What is a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)?

A MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) is an individual who has formally validated their Microsoft technology skill set by taking Microsoft’s certifications in one or more technology specialization. This will make them a Microsoft Certified Professional and means that they meet Microsoft’s levels of competency, expertise and knowledge in their specialization.

 Why take the MCTS?

Taking the MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) qualification will validate your Microsoft skill-set, experience and knowledge. Having a recognized MCP qualification will mean that potential employers can instantly see your expertise and as a result may hire you for appropriate projects.  When searching CV databases, many employers and recruitment consultants actually look for specific Microsoft qualifications as keywords, so by having a MCTS qualification on your CV you will increase your visibility and the number of times your CV appears in searches, making you more hire-able and desirable to potential hiring managers.

 

What MCTS exams are available?

You need to pass one to four exams to become a MCTS depending on the technology you are specializing in. Currently the following MCTS exams are available:

 

Exchange and Lync Server

  • Microsoft Exchange Server Configuration (2007 and 2010)
  • Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuration

 

Project and Project Server

  • Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Configuration
  • Microsoft Project Server 2010, Configuration
  • Microsoft Project 2010, Managing Projects
  • Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects
  • Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
  • Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Configuration

Sharepoint

  • Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Configuration
  • Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development
  • Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration
  • Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development

 

SQL Server

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

System Centre

  • Microsoft System Centre Configuration Manager 2007, Configuration
  • Microsoft System Centre Operations Manager 2007, Configuration
  • Microsoft System Centre Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuration
  • System Centre Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuration

 Server 2008

  • Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
  • Windows Server 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization

 

Microsoft Development

  • Microsoft .NET Framework 4, Windows Applications Development
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 4, Web Applications Development
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 4, Windows Communication Foundation Development
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 4, Data Access
  • Microsoft Silverlight 4, Development
  • Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 ADO.NET Applications
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 ASP.NET, Applications
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Windows Forms Applications
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Applications

 Windows

  • Windows 7, Configuration
  • Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010, Deployment
  • Windows Vista, Configuration
  • Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0, Development
  • Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Development
  • Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7, Development
  • Windows Embedded Compact 7

 

Mobile Development

  • Windows Mobile 6.5, Application Development
  • Windows Mobile 6.5, Configuration

 Server 2008

  • Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration
  • Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Configuration
  • Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuration
  • Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuration
  • Windows Internals
  • Windows HPC Server 2008, Development

 

Other Technology

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010
  • Volume Licensing Specialist, Large Organizations
  • Volume Licensing Specialist, Small and Medium Organizations
  • Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuration
  • Forefront Identity Manager 2010, Configuring
  • Microsoft Forefront Endpoint and Application Protection, Configuration
  • Microsoft Office Visio 2007, Application Development

What is the best way to train for my MCTS exams?

There are many ways to train for your MCTS exams depending on the amount of time and money you want to commit. Microsoft provides their own learning materials online and you can also buy various books and e-books on the subject. You could take a traditional classroom based course or self-study with a Microsoft Approved provider. One of the best, most efficient ways to train is to download exam questions and answers from an online provider, these ensure you give the exact answer to the questions and are quick and easy to read and digest then test yourself.

 

Robert is writing for ExamKill which is known for affordable Microsoft Certification PDF material provider such as MCTS, MCSE, MCTIP,MCTS and many more.

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