Certifications & exams > Windows certifications
Windows certifications
Getting certified on the Windows operating system can help you reach your goals. In today’s increasingly complex IT environment, a Windows certification helps prove to customers and employers that you have the technical skills necessary to do the job.
Heard about the coming Windows 8 updates, called Windows 8.1? Read the FAQs below to find out how we are updating our certifications.
Choose a certification below:
The skills for your professional career
The globally recognized standard for IT professionals
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7
Validates your ability to deploy operating systems and desktop applications and to manage the client life cycle. When you pass these exams, you also earn the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.
Title | Required exam |
|---|
Windows 7, Configuring | |
Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator | |
MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
Validates your ability to identify the cause and resolution of desktop application, network, and security issues. Also helps validate your ability to support and maintain systems and mobile devices that run Windows 7. When you pass these exams, you also earn the MCSA: Windows 7 certification.
Title | Required exam |
|---|
Windows 7, Configuring | |
Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician | |
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration
Validates your ability to understand the functions and features of Windows 7 and to troubleshoot network connectivity and application issues.
Title | Required exam |
|---|
Windows 7, Configuring | |
MCTS: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deployment
Validates your ability to deploy, maintain, and upgrade to Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010.
Title | Required exam |
|---|
TS: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deploying | |
- Upgrade paths
See the following tables for upgrade paths from older certifications.
You can upgrade these certifications to the MCSA: Windows 8 certification.
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
Step | Title | Optional training | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8 | | | |
You can upgrade this certification to the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification.
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator
Step | Title | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 | | |
2 | Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure | |
3 | Implementing Desktop Application Environments | |
Frequently asked questions
The following questions specifically address the Windows client certifications. Visit the certification overview or exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.
- Q.How are official Microsoft training and certifications affected by the change from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1?
- A.
Starting January 28, 2014, certification exams and Microsoft Official Courseware (MOC) offerings will be updated with Windows 8.1 and Windows Intune content.
- Q.I have already started down the path to earn a certification on Windows 8, will I have to retake exams on Windows 8.1?
- A.
Any exams you already passed will count toward credit for the associated certification, and courses that are in market are a great way to help you prepare for the new exams. On January 28, 2014, the exams are updated with Windows 8.1 and Windows Intune content. If you did not complete your certification prior to January 28, 2014, we recommend that you review what changes are reflected in the exams so that you can study the necessary new or updated information.
- Q.I want to start learning more about the updates to the technology. Where can I find training?
- A.
As new technology updates become available, you will see a variety of training offered through Microsoft Learning Partners. These resources include First Look clinics, hands-on labs, and courses using Microsoft Official Course content. In addition, many training resources will be available to you directly through the Microsoft Virtual Academy. Check back for more information at www.microsoft.com/learning/.