Microsoft To Raise Exam Prices 25 Percent Next Year
12/5/2001 -- Sources have told MCPMag.com that beginning Jan. 4, 2002, U.S. pricing for Microsoft exams through Prometric and VUE testing centers will increase 25 percent to $125. Microsoft's exam pricing hasn't changed in about seven years.
The increase comes at a time of global recession, and speculation is that the increase will help to offset the added cost of maintaining the certification program's quality. Andy Barkl, MCT and owner of WeTrainIT in Glendale, Arizona, notices that Microsoft is following suit with other certification programs. "Cisco exams were just raised to $125 also and CompTIA exams always have been more expensive than most."
The increase is likely to affect international pricing. Georges Thibault, an MCT in Quebec, Canada, calls the increase "ridiculous." He notes that the exchange rate can translate to about $200 Canadian. "Why does Microsoft have to make the certification process so expensive?" Microsoft would not comment on the increase, but plans to officially release this information on Friday. -MCPMag.com
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There are 75  user Comments for “Microsoft To Raise Exam Prices 25 Percent Next Year”
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| 12/6/01: Sean says: |
I agree with Hershel Jackson. I get upset whenever I hear the term "paper MCSE". Those who feel threatened by newbies with the cert but no experience use this term. If you are an MCSE with experience you should have nothing to fear from someone who is just starting out in the IT industry, and for the most part would welcome the help and direction from a seasoned IT professional. Additionally, I think with the great number of IT professionals out of work or working out of IT temporarily until the job market returns that this is an absolutely horrible time for Microsoft to increase their testing fees. People are already having a hard time getting by in this economy and Microsoft takes some of the incentive out of biding your time until the market comes back. Why now? Wait until the market comes back. Wait until the economy is rolling again. MS just doesn’t seem to be thinking about those who support them in the IT management meetings. |
| 12/6/01: Anonymous says: |
This is ridiculous! Microsoft should not up the price of the exams. They are already too expensive. The price in Canada should be the same as in the US, not in US dollars. Not everyone works in the US |
| 12/6/01: Elaine says: |
I am going to take the advice of Be Smart and call and complain. What do I have to lose since it is an 800 number. Will also schedule my next exam before Jan 4, 2002. Thanks for the info Be Smart. |
| 12/6/01: DogBert says: |
Raise the price of exams? Doesn't Microsoft realize that the US is in a recession and that most training centers are killing each other for students? Don't they realize that their certification doesn't hold much water anymore? Don't they realize that the majority of companies out there aren't paying for training or certification anymore? Obviously, Microsoft's pocket's are deep enough! |
| 12/6/01: noah says: |
To me raising the price is a purnishment to those who are looking forward to be certified,expecially in third world country where means of sustenance is not easy and for those trying to move a step from poverty by increasing there skills by becoming a certified professional. It is unjustied for MS to increase the price simply because others did. Have a rethink |
| 12/6/01: Locke says: |
One hopes the added money will go towards the development of larger question pools, additional validation of questions, and legal efforts to shut down braindump sites. Anything less, and they're doing nothing to increase the value of the certifications - just the COST. |
| 12/6/01: Anonymous says: |
Pay $25 more for exam ?! It is $875 for 7 exams plus books and classes. It seems to be very expencive, ha ? Esspesially today when I, MCSE+I, with the experience and UNIX scills cannot find any job... I dont see a huge demand for Win2000 MCSE's in the Boston area... Where (we or) Microsoft (are) is going too? |
| 12/6/01: Be says: |
You're welcome, Elaine. I hope other people like you actually read my earlier posted comments and call MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) toll free number for USA and Canada. The number (again) is 1-800-636-7544. READ MY POSTING (above) and CALL. Complaining here will not change things. Complaining directly to Microsoft's supervisors will (they have to fill out reports) if enough of you take the effort. Talk is cheap, take the time, and CALL TODAY!!! |
| 12/6/01: Nick says: |
Hey Be Smart, anyone with half a brain would not waste one dollar on a paper certification that will not help them get a job. Most smart people have already figured this out, and don't have to complain about the high cost of useless paper |
| 12/6/01: Be says: |
Hey Nick L, you must be one of the smart people with half a brain who doesn't waste a dollar on paper certifications. Then why waste your time reading these postings and not adding anything constructive? Other people care, so preach somewhere else. |
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