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The following tables list Microsoft Certifications by name and describe how they enable IT professionals to display and validate their skills and experience.

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification enables IT professionals to target specific technologies like and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise.

A Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate comprehensive skills in planning, deploying, supporting, maintaining, and optimizing IT infrastructures.

A Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate technical and customer service skills in troubleshooting hardware and software operation issues in Microsoft Windows environments.

A Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate their ability to administer network and systems environments that are based on the Windows operating systems. Specializations include the MCSA: Messaging and the MCSA: Security.

A Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases.

A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate their ability to design and implement an infrastructure solution that is based on the Windows operating system and Windows Server software. Specializations include the MCSE: Messaging and the MCSE: Security.

Developer

A Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate comprehensive skills in designing, developing, and deploying applications for a particular job role. These certifications show that you have the skills required to perform the job successfully.

A Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate their ability to use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.

A Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate their ability to design and develop leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Windows operating system.

The Microsoft Certified Master program enables experienced IT professionals to demonstrate and validate their ability to successfully design and implement solutions that meet the most complex business requirements.

Home and office user Certificications

A Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) has advanced business skills with the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Windows Vista.

A Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is globally recognized for demonstrating advanced skills in using Microsoft desktop software.

Trainer Certifications

A Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate they can successfully deliver Microsoft training courses to IT professionals and developers.

The Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC) credential recognizes Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) whose job roles have grown to include frequent consultative engagements with customers. These MCTs are experts in designing and delivering customized learning solutions.