4/5/2001 -- MCPMag.com reported in an e-mail newsletter yesterday that Microsoft will start charging a $400 fee for the MCT program. The report said that although Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed the fee, sources familiar with the program said Microsoft will do so next week.

The fee comes as no surprise -- Microsoft in the past has indicated that it would incorporate this requirement (see "Details on Continuing Education Credits for MCTs").

According to MCPMag.com, the fee may not have much impact on freelance trainers. Mike Stroud, a technical trainer in Ontario, Canada, considers it a reasonable cost, but would like see better benefits, "like TechNet, MSDN, beta software...." But the impact on technical training companies remains to be seen. Some companies are likely to use it as a benefit in order to retain staff.

The MCT 2002 program will also add another benefit: downloadable trainer kits.

According to the report, program changes go into effect October 1, 2001. MCPMag.com also said that Microsoft will furnish official details next week on its MCP site. -- B.N.