Trainers to Need Continuing Education

In a continuing effort to strengthen training standards, Microsoft will raise the bar for its Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) program this fall. Starting Oct. 1, Microsoft will require trainers to participate in continuing education programs, teach at least 10 days each year, and pay an annual fee. In return, they will save money on training materials.

The changes announced for October follow by 10 months a decision to limit MCT status to trainers who hold a “premier” Microsoft certification-Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Software Developer, or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator. Before Jan. 1, 2001, MCTs were only required to have experience or instruction in teaching and presenting courses, and to have a certification in the course area in which they were teaching.

Staying Current

To meet the new continuing education requirements, trainers will be required to obtain 20 educational credits annually. Five credits must be related to their instructional skills and 15 related to their technical skills. Options for getting those credits include the following: