Learn about the benefits of Microsoft Certification. Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding program benefits, member site access, and Windows Live ID. You can also find information about how to access, print, or update your transcript.
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Q. What are the benefits of becoming MCP-certified?
A.
By becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and earning Microsoft Certifications, you keep your skills relevant, applicable, and competitive.
Q. What will I find on the Microsoft Certification member site?
You will find:
A downloadable certificate of achievement for MCPs
Your Official Microsoft Certification transcript
A tool to create and download custom credential logos
Additional information and offers for MCPs
Access to your contact preferences and profile
The Microsoft Certified Trainer enrollment tool
Q. Are welcome kits still available for new MCPs?
New members of the community are welcomed with a Microsoft Certification ID (or MCP ID)—the key to all of the benefits on the MCP member site. The Certificate Manager tool on the MCP member site allows you to create, download, print, and store your customized Certificate of Achievement as soon as your new certification appears on your transcript. The most up-to-date versions of the program agreement and contact sheet are also available online. To accommodate customer preferences and an environmentally conscious world, we no longer mail out welcome kits.
Q. What is Charter Member certification?
Charter Members are the pioneering group of individuals who achieve a certification shortly after the certification becomes available. When a Charter Member certification is offered, it is available to candidates who achieve the new certification within six months after the certification exam is released. Charter Members are recognized by receiving the Charter version of the certificate.
Q. How much time do I have to order my Charter Member Certificate?
You can digitally download or order your Charter Member Certificate up to six months after the exam availability date.
Q. I have heard that United States veterans receive reimbursement for MCP exams. What is the benefit?
United States veterans who take MCP exams can use their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees. If you are eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32), and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits, you can receive reimbursement for exam fees of up to US$2,000 per exam.
Q. How do I qualify for access to the Microsoft Certification member site?
The Microsoft Certification member site is open only to skilled IT professionals who hold a Microsoft Certification.
Q. How do I access the Microsoft Certification member site the first time?
After you pass your first Microsoft Certification exam, you can access all of your benefits from the Microsoft Certification member site. You first need to be registered on the member site. After registering, you must wait 24 hours before accessing the services. If you are already registered with the site or if 24 hours have passed since you completed registration, sign in to your member site by using your Windows Live ID. Then navigate to Program Benefits in the left column.
You can use one name and password to sign in to all Windows Live ID sites. Before you can use your Windows Live ID to enter the site, you must associate your Windows Live ID with your Microsoft Certification credentials (your MCP ID or Microsoft Certification ID).
Q. I do not know my Microsoft Certification ID (formerly MCP ID). What should I do?
If you do not know your Microsoft Certification ID, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Q. What is an access code for the Microsoft Certification member site?
An access code is a unique code that allows first-time access to the Microsoft Certification site. After you use the access code to log on to the member site for the first time, the code can no longer be used.
Q. My access code to the Microsoft Certification member site has expired. What should I do?
Microsoft takes the security of your information very seriously. Therefore, the access code is only active for 14 days from the date you receive the e-mail message that includes your code. If you misplace your code or it has retired, you can request a new code online.
Q. I do not know my access code. What should I do?
If you do not know your access code for the Microsoft Certification member site, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Q. I have followed the instructions and have read this FAQ, and I am still having problems gaining access to the member site. How can I get help?
If you are an MCP, call the Microsoft Regional Service Center in your area.
Q. What is the URL for the Microsoft Certification member site?
The Microsoft Certification member site can be accessed only by Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs). If you are an MCP, visit the following page.
Q. I am able to access the Microsoft Certification member site for the first time, but my data does not appear to be up to date.
After you register, you must wait 24 hours before accessing your program benefits.
Q. I am a returning MCP and cannot access the MCP site. How do I gain access?
If you cannot remember the Windows Live ID associated with your account, or you have other difficulty accessing the MCP site, contact the Microsoft Regional Service Center in your area.
Note If you have a Hotmail account, MSN e-mail account, or Microsoft Passport, it is your Windows Live ID.
Q. I saved the URL to my MCP benefits in my Favorites, but when I navigate there I'm redirected to a logon page, not the page I am trying to access.
