MTA : IT Starts Here.

www.certiport.com/mta

Invest Big Without making a Big Investment!Microsoft makes it easier for academic institutions to build and deliver technology education with a simple,

convenient, and affordable suite of entry-level technology certifications.

What is Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)?MTA is a new, entry-level certification that validates the fundamental technology knowledge that students need to start building a career in Microsoft technologies.9 initial titles on Developer, IT Pro, and Database high-demand topics. 9 initial languages: English, Spanish, S. Chinese, T. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, Russian, Br. Portuguese

Why did Microsoft create MTA?To provide a solid career foundation to students and enable career exploration.To provide an education solution for teachers including learning and an industry-recognized credential.To lower the barriers to entry to the Microsoft Certification Program by providing a stepping stone to our professional certification.

Who is MTA for?MTA is exclusively for academic customers: Technology-focused high schools and higher ed. Institutions.Driven by Certiport partners and Microsoft’s Public Sector, Education and Evangelism teams in the field.

How is MTA delivered?Delivered by Certiport via internet-based platform allowing unprecedented testing flexibility.Educators empowered as proctors.Accompanying MTA Exam Review Kits provided to facilitate curriculum adoption.

MTA Overview

Associate SeriesFundamental knowledge for students to start building a successful career in technology.

Introducing

IT Pro and Developer

Comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job.

Professional Series

In-depth skills working with Microsoft technologies.

Technology Series

IT architects who have completed a rigorous industry-driven peer validation process.

IT experts with demonstrated mastery of a product through hands on lab based testing.

Advanced Series

Advanced skills in specific Microsoft Office applications. Requires passing either Word Expert or Excel Expert.

Expert Series

Validates core skills with the Microsoft Office suite. Includes exams in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Project, and SharePoint.

Specialist Series

Overall comprehension and deep expertise of Microsoft Office. Requires Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint, and Outlook or Access exams.

Master Series

Information Worker

Microsoft Certification Program

MTA helps institutions stand out as innovative technology

curriculum providers.

MTA enables educators to easily deploy an innovative,

industry recognized, IT certification.

MTA validates fundamental technology knowledge and enables technology career

path exploration.

• Presents an easy, cost-effective solution for validating key fundamental technology concepts

• Provides a Microsoft credential for fundamental technology knowledge, which is in demand in today’s workplace

• Helps attract technology students, enhance college applications and prepare students for advanced IT studies

• Helps institutions empower Educators and motivate students to pursue their passion for technology

• Easily integrated into existing curricula, with exams delivered right in the classroom

• Provides easy-to-use, reliable validation tool to measure building block IT concepts of students

• Enables educators to deliver industry relevant certification, preparing students with academic and vocational pursuits.

• Strengthens substance and value of curricula

• Validates a student’s fundamental technology knowledge—essential to succeeding with continued studies, academic admissions and building a rewarding career in technology

• Provides an easy, inexpensive way to explore career options in technology

• Provides the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)

• Augments and compliments technology related studies

Secondary / Post-Secondary Academic Institutions

Institutions Educators Students

Audience / Key Benefits Overview

• One MTA exam = One MTA certification• MTA exams are not pre-requisite to each other or to MCTS exams

Path from MTA to MCTS to IT Jobs

98-361: Software Developer FundamentalsUnderstanding core programmingUnderstanding object-oriented

programmingUnderstanding general software

developmentUnderstanding web applicationsUnderstanding desktop applicationsUnderstanding databases

98-362: Windows Developer FundamentalsUnderstanding Windows programming

basicsCreating Windows Forms applicationsCreating WPF applicationsCreating Windows Services applicationsAccessing data in a Windows Forms

applicationDeploying Windows application

98-363: Web Developer FundamentalsProgramming web applicationsWorking with data and servicesTroubleshooting and debugging web

applicationsWorking with client-side scriptingConfiguring and deploying web

applications

98-364: Database Admin. FundamentalsUnderstanding core database conceptsCreating database objectsManipulating dataUnderstanding data storageAdministering a database

Software Developer and Database Titles

Exams were defined based on career tracks with high demand in the industry. Specific topics were designed by MSL experts and vetted with college instructors.

What Does MTA Test?

