Microsoft MTA Certification for IT Beginners

It doesn’t matter whether you are just starting out in the IT industry or you are midway through your career, Microsoft certifications are always an asset worth having. They help you to stand out from other candidates when applying for a role, create new opportunities, help you to negotiate a higher salary, increase the chances of a promotion and give you a greater variety of options when it comes to changing the course of your career. Out of all of the Microsoft certifications available, the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is one of the most important. If you are heading into the IT industry for the first time as a beginner, the Microsoft MTA is fundamental.

What Exactly is a Microsoft MTA Certification?

According to Microsoft, the MTA certification is the entry point certification for anyone who is either looking to start a career in the IT industry or changing their career in the IT industry. It’s a popular starting point for getting into the technological field. As the MTA certification offers a lot of different paths and options, it is a good way to decide which career direction you would like to take. A wide variety of topics, concepts and knowledge is explored. It’s not simply a case of focusing on one key aspect of technology, it’s about developing a varied core technical knowledge. The MTA certification has been designed for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of the industry. Regardless of whether you are just getting started in IT or you want to change from one specialism to another, the MTA certification will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to do so. With the MTA, you will gain the fundamentals of the industry and these can be built upon or developed as your career progresses.

Why is a MTA Certification is Valuable for IT Beginners?

If you have spent any time looking at the different jobs available for Microsoft Certified Professionals, you will know that there is certainly no shortage. Microsoft Certified Professionals are in high demand and that is something that is unlikely to change anytime soon. However, it does mean that standing out as a beginner is vital if you want recruiters to take note. If you are a beginner in the IT sector, it’s important to remember that a number of Microsoft Certified Professionals started their career by gaining a Microsoft MTA.

The MTA is an entry level certification which helps IT beginners to stand out in the eyes of recruiters. By passing the Microsoft MTA, you have shown the ability to understand the basic and fundamental concepts within the world of IT. Rather than simply stating your understanding on your CV, having an MTA certification highlights your exact abilities. There is no need for a recruiter to wonder whether or not you fully understand everything you claim to. Even if you already have experience of working within the IT industry, gaining a MTA certification can be hugely beneficial when it comes to changing career paths slightly or trying a new specialism. With an MTA, your fundamental knowledge and understanding is apparent.

What Does Gaining a MTA Certification Involve?

There are a few different MTA certifications to choose from, but many beginners choose to focus on those that help with specialisation. With a certification showing a specialisation, it is a lot easier to highlight IT interests and knowledge in a particular area to recruiters. Though there are no shortage of courses to choose from three of the most popular are the MTA IT Infrastructure Windows Server, MTA Database SQL Server and MTA Intro to Programming.

MTA IT Infrastructure Windows Server

This course provides you with knowledge and information needed for Windows server installation and management. It focuses on things such as network hardware, infrastructure, protocol, installation and performance.

MTA Database SQL Server

This course covers the fundamentals of working with a SQL server. It includes a range of topics such as understanding databases, creating databases, altering databases and database storage.

MTA Intro to Programming

This course is commonly chosen by those who are interested in software. It explores software development, object oriented programming, web applications and desktop applications.

All MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) Courses

• Exam 98-349: Windows Operating System Fundamentals
• Exam 98-361: Software Development Fundamentals
• Exam 98-364: Database Fundamentals
• Exam 98-365: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals
• Exam 98-366: Networking Fundamentals
• Exam 98-367: Security Fundamentals
• Exam 98-368: Mobility and Devices Fundamentals
• Exam 98-375: HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
• Exam 98-381: Introduction to Programming Using Python
• Exam 98-382: Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript
• Exam 98-383: Introduction to Programming Using HTML and CSS
• Exam 98-388: Introduction to Programming Using Java

As you can see, there is no denying that a Microsoft MTA Certification is an important part of being a beginner in the competitive world of IT. Rather than starting out in the industry or changing your career path with no proof of your abilities, you can apply for roles and highlight your knowledge with a recognised certificate. As an IT beginner, it is vital to show recruiters how you differ from other qualified candidates. In such a competitive industry it isn’t simply enough to have passion and interest in what you are doing, experience and fundamental understanding is key. If there is a similar candidate showcasing similar experience, a Microsoft MTA Certification could be what sets you apart.