New Continuing Education Requirements for MCTs Released
11/30/2000 -- Microsoft has released a few details on the revamped MCT program, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2001. Specifically, the company provides some criteria for its continuing education (CE) credit, which MCTs must achieve yearly before renewing one's MCT status.
MCTs must earn at least 15 CE credits during the year from the following sources:
- Passing certification exams (5 credits each).
- Attending Microsoft courses (1 credit/day).
- Attending trainer skills courses (1 credit/day).
- Attending Microsoft technical conferences (1 credit/day).
- Extra credits for various activities.
Microsoft has been asked for clarification on some of these points, but hadn't commented as of this writing. Particularly, it hasn't offered details on the conferences or a roster of which "various activities" would qualify for credit.
On top of the credits, MCTs will have to pay a program fee to renew the title and be required to deliver 10 days of Microsoft training during the year. Microsoft hasn't said how much the renewal fee would be.
If you're an MCT who wants to get a jump on the continuing education credits for 2001, Microsoft is offering 15 CE credits for those who achieve the Windows 2000 MCSE before Dec. 31, 2000.
To get more details on the bonus program, as well as more details on the continuing education credits as they're announced, log onto Microsoft's MCT Secure Web site at https://partnering.one.microsoft.com/MCT/ (you'll need your MCP ID to enter the site).  -MCPmag.com.
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There are 7  user Comments for “New Continuing Education Requirements for MCTs Released”
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| 12/4/00: MCSE says: |
I think it is B.S., If you want trainer level certification I don't think you should be REQUIRED to teach 10 days. |
| 12/5/00: Matt says: |
I think that this is probably one of the best plans that Microsoft has come out with for the MCT program. Let's face it, most good trainers are already passing tests, attending classes, and teaching on a regular basis. That being said, these trainers shouldn't have any problem acheiving the 15 credits needed. They'll probably go way over the 15 credits required. Granted, paying to keep the MCT certification sounds a little off but I'll reserve judgement on that until I see how much money we're talking about. Basically MS is saying that if you want to be a quality trainer, here is the plan. They've made it easy to acheive the goals and anyone who can't probably just wants an extra certification behind their name. |
| 12/6/00: JB says: |
I've been a MCT since 1996. Despite technical training experience that goes back to 1979, and lots of rave reviews, I have yet to teach a MOC class. I live in metro DC and there is little opportunity to teach evening classes without a long commute to places in the suburbs that are not well served by public transportation. The evening classes I have been able to teach, TCP/IP and Exchange 5.5, are conducted in a CTEC facility, but do not use MOC. To teach day classes, I would have to take a significant pay cut... the last offer was on the order of $20K a year less. It seems to me, that these new requirements will mostly help CTEC's by keeping aspiring MCT's more closely tied to their apron strings. Those of us who teach as an adjunct to non-CTEC day work (who are gaining real-world experiences, in other words) will increasingly be filtered out of the MCT gene pool. Time to start focusing on CISCO and additional COMPTIA certifications to replace vanishing Microsoft certifications. JB Fields, A+, MCP+I, MCSE, MCT, CTT |
| 12/6/00: Anonymous says: |
Why do I get the feeling microsoft certifications are like taking a Roll of The Dice? |
| 12/7/00: Tom says: |
I've attended classes conducted by MCT's using the MOC at CTEC's and also classes by non-MS certified instructors at non-CTEC's. The quality of the first is more reliable and more predictable. No doubt there are some nitwits holding the MCT and some great teachers who are expert in many areas who hold no certifications at all, but it's analagous to a license. A license doesn't prove you're a good truck driver or surgeon, but I'd always hire the guy who took the time to study, pass the tests, and stay current. The education buyer usually doesn't have any way to evaluate instructors or schools except by their certifications. I've had instructors with only one certification test more than me and some friends recently went to an "MSCE class" whose instructor wasn't certified. That provider was low bidder for the contract but saving 20% turned out to be a waste of pretty much everything. BTW, most MCT's I've known have a active consulting practice. The money's better for one thing, and it keeps them current in the real world. Anyone in the IT field is just going to have to bite the bullet and be on a permanent study schedule whether you take any tests or not. Two year old knowledge is not going to keep us in business. Tom Doran, MCSE |
| 12/7/00: Anonymous says: |
It is a good idea. If u are trainer, of course, you need to know how to teach. MCT is a professional IT trainer. It need to keep its high standard of the knowledge. |
| 3/11/01: JB says: |
I would add to my comments, above, that the pay cut was for a full-time position. Contract trainers seem to do a bit better in terms of hourly compensation. |
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