Which Microsoft Certifications Are Most in Demand?

It’s a question many Microsoft IT professionals ask themselves: What Microsoft certifications should I be looking to get in 2009? Which ones are hot?

The answer may surprise you – the same certifications that were hot six, seven and even 10 years ago are still hot today. According to the two most popular job sites for technology pros – Dice.com and Monster.com – the most popular Microsoft credential continues to be the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular Microsoft certifications:

1. MCSE. This seven-test certification leads by a wide margin. Employers list the MCSE as a desirable title 1,035 times on Dice.com, a technology-specific jobs site, and 1,093 times on Monster.com. The MCSE is aimed at those who want to be system architects and analysts.
   
   

   The MCSE is the most grueling of Microsoft’s datacenter-focused titles, and shouldn’t be undertaken by those with less than several years of solid administration experience. If you don’t understand how all the network pieces fit together, you’re not ready yet to tackle this series of exams.

2. MCP. Compare the MCSE’s popularity with the second-place Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential. MCP is listed 346 times on Dice.com, and 400 times on Monster.com. That means that the MCSE is more than twice as wanted.
   
   

   Achieving the MCP requires passing just a single test, making it a popular entry-level certification. Those who get the MCP often start as low-level helpdesk technicians, making the lowest salary. It is the kind of position that can quickly lead to promotion, and is often used a stepping-stone to the MCSA (see the next entry) and MCSE.

3. MCSA. The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a mid-level credential for IT pros working with Microsoft technologies on a day-to-day basis. It requires passing four tests. It came in third on both job sites, with Monster.com employers calling for it 220 times, and 161 looking for it on Dice.com.
   
   

   MCSAs are the primary administrators for a Microsoft-based network. They manage the Microsoft servers and the network’s users, managing policies and often making sure the servers and network is secure.

4. MCSD. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) credential is for high-level programmers and software developers. It ranks as the fourth most-popular Microsoft title among employers, being listed in 133 ads on Dice.com, and 129 on Monster.com.
   
   

   The MCSD, which requires passing five tests, is much different than the first three credentials. It is for the software design and development groups, and is not related to network administration. If you go for the MCSD, you’ll need to be familiar with Microsoft’s development platforms and tools like C#, Visual Studio and .NET.

5. MCDBA. Folks who build and manage databases earn the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) title. A check of Dice.com shows that 91 employers want that certification, as do 88 employers on Monster.com.
   
   

   MCDBAs primarily work with Microsoft’s flagship database, SQL Server. They often have experience with other databases as well, such as Oracle and IBM DB2. To get the MCDBA, you have to pass four tests, including three core and one elective exam. Database administrators have very specialized knowledge, and normally have few or no network, server or development responsibilities.

Newer Microsoft Certifications

It’s interesting to note that the newer certifications, like Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), are less popular. That’s not to say that employers aren’t looking for them; they are. But the numbers show that old-guard certifications are still the ones employers look for most.













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