Welcome to the December edition of the Microsoft IT Academy Newsletter. This month we'll share valuable updates and information that will enable you to focus on your students' successes and reach out to educators in your institution.

What's New

What's New with Microsoft Certification Exams?

1. An Extended Exam Portfolio, only for members of the Microsoft IT Academy Program. Students, teachers, and IT support staff of organizations affiliated with the Microsoft IT Academy Program are able to access a larger subset of Microsoft Certification exams, including exams for Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), as well as legacy exams for Microsoft Certified Applications Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

View the latest updates to the IT Academy exam portfolio.

2. Academic Pricing. A collection of Microsoft Certification exams are now offered through the Microsoft IT Academy program as vouchers available directly to your institution. These exams are identified with the prefix 073 and offer great academic pricing to Microsoft IT Academy members. This prefix code can be redeemed at any authorized Prometric Testing Center

Now more than ever, working toward Microsoft Certification can help students gain IT skills to advance their careers--or get a good start in the business world. Microsoft Certification is designed to benefit students, teachers, and institutions in the following ways:

Students

• Helps validate technical computing skills.
• Provides structure for skills advancement.
• Provides validated proof of IT skills, based on globally recognized standards.
• Provides a competitive edge in the job market.

Teachers

• Aligns technical programs to in-demand computing skills.
• Readily identifies specific job roles and associated skill sets.
• Provides a reliable benchmark in addition to a certificate or degree.

Institutions (Microsoft IT Academy Members)

• Gets students "job-ready" with industry-recognized credentials.
• Improves staff and teacher retention.

As an added benefit to your students, you can become a Prometric Test Center and offer your students the opportunity to take the Microsoft Certification exams they need to get a jump on their careers, right from your campus. Becoming a Test Center also opens a new revenue stream for your institution.

Regional News

China's Microsoft IT Academy Program: Supporting Skills for Employability
In collaboration with China's ATA Testing Authority, the China Microsoft IT Academy Program "Campus Star" 2009 championship was held in Microsoft's Beijing office on November 21, 2009. The teams from the polytechnic school of Shenyang Ligong University and Quanzhou Institute of Science and Technology won the championships in the areas of software development and network management, respectively. Each winning team member won a scholarship worth US$1,500. The panel of judges included representatives of the Microsoft IT team, System Integrator partners (Hi-Soft and China-soft), and Certified Partners for Learning Solutions (Golden Bridge and Easthome). These organizations held on-site interviews for more than 50 positions after the competition. So far, 13 students have been hired as full-time employees and seven students have been hired as interns.

Microsoft IT Academy Program Launches in Cambodia's University of Puthisastra
The University of Puthisastra hosted a launch celebration for students and media last week to announce its participation in the Microsoft IT Academy Program. The event included a presentation on the value of Microsoft Certification and an open session in which industry professionals and students shared their perspectives on the importance of obtaining an industry-recognized certification. Four more on-campus events, designed to highlight the opportunities available to students through the Microsoft IT Academy Program, are planned for December.

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052