Certiport News
Certiport to Bring the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), a New Entry-Level Certification, to Global Academic Market
Landmark certification validates students' fundamental IT and software development knowledge and serves as a stepping stone to advanced technology level certifications
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – July 7, 2010
Certiport , the leading provider of test delivery services for the global workforce and academic markets, today announced the availability of the Microsoft® Technology Associate (MTA) certification, an innovative entry-level certification designed to validate fundamental technology knowledge and prepare students for advanced studies and certifications.
MTA is the first step on the Microsoft technology certification roadmap, providing a basis for students to pursue a career in technology and validate a variety of basic IT and development technology knowledge prior to earning advanced Microsoft technology certifications.
Details about the MTA certification: www.certiport.com/mta
A recent study suggests there will be a 40% gap in the next five to 10 years between the demand for, and supply of IT professionals with the technology skills that are required by today's workplace. As a first step toward a career in IT and the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification, the MTA certification validates those fundamental technology concepts being taught today. Ranging from software development to networking, students receive a Microsoft certification, right in the classroom, without the need for advanced experience.
MTA certification is the preferred path to Microsoft's world-renowned technology certification programs - Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD).
"Across the globe, Microsoft certifications are known and trusted differentiators of an individual's technology competency," said Lutz Ziob, General Manager, Microsoft Learning. "This new certification enables students to explore their technology interests and pursue a career in IT. We are committed to offering educators the most effective resources to validate the necessary skills for students to succeed in today's highly competitive workplace."
As the official provider of the MTA series, Certiport will offer seven separate MTA exams, each with an individual certification through its network of more than 10,000 testing centers in 142 countries worldwide. The MTA certifications fit into two categories to correspond with the Microsoft technology certification path, including:
Developer Exams
- Software Development Fundamentals
- Web Development Fundamentals
- Windows Development Fundamentals
- Database Fundamentals
IT Professional Exams
- Networking Fundamentals
- Security Fundamentals
- Windows Server Administration Fundamentals
"The MTA certification exam series provides a streamlined process for academic institutions to validate fundamental IT concepts and align with state requirements and curriculum standards," said Ray Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Certiport. "For students, this new certification empowers them with the confidence to not only pursue, but to succeed in advanced studies, future vocational endeavors and higher-level certifications as they become professionals in the field."
Instructors can easily implement MTA certifications into their existing schedules and deliver exams in the classroom beginning July 7, 2010. MTA exams are available for purchase by academic institutions individually or through an innovative MTA Campus License, a license that delivers up to 1,000 exams per year certifying more students for a flat annual fee. The MTA Campus License comes bundled with MTA Certification Exam Review Kits (ERKs) for each of the seven exams and will help technology educators integrate MTA exam preparation into their existing curriculum.¹
¹ MTA Certification Exam Review Kits for ITP will be available beginning September 1, 2010.
About Certiport
Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery and program management services delivered through an expansive network of over 12,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide. Certiport manages a sophisticated portfolio of leading certification programs including: the official Microsoft Office Specialist certification program, the Microsoft Technology Associate certification program, the Microsoft Certified Educator program, the Adobe® Certified Associate certification program, the Adobe® Certified Expert program, the HP Accredited Technical Associate, the CompTIA Strata™ IT Fundamentals, the Autodesk Certified User certification program, the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification program, and the IC³ Digital Literacy certification. Certiport reliably delivers over three million tests each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce, and corporate technology markets in more than 148 countries and 27 languages worldwide. For more information, please visit www.certiport.com or follow Certiport on Twitter at www.twitter.com/certiport.
"Certiport" "IC³" and "MeasureUp" are registered trademarks of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Press Contact:
Brenda Armstrong
1.801.602.0305
barmstrong@certiport.com