An organization’s standing in the Microsoft Partner Program is determined by how many Partner Points it has. The points system provides a measurable index of where a partner stands in the program, and what they need to do to move up.

For example, a systems integrator can become a Certified Partner by obtaining one competency, which confers the minimum 50 points required for the Certified level. (For a description of what is required for a competency, see the chart “What’s in a Competency?“.)

The Gold Certified level requires 120 points, and the company could earn the required 70 additional points by undertaking activities such as the following:

Activity	Additional Points Earned
Earn a second competency	25 points
Supply 10 additional customer references (two points each)	20 points
Obtain additional certifications for staff	40 points
Achieve high score on a customer satisfaction survey (surveys are conducted by third parties using standard methodology)

An organization’s standing in the Microsoft Partner Program is determined by how many Partner Points it has. The points system provides a measurable index of a partner’s standing in the program, and what it needs to do to move up.

For example, a systems integrator can become a Certified Partner by obtaining one competency, which confers the minimum 50 points required for the Certified level. (For a description of what is required for a competency, see the chart “What’s in a Competency?“.)

The Gold Certified level requires 120 points, and a company could earn the required 70 additional points by undertaking activities such as the following:

Activity	Additional Points Earned
Earn a second competency	25 points
Supply 10 additional customer references (two points each)	20 points
Obtain additional certifications for staff	40 points
Achieve high score on a customer satisfaction survey (surveys are conducted by third parties using a standard methodology)