98-365: Windows Server Admin. FundamentalsUnderstanding server installationUnderstanding server rolesUnderstanding Active DirectoryUnderstanding storageUnderstanding server performance

managementUnderstanding server maintenance

98-366: Networking FundamentalsUnderstanding network

infrastructureso Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, WAN,

wireless, topologies, access methodsUnderstanding network hardware

o Switches, routers, media typesUnderstanding protocols and services

o OSI model, IPv4, IPv6, names resolution, networking services, TCP/IP

98-367: Security FundamentalsUnderstanding security layersUnderstanding operating system

securityUnderstanding network securityUnderstanding security software

Exams were defined based on career tracks with high demand in the industry. Specific topics were designed by MSL experts and vetted with college instructors.

IT Pro Titles

What Does MTA Test?

98-349: Windows Operating System FundamentalsUnderstanding Operating System

Configurations Installing and Upgrading Client SystemsManaging ApplicationsManaging Files and FoldersManaging DevicesUnderstanding Operating System

Maintenance

98-372: Microsoft.NET FundamentalsUnderstanding .NET Framework

ConceptsUnderstanding Namespaces and

Classes in the .NET FrameworkUnderstanding .NET Code CompilationUnderstanding I/O Classes in the .NET

Framework

New Titles for 2011

• One-year license that includes up to 1,000 MTA exams.• Exams delivered in any computer with internet access in the campus.• Educators empowered to deliver exams to their students at anytime.• Unlimited access to MTA Exam Review Kits.

MTA Campus License

Developed by MS Learning, MTA Exam Review Kits are collections of 21-hour review lessons covering the topics of each individual MTA exam. They are offered as a free digital download to MTA customers

Course syllabus• Learning objectives• Unit scope and sequence• Pacing chart• A mapping of the unit learning activities to the MTA exam

objectivesInstructor materials• Lesson plans for each day of instruction• Presentation slides for each day of instruction• Annotated speaker notes for each slide

Content delivery resources including• Occasional class demonstrations• Occasional interactive whole-class sessions• Guides for occasional discussions to foster dialogue about key

topicsStudent learning materials including• Instructor presentation slides• In-class exercises (including the code for those exercises)• Practical out-of-class work• Labs as appropriate

Student assessment materials • End-of-lesson/sub-unit questions and answers

Microsoft Official Academic Courseware and Student Study Guides coming in Fall 2010

MTA Exam Review Kits

IT Pro Edition / Developer and Database Edition

MTA Student Study Guides:

Vendor Courseware• Wiley, CCI

MeasureUp Practice Tests• Releasing thru February 2011

Student Study Guides

AreYouCertifiable (AYC) Practice Game• http://www.microsoft.com/click/areyoucertifiable

www.microsoft.com/learning/mta • Prep Guides and Learning Plans

www.certiport.com/mta• Marketing materials, become a test center, purchase a

license

MTA Courseware and Additional Resources

www.certiport.com – Register as a testing center

MTA Onboarding Video walks customers through test center set up

BI Platform makes becoming a Certiport Test Center for MTA easier than traditional platform exams

Exam Administration Training Video. Best Practices for Test Center Security and Management

New Test Center On-Boarding

Become a Public Test Center for off-campus

students

Appendix A

Comprehensive Messaging

Messaging: STEM-D Students

16

PositioningStatement

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification empowers students with a credential validating the fundamental knowledge required to succeed with continued studies, certification, and to build successful careers in technology.

25 WordDescription

Test the breadth of your technical knowledge and explore career options with minimal investment of time and resources! (18 words)

50 Word Description

Stand out with admissions and on your resume by earning a valuable Microsoft credential. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification helps you explore career options without investing a lot of time and money in a specialized career path. MTA validates the fundamental technology concepts needed to succeed with continued studies and to start building a career in technology. (57 words)

100 WordDescription

Take the first step towards pursuing a career in technology by certifying your fundamental knowledge of technologies used by business around the world! The MTA exam validates the essential technology skills that are in demand today and helps you explore career options without investing a lot of time or money in a specialized career path. Show teachers, admissions offices and prospective employers that you have mastered the fundamentals needed to complete additional technology studies and certifications, and earn the confidence to begin building a successful and rewarding career in technology. (93 words)

Messaging: STEM-D Students

17

POSITIONING

STATEMENT

An MTA certification empowers students with a credential that validates fundamental knowledge and provides an essential foundation to build a career in technology.

Audience STEM-D (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Design) students who are 15-24 years old who have an interest in a technology career; global audience with focus on North America, Latin America, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Germany, France, and Russia.

Key Takeaway

“I want to excel in my studies and as a future technology leader and innovator.”