Because online benefits are available only to eligible Microsoft Certified Professionals, you must enter your Windows Live ID credentials to access your online benefits. After your account is authenticated, you will be redirected to the page you are trying to access.
Q. Why is my name on the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) member site and the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member site different from what it is in my Microsoft Personal Profile?
For the MCP and MCT sites, you are required to use your legal name. The Microsoft Personal Profile does not require that you use your legal name.
Q. How do I update my legal name?
To update your legal name, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center.
Q. How do I update the information in my Microsoft Personal Profile?
You can update your Microsoft Personal Profile in the Profile Center.
To change the name that is associated with your Microsoft Certification ID (formerly, MCP ID), contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center.
To update your information with your exam delivery provider, contact Prometric.
Find out how to update your information with your exam delivery provider (Prometric.com)
Q. I do not see my Microsoft Certification ID (formerly MCP ID) in my Microsoft Personal Profile. Where is it?
Microsoft Certification IDs are not displayed in your Microsoft Personal Profile. You can find your Microsoft Certification ID on your transcript on the Microsoft Certification member site.
Q. I updated my e-mail address at the Profile Center, but it was not changed on my Microsoft Certification transcript. What is wrong?
It can take up to 48 hours for changes in your profile to appear on your Microsoft Certification transcript. Check your transcript later to verify that your e-mail address has been updated.
Q. I entered an e-mail address in my Microsoft Personal Profile, but the e-mail field is still blank. What happened?
After you update your Personal Profile, a message is sent to the e-mail address noted in your profile. For the changes to be saved, you must follow the instructions in the e-mail message to confirm the update. Otherwise, the e-mail address in your profile will be removed because it has not been confirmed.
Q. Why am I asked to sign in again to access the Certificate Download tool when I am already signed in to the Microsoft Certification member site?
For security purposes, you are required to verify your credentials again before using the tool.
Q. How do I use the MCP logo, and what are my rights and responsibilities when I use it?
Candidates who successfully complete the Microsoft Certification requirements and sign the MCP Program and Logo Agreement can use the MCP logo as a graphic symbol to demonstrate to clients their expertise with Microsoft products. Follow the MCP logo guidelines to correctly promote your relationship with Microsoft and to protect the integrity of the logo. You must sign in to the Microsoft Certification member site in order to access these guidelines.
Q. How can I download electronic files of MCP logos?
MCP logos are available for download from the Microsoft Certification member site.
Q. Why am I asked to sign in again to access the Logo Manager tool when I am already signed in to the Microsoft Certification member site?
For security purposes, you are required to verify your credentials again before accessing the tool.
Q. I passed a test a week ago, and I want to print my logo, but I cannot select it for printing.
The test that you passed might not qualify you to print that specific logo. If you believe this is an error, contact the Microsoft Regional Service Center.
Q. How do I report misuse of a Microsoft Certification logo?
Contact the Microsoft Regional Service Center.
Q. Can I get a hard copy of the logo?
No. Because most of our customers prefer digital logos (available for download from the Microsoft Certification member site), we no longer provide hard copies of the logo.
Q. How can I purchase clothing and other merchandise with the MCP logo?
If you are an MCP, you can purchase merchandise with the MCP logo at the online MCPeStore. (Note that this benefit is not available to those solely holding a Microsoft Business Certification or a Microsoft Dynamics certification.) The MCPeStore will validate your certifications based on the Windows Live ID that you use to sign in to the site.
On This Page
Q. What is Windows Live ID?
Windows Live ID (formerly Passport Network) enables you to simply use your e-mail address and password to sign in. After you create your Windows Live ID, you can access all Windows Live ID sites and services. If you already have an MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, or Passport account, it is your Windows Live ID.
Q. How does Windows Live ID work?
When you create a Windows Live ID, you enter an e-mail address and password; this provides you with easy, convenient access to all Windows Live ID sites and services.
Q. If I do not have a Windows Live ID, do I need to set one up today?
Yes. You can sign up for a Windows Live ID now. You will not be able to enter the private Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) member sites without one.
Q. If I already have a Windows Live ID, can I use it to access the private MCT and MCP member sites?
Yes.
Q. I do not remember the Windows Live ID I used to access the MCP or MCT member site. What should I do?
If you cannot remember the Windows Live ID that you used to access the MCP or MCT member site, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Q. How does Windows Live ID help protect my privacy?
