News

Certiport To Head Microsoft IT Academy

Microsoft outsources its global training program to Certiport, based on its success with Microsoft Office Specialist.

Microsoft and Certiport announced Wednesday a multi-year agreement for Certiport to serve as the worldwide administrator of the Microsoft IT Academy program. Under the arrangement, Certiport will manage the global IT learning solution and its 2,800 participating training centers in more than 50 countries.

"We chose Certiport to administer the Microsoft IT Academy program because of their success in extending the global reach of Microsoft technology, training and certification," said Shawna Straub, worldwide program manager of Microsoft IT Academy. "Certiport's proven processes and global network of testing partners greatly facilitate our ability to develop this program in support of academic institutions around the world."

Certiport President and CEO David Saedi commented on the partnership, saying, "Through administration of Microsoft IT Academy, Certiport will be able to accelerate its efforts to develop more effective students, teachers, and workers seeking to advance their Microsoft-related skills."

The Microsoft IT Academy Program offers academic institutions membership at three levels: IT Pro Plus, IT Pro and Office Specialist. The IT Pro Plus level provides members with curriculum and workforce development resources, and includes courses for IT Pro (Microsoft Certified Professional) and Microsoft Office Specialist certifications. The Office Specialist level is specifically geared toward training in Microsoft Office applications.

For more information on the benefits of the Microsoft IT Academy Program, go here.

About the Author

Dan Hong is the associate Web editor of MCPmag.com, CertCities.com, TCPmag.com, Redmondmag.com and RCPmag.com.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.