Pillars EXPLORE EMPOWER SUCCEED

Differentiated Benefit

Messaging

Supporting Points

Test technical knowledge in order toidentify a technology career path.

Test your breadth of technical knowledge and explore career options before choosing a specialized career path, with minimal investment of time and money.

IDC reports a 40% gap between the demand for and supply IT professionals with the right technical skills.Matt Walker, “Certification at the Entry Level,” Certification Magazine, July 2008

Prepare for the next level of training andCertification.

Take the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) with MTA.

Earn an MTA credential to prove your commitment to technology and connect with a community of more than five million Microsoft Certified Professionals.

An industry-recognized certification puts the worker — even an entry-level worker — in a stronger position with prospective employers. Certifications are a clear indicator for the employer that the individual who wants a job has the skills to perform the tasks…Certification in the IT industry is critical for getting your foot in the door. Certmag.com Matt Walker — July 2008

Stand out with admissions and on your resume/CV with a Microsoft credential.

Invest in yourself by earning a Microsoft credential that measures and validates the fundamental technology skills that are in demand today.

The MTA credential helps you succeed with continued studies, compete on admissions, and prepares you for a career in technology

71% of MCPs believe Microsoft certification helped them receive a promotion or raise.2007 MCP Customer Satisfaction Survey

55% of hiring managers consider employee certification as a criterion for hiring. IDC whitepaper sponsored by Microsoft, Value of Certification: Team Certification and Organizational Performance, Doc #204360, November 2006)

Messaging: Non-Core IT Students

18

PositioningStatement

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification empowers students with a credential validating the fundamental knowledge required to succeed with continued studies, certification, and to build successful careers in technology and business.

25 WordDescription

Find out if a career in technology is right for you - Microsoft Technology Associate certification validates your fundamental technology knowledge, without a big investment. (25 words)

50 Word Description

Take the first step in pursuing a technology career without investing a lot of time or money. Microsoft

Technology Associate certification validates the fundamental technical knowledge that is in demand today. This

confidence-inspiring credential helps you succeed with continued studies, certification, and a career in

technology or business. (48 words)

100 WordDescription

Technology plays a role in virtually every company around the world. Business students who possess a fundamental knowledge of how technology integrates with and drives business are better positioned to find their place in the work force and realize success earlier in their career. Explore your career options with Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification, without committing a lot of time and resources. MTA exams validate the core technology skills that are in demand today by businesses around the world and provides students with the confidence and credentials to complete additional studies in business and technology, compete on college admissions and helps jump start new careers! (105 words)

With more than 40 percent of businesses worldwide using core Microsoft technologies, Microsoft certifications are like a gold standard – they give credibility to your skill set and provide better know-how as to manage and deploy IT solutions.*

*Intrepid Consultants, MS Learning Value of Certification study, June 2008

Messaging: Non-Core IT Students

19

POSITIONING

STATEMENT

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification empowers students with a credential validating the fundamental knowledge required to succeed with continued studies, certification, and to build successful careers in technology and business.

Audience Students who are 15-24 years old interested in technology; job changers seeking a new career path; global audience, with focus on North America, Latin America, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Germany, France, and Russia

Key Takeaway

“I want to pursue an education and career that’s interesting to me...I know that technology is important; but it can also be intimidating.”

Pillars EXPLORE EMPOWER SUCCEED

Differentiated Benefit

Messaging

Supporting Points

Validates fundamental knowledge todetermine propensity for continued studies and a career in technology and business.

Easily explore a variety of career options in technology without investing a lot of time or money.

IDC reports a 40% gap between the demand for and supply IT professionals with the right technical skills.Matt Walker, “Certification at the Entry Level,” Certification Magazine, July 2008

Confidence-inspiring credential leads to success with future studies in technology and business.

Take the first step in pursuing a career in technology.

Enhance the value of your Business courses by studying technology and becoming MTA certified!

MTA certification demonstrates that you have the fundamental knowledge required to continue technical studies and certifications, and gives you confidence to begin building a rewarding career.

Stand out in admissions and on your resume/CV with a valuable Microsoft credential that helps build a career in technology and business.

Invest in yourself by earning a valued Microsoft credential that measures and validates the fundamental technical skills that are in demand today.

The MTA credential can help you succeed with continued studies, compete on admissions, and prepare you for a career in technology.

Technology plays a role in virtually every business around the world. Business students who have a fundamental knowledge of how technology works are positioned to find their place in the work force and succeed earlier than their non technical peers.

