How to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (fee waiver)

Version 1.0 - Published 28/11/2023 - At the time of writing a fee waiver appears to be still in place. Be aware that this may be subject to change at any point.

Introduction

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) is a premier status that can be achieved by people who have completed eligible Microsoft certifications and involved in a training role. Over the years, the requirements have changed for this coveted status, but in recent times, those requirements have eased, likely to allow a more inclusive community.

Pre-COVID times, the application required financial outlay up-front in order to apply. This varied depending on region, with cost of up to $1000+ USD in some regions. However, during COVID times, there was a pivot to fee-waiver, which is currently extended according to some sources for "an indefinite period"** (although subject to change at any time as below)

This is further articulated by Microsoft on their official site -

"The annual MCT Program fee for active MCT members is currently being waived for all new and renewing MCTs as a result of program changes during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/mct-certification

How to become an MCT

This is outlined on the official MCT page. Under current requirements as of 28/11/2023, this is defined as:

1. Possess a current Microsoft Certification or qualification eligible for the MCT program.
2. Provide verifiable proof of instructional skills by completing a course from one of the following approved providers

This is outlined on the link below - including all eligible certifications and approved providers (ISC)

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/mct-certification

Of note: this represents a pivot from a previous position where there was a greater range of options:

• for item 1 - MOS and other earlier MS certifications were eligible, now the scope is narrower, and covers eligible MS 2/3 star certs
• for item 2 - there was a greater range of educational providers accepted, but this has now been narrowed according to the official source to ISC

Benefits of MCT

As a premier instructional status, MCT allows several benefits including the value provided by official certification. These change over time, but can include discounts on exams (75% at the moment for regular ; 100% off invited beta), training resources and community options to engage. These are only some of the benefits with several different resources and products available.

Pathway to MCT

So the path to MCT for new is outlined below in 3 steps:

Pass eligible MS cert --> ensure edu req met --> apply through enrolment portal

Note: While there is a current fee waiver, ensuring the educational requirement through Instructional Skills Certification (ISC) is met will likely provide additional financial cost to applicants. This appears to be a potential bottle-neck, with cost being greater than MCT fee in my region.

If you are renewing really all you currently need is:

Eligible MS cert still current --> apply through enrolment portal

FINAL THOUGHTS

For those who have been previous MCT, the option to benefit from fee waiver is probably best for those renewing. For new applicants to MCT, the requirement for ISC may provide a financial cost. For those whose company's are paying, either option probably doesn't matter.

Wishing you the best on your MCT journey