Microsoft® Certified Trainers (MCTs) play an important role in Microsoft's training and certification process. MCTs are Microsoft's exclusive product evangelists for Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN®) Training courses. MCTs are instructionally qualified and technically certified by Microsoft to deliver Microsoft courses to IT professionals and developers. MCTs get the inside track on Microsoft products and technologies. In addition, MCTs receive access to a number of program benefits. The MCT credential is accepted in both Microsoft education channels—Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) and Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Providers (AATPs).

Once certified, indviduals receive the following program benefits:

• Ability to purchase trainer kits for all MOC and MSDN Training courses. Trainer kits for Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN®) Training are available to purchase for a low cost from your local fulfillment center.
• Exam discounts. Trainers receive a 45 percent discount on certification exams in countries where the exam cost is equivalent to $100 US. In countries that already enjoy an exam discount price, MCTs will receive a 20 percent discount.
• Courseware support. A special instructional support alias is provided for trainers to ask questions or report problems regarding courseware delivery and materials, classroom setup, labs, or other issues. Although courseware support is available worldwide, problems and resolutions are addressed in English.
• Exclusive access to the private MCT Web site and the monthly MCTFlash newsletter. The MCT Web site and MCTFlash provide timely updates on MCT program announcements, Microsoft certification and courseware information, trainer events, and special promotions.
• Special offers for the MCT community. Many products and services are free or offered at a discounted price for MCTs. The latest available offers are updated on the private MCT Web site.
• Private MCT newsgroups on the Internet. Exchange information with other MCTs and Microsoft on private MCT newsgroups.
• Invitations to regional and national Microsoft events. These Microsoft events include various regional and national trainer readiness events. Attending these events will help you keep current on Microsoft technology.
• MCT logo. The MCT logo and other materials allow you to identify yourself to Microsoft CTECs and students.

Microsoft recognizes and promotes Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) as experts on Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN®) Training courses. Because MCTs are regarded as Microsoft product and course experts, it is important that MCTs have the instructional skills and technical qualifications to deliver successful training to IT professionals and developers. For this reason, Microsoft has raised the bar on requirements to obtain MCT certification.

As of January 1, 2001, all MCTs must hold a premier Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification (e.g., Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator). This requirement ensures that MCTs will have a broad and current base of expertise and technical skills that will increase their capacity to teach. Once certified, MCTs have access to valuable program benefits to help them stay abreast of the latest Microsoft products and technologies, as well as other benefits tailored specifically for the MCT.

The following steps describe how to become an MCT.

• Step 1: Acquire a Premier MCP Certification
• Step 2: Attend a Microsoft Course at a Microsoft CTEC
• Step 3: Demonstrate Instructional Presentation Skills
• Step 4: Complete the MCT Application
• Step 5: Welcome to the MCT Program

Download the complete MCT Program Guide* (Microsoft Word document, 212 KB) or MCT Application (Microsoft Word document, 149 KB).