Enhance your business degree with a technology credential.

Messaging: Teachers and Faculty

20

PositioningStatement

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification enables educators to teach and test fundamental technology knowledge. Teachers and faculty can easily integrate MTA exams into existing schedules and curricula, and deliver exams right in the classroom, on your schedule.

25 WordDescription

Draw students to your classroom and save time with Microsoft Technology Associate exams. MTA are secure, browser based exams that validate the fundamental technology skills that are in demand today. (30 words)

50 Word Description

Spend more time teaching and less time creating and maintaining your own exams. With MTA, you can easily administer secure, relevant technology exams to your entire classroom on your schedule with just a web browser. Keep your curriculum current and validate the technology fundamentals that are in demand today. (49 words).

100 WordDescription

Help students explore their potential and passion for technology, while giving them the added opportunity to earn a Microsoft technology credential that is recognized around the world. MTA validates the fundamental technology knowledge in demand by businesses today and is a smart alternative to creating and maintaining your own secure exams. With an MTA license, you can easily administer secure, relevant technology exams to your entire classroom whenever it’s convenient for you with just a web browser. Keep your curriculum current and help students prepare for advanced studies and a career in technology with Microsoft Technology Associate. (97 words).

Messaging: Teachers and Faculty

21

POSITIONING

STATEMENT

The MTA certification enables educators to easily teach and test fundamental technology knowledge. MTA exams can be delivered by educators in the classroom any day at any time, making it easy to integrate them into existing schedules and curricula.

Audience Teachers and faculty that teach technology courses to students at accredited academic institutions including high schools, tech colleges, community colleges, or universities

Key Takeaway

“My teaching prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in continued technology studies and careers.”

Pillars EXPLORE EMPOWER SUCCEED

Differentiated Benefit

Messaging

Supporting Points

Motivate students to explore their potential and passion for technology.

Create new opportunities for you and your students – MTA exams help you explore potential and passion with a variety of technology tracks.

MTA validates the fundamental technology knowledge that is in demand today.

An IDC study suggests there will be a 40% gap in the next five to ten years between the demand for, and supply of IT professionals with the right technical skills. Matt Walker, “Certification at the Entry Level,” Certification Magazine, July 2008

Easily integrate into existing Learning Management System (LMS) and curricula.

Spend more time teaching and less time on administrative tasks.

The MTA exam is the smart alternative to creating and maintaining your own exams–MTA exams easily integrate into the most broadly used Learning Management Systems.

Deliver MTA exams right in your classroom, on your schedule, as a secure, browser-based exam.

Prepare students for advanced technology studies and a rewarding career in technology by adding MTA exams to your fundamental technology curriculum

Draw students to your classroom and prepare them for their next level of study with a world wide recognized credential.

Stay current with the technology industry and keep your curricula up-to-date with the latest industry-recognized credential.

Give your students more than a passing grade this semester. Help students become more competitive when they graduate by providing them with an added credential

Prepare your students for careers in technology, and give them an opportunity to graduate with an MTA credential–recognized by businesses around the world.

Messaging: Institutions

22

PositioningStatement

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is a cost-effective solution to validate fundamental technology knowledge in demand today. MTA provides schools with the prestige of offering an official Microsoft certification to help attract high caliber students, drive college acceptances and increase internship opportunities.

25 WordDescription

Enhance your technology curriculum with Microsoft Technology Associate; the cost-effective, easily integrated exam that validates the core IT skills that are in demand today. (24 words)

50 Word Description

Enhance your technology curriculum with Microsoft Technology Associate; the cost-effective, easily integrated exam that validates the core IT skills that are in demand today. Integrating MTA into your curriculum provides students with low investment career exploration paths and confidence to continue studies in technology, compete more successfully on admissions, and differentiate themselves from single credentialed graduates. (56 words)

100 WordDescription

Enhance your technology curriculum with Microsoft Technology Associate; the cost-effective, easily integrated exam that validates the core IT skills that are in demand today. Integrating MTA into your curriculum provides students with low investment career exploration paths and confidence to continue studies in technology, compete more successfully on admissions, and differentiate themselves from single credentialed graduates. Studies show that businesses will experience a 40% gap over the next five to ten years between demand for, and supply of IT professionals with the right technical skills. Prepare your students for advanced technology studies and a rewarding career with a Microsoft Technology Associate license. (102)

Messaging: Institutions

23

POSITIONING

STATEMENT

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is a cost-effective solution for the validation of fundamental technology knowledge. MTA provides schools with the prestige of offering an official Microsoft certification to help attract high caliber students, drive college acceptances and increase internship opportunities.