Microsoft recognizes that your privacy and the protection of your personal information are important to you. Windows Live does not sell or rent your personal information to third parties, except as is described in the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement. Windows Live uses your personal information for the operation and maintenance of your Windows Live ID and to help you share information with the Windows Live ID sites and services that you sign in to, according to your stated sharing preferences.
Q. Will my Windows Live ID expire?
If your Windows Live ID is unused for 30 to 90 days, your Windows Live ID may expire, and you may need to reestablish a Windows Live ID.
Q. I have a Microsoft MSN Hotmail account. Is that the same as a Windows Live ID?
If you have an MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, or Passport account, it is your Windows Live ID. You can use your e-mail address and password from any of these services to access any Windows Live ID site or service.
Q. What is the Microsoft Profile Center?
The Microsoft Profile Center is a central location for managing your personal information, subscribing to e-newsletters, and choosing your marketing contact preferences for Microsoft and our trusted partners.
Q. How do I access the Microsoft Profile Center?
The Manage Your Profile link at the bottom of most Microsoft.com Web pages takes you to the Microsoft Profile Center. Here are two ways the Manage Your Profile links are displayed on Microsoft Web pages:
Q. What should I regularly update in my profile?
To receive e-newsletters that contain Microsoft product announcements, upcoming events, mandatory service communications, and other correspondence about Microsoft technologies, you must keep your contact information and preferences up-to-date.
Update the following information to ensure that you receive communications from Microsoft:
Your contact preferences: Specify whether you want to receive promotional information about Microsoft products, services, and events.
Your personal information: View, add, or edit your personal contact information, such as e-mail address, business or personal address, and phone numbers.
Your business information: View, add, or edit information about your job and your organization so that we can personalize content and recommend materials that match your job, organization, or industry.
Your technology preferences: View, add, or edit information about your technology interests so that we can personalize content and recommend materials that match your interests.
Q. What if I do not want to receive e-mail messages from Microsoft?
You are under no obligation to receive e-mail messages from Microsoft. However, if you indicate that you do not want to receive communications from Microsoft through e-mail, you cannot receive e-newsletters, such as the MCP Flash and MCT Flash. These communications provide up-to-date information on changes in training and certification resources, such as discontinued exams, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) benefits, and special offers.
Q. How do I ensure that I receive communications by e-mail?
Visit the Microsoft Profile Center to indicate that you want to receive e-mail messages from Microsoft.
Click My Contact Preferences, located on either the Profile Center home page or on the left-hand side of the page. Select E-Mail Address, and then click Save.
Note You can always unsubscribe from selected e-newsletters. However, if you do not select the E-Mail Address option, Microsoft cannot send you any information by e-mail, including product notifications and news.
Sign-up for e-newsletters: Select Manage Subscriptions on the left-hand side of the page. Check all of the subscriptions that you want to receive, and then click Subscribe. You can also unsubscribe from publications.
Q. Where can I find my transcript or see which exams I have passed?
Access your transcript on the Microsoft Certification member site.
In the left column, point to View My, and then click Transcript.
You can print a copy of your current transcript and confirm your certification status.
Q. What if I cannot print or access my transcript?
If you cannot print or access your transcript, contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center.
To ensure a prompt response:
Use the e-mail address associated with your Microsoft Certification ID, if possible.
Have your Microsoft Certification ID number available.
If you do not know your Microsoft Certification ID, have other information available, such as your address, telephone number, exam numbers, and completion dates.
Q. Why am I asked to sign in again to access the Transcript Download tool when I am already signed in to the Microsoft Certification member site?
Q. I built my transcript but it is missing data. Why don't I see all my data?
It can take up to two weeks for Microsoft to receive and process your exam records. If it has been more than two weeks since you took your exam, and the results still do not appear on your transcript, or if you notice any other problems, contact the Regional Service Center nearest you.
External certifications (such as CompTIA) appear under "Microsoft Certification Exams Completed Successfully" on your transcript, but third-party exam credits do not appear on your transcript. Your transcript does not show any exam waivers you might have received for certifications from other companies. You are still credited for these external certifications within the certification system.
