Comparing Competency and Advanced Competency

The two top tiers of the Microsoft Partner Network both require completion of exams or certifications in a specific type of IT solution, but they differ significantly in terms of how extensive the certifications must be, the number and type of customer references partners must submit, and whether or not partners must meet a revenue requirement.

As an example, this chart shows the requirements for a Server Platform Competency or Advanced Competency, which focuses on planning, designing, deploying, and maintaining Windows Server-based infrastructures.

	Competency	Advanced Competency
Exams and Certifications	Two people who have each completed at least one related exam. If they complete multiple competency requirements, their achievements can be applied toward other competencies.	Four people with specific Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credentials (MCITP: Enterprise Administrator, MCITP: Server Administrator), or a Microsoft Certified Systems