Microsoft Technology Associate FAQ

QUESTIONS:

  1. Q1. What is the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification?
  2. Q2. Who's the audience for the MTA Certification?
  3. Q3. How does the MTA Certification fit into the overall Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program?
  4. Q4. What technologies are covered in MTA Certification exams?
  5. Q5. How many exams do candidates need to pass to earn an MTA Certification?
  6. Q6. What if candidates pass more than one MTA Certification exam?
  7. Q7. What do candidates get when they earn an MTA Certification?
  8. Q8. What is the retake policy for MTA Certification exams?
  9. Q9. Will MTA Certifications expire?
  10. Q10. What languages are MTA Exam Review Kits and training materials available in?
  11. Q11. How is the MTA Certification different from Cisco certifications?
  12. Q12. How will I know what will be covered on a MTA Certification exam?
  13. Q13. How will I know when I'm ready to take the exam?
  14. Q14. How many questions are on each exam?
  15. Q15. How long do I have to complete the exam?
  16. Q16. When will I receive the results of my exam?
  17. Q17. How do I get my MTA certificate after passing an exam?

Q1. What is the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification?

The Microsoft Technology Associate is a new, entry-level certification designed to help individuals take the first step toward a career as an IT professional or developer.

MTA validates 80% knowledge and 20% skills. The next step in the Microsoft certification path is Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) which requires hands on experience with the Microsoft technology platform. Microsoft makes its complete developer toolset available for students to download and install at no cost through the DreamSpark Program.

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Q2. Who's the audience for the MTA Certification?

MTA is for students, changing careers, or anyone else wanting to explore a career in technology. At this time, MTA is only available to students, faculty, and staff of an accredited academic institution that is an approved MTA testing center.

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Q3. How does the MTA Certification fit into the overall Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program?

There are millions of people in the world who would like to pursue a career in technology, but lack the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue one of our Technology Specialist or Professional certifications. The MTA certification creates a new entry point for these people to help them jumpstart their career aspirations.

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Q4. What technologies are covered in MTA Certification exams?

Each MTA Certification exam will cover a broad technology area, including:

Developer Exams

Database Exam

IT Professional Exams

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Q5. How many exams do candidates need to pass to earn an MTA Certification?

In order to earn an MTA Certification, candidates only need to pass one exam. 1 Exam = 1 Certification.

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Q6. What if candidates pass more than one MTA Certification exam?

Candidates need only pass one MTA exam in order to receive the certification. However, we recommend that they refer to Microsoft's MTA Exam Certification Paths to ensure that they're effectively preparing for Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams and a successful career in the IT industry.

Passing more than one exam shows potential employers and college admissions offices that a candidate has a variety of technology skills and are committed to a wide set of abilities.

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Q7. What do candidates get when they earn an MTA Certification?

Earning the MTA Certification can help students stand out with college admissions and internship applications. This certification proves commitment and knowledge of fundamental technology concepts.

Having a validated certification from a reputable organization like Microsoft is a great way to launch a successful career!

Earning a MTA Certification can be the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).

Also, when candidates earn an MTA Certification, they become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional community. They'll get access to members-only benefits such as special offers, the MCP transcript tool, and private newsgroups where they can network, find peer support, and share their accomplishments with millions of certified professionals worldwide.

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Q8. What is the retake policy for MTA Certification exams?

The exam retake policy for MTA is the same as our Technology Specialist and Professional exams. You can find more about these policies on the Microsoft Learning website.

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Q9. Will MTA Certifications expire?

Yes, the MTA Certification will expire after five years.

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Q10. What languages are MTA Exam Review Kits and training materials available in?

Currently these materials are only available in English. In the near future materials will be released in Traditional & Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Russian.

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Q11. How is the MTA Certification different from Cisco certifications?

MTA only offers an entry level certification for those interested in becoming a networking technician. This Cisco exam tests professional level skills for people in their first three years of learning and job experience instead of evaluating fundamental concepts. The Cisco exam is not platform agnostic and only focuses on Cisco networking devices. In addition, Cisco does not offer an academic campus license for their exams. Instead, students will need to take the exam at a Pearson VUE test center. Cisco exams are also substantially more expensive than MTA Certification exams especially when compared with the value of an MTA Campus License.

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Q12. How will I know what will be covered on a MTA Certification exam?

Each MTA Certification exam has a preparation guide that describes all of the subjects that will be covered on the exam.

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Q13. How will I know when I'm ready to take the exam?

The preparation guides are a great tool to help you determine whether you are ready to take the exam. Read each objective covered on the exam and ask yourself whether you have a strong understanding of what is being covered. You can also play the Are You Certifiable game that acts like a practice exam to test your readiness.

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Q14. How many questions are on each exam?

MTA Certification exams typically range between 30 and 50 questions.

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Q15. How long do I have to complete the exam?

You will have 50 minutes to complete your MTA Certification exam. If an exam is not available in your native language and you must take it in English, you may request an additional 30 minutes to complete it. You must make this arrangement with your proctor before the exam appointment.

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Q16. When will I receive the results of my exam?

You will be able to see your score and exam result immediately after taking the exam.

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Q17. How do I get my MTA certificate after passing an exam?

Certificates are only available through online download. You can obtain any of your Microsoft certificates using the Microsoft Certified Professional website. You will need your Windows Live ID that has been associated with your Microsoft Certified ID in order to access this site.

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