet, MCSD, or MCDBA certification
will also receive free access to an online MCP Magazine
"Premier Area" containing every back issue from
January 1996 on, a search engine to help you immediately
find the articles you want, editorial reviews of exam
preparation material, and monthly live chats with technical
experts.
The online version of Microsoft TechNet provides 24 x
7 free access to the most up-to-date version of the TechNet
service. MCSEs and MCDBAs who prefer the CD-ROM version
will be offered a 50 percent discount off the regular
price of a one-year subscription during their first year
of certification.
And those are just a few parts of the new benefits package.
We’ll be offering a growing range of discounts, rebates,
freebies, and special services from Microsoft and third-party
partners. Look for discounts at sponsored events, preferred
registration, discounted hardware, software, books, training
materials, and more.
The previous benefits package will remain available for
all MCPs certified by January 1, 2000. After that, the
new benefits will take effect. For more information on
the new benefits package and how you can take advantage
of it, visit the MCP Web site at www.microsoft.com/mcp.
There, you can not only hear from us, but also let us
hear from you. And that exchange, after all, is at the
core of the MCP program.
About the Author
Donna Senko is the Director of Microsoft’s Certification and Skills Assessment Group.