Audience Educators and decision makers within accredited academic institutions

Key Takeaway

“We want to set our school apart, give our teachers/faculty the tools for success, and prepare students for promising careers in technology and business.”

Pillars EXPLORE EMPOWER SUCCEED

Differentiated Benefit

Messaging

Supporting Points

Explore a new and easy way of testing technology fundamentals.

Explore a new way of measuring results by adopting third party industry exams that are designed to validate and certify the technology skills that are in demand today.

Help students develop their inner technologist and start planning for their future by including fundamental technology exams and credentials in your curriculum.

Validate the fundamental technology knowledge essential for continuing studies and careers in technology with an industry-recognized MTA exam.

Easily integrate a cost-effective means to empower teachers/faculty and students’ technology knowledge.

Adopt a cost-effective site license model and delivery mechanism for entry-level technology exams.

Empower faculty and students by offering curriculum and exams focused on real world, technology skills and knowledge.

Prepare students for advanced technology studies and rewarding careers with a low cost, industry-relevant measurement tool.

Stand out as an innovative institution by teaching and using the latest technology.

Demonstrate your commitment to the latest technology and institutional leadership. Attract and retain the most qualified teachers, faculty, and students – with MTA they know that they’re preparing for continuing studies and careers in technology. Gain recognition among institutions and employers around the world by offering a valuable, industry-recognized Microsoft technical credential.

Appendix B

Early Adopters

“I wish ALL my students could use these as pre-requisites. I think you’re (Microsoft) ahead of the curve, because most text books are not as current as you are.”

Jack McCarty IT Program Coordinator, Academic MCTClarendon College Pampa CenterPampa, TX

What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA

“I teach at a 2 years college and want to congratulate Microsoft for creating this program, it is EXACTLY what students studying IT need. We have restructured our college’s IT program to incorporate the MTA program and certifications. I highly encourage college/university instructors to take a look the program I think you will find it’s perfect for entry level students.

After taking the exams and reviewing the material students need to know to pass the MTA exams I want to say Thanks Microsoft for doing this. Today’s IT students need a good foundation to begin their IT careers, and you’ve done it.”

Douglas SpindlerBorn to Learn Blogger, MCT

“We delivered the ERK over three days and asked the students to prepare for the exam by going home and playing the "Are you Certifiable?" game. On the morning of the fourth day we held the Networking Fundamentals exam - and to our surprise (and joy) all of our students passed! We gained formal feedback from each student and they said that the ERK and the AYC game helped them to prepare and pass the exam!

…the delivery of the ERK over the three days really helped them to review what they had previously learnt and expand upon knowledge that they had only touched upon

For our students, MCDST is one of the hardest things that they do. I often find myself re-teaching the most elementary of networking concepts that we would have covered in A+. Hence, I see the MTA is the perfect stepping stone.”

Zeshan Sattar Born to Learn Blogger, MCT

What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA

“I have lot of students who comes to MCTS class an struggle to learn Windows 2008 concepts since they are not familiar with the fundamentals. All this time I've been taking my 1-2 days additionally and cover basics free of charge! Now we have a official course which seems to do the job perfectly.”

Susan ThasilvaBorn to Learn Blogger

What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA

“I think the new MTA track is a great idea, I know lots of students that want to move in to IT but coming on a TS level course is beyond them. So they end up taking something like A+ and Net+ qualifications, which are useful but if the Students want to be Microsoft Specialists it’s much better they start their training there.”

mgbleedsBorn to Learn Blogger

What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA“I'm an MCPD and have many .NET certifications. Just recently I was thinking about expanding my knowledge toward IT systems and I was delighted to see the MTA track for two reasons: to make sure I understand the basic concepts before tackling the real stuff, and because registration for an exam is the only way for me to actually complete my intentions.”

Tom Van HauwaertBorn to Learn Blogger

“I think the MTA certification is a great path to add to Microsoft's certification offerings. I see great strategies and opportunities for the academic arena. By offering the MTA certification, students gain confidence to enter the job market while providing a way to showcase their knowledge to prospective employers. Academy's can use it as a standardized metric for their program. A win-win program!As an instructor, I see a big gap between the MCTS candidate and entry-level and I think this fill that gap!”

Rachel Jones, Born to Learn Blogger, MCT