The letters MCP stand for Microsoft Certified Professional. This accreditation is one that denotes an information technologist who has exhibited a standard level of proficiency with the Microsoft platform. The MCP certification program is often the first step for many IT personnel who wish to distinguish themselves from the IT masses. Further courses, in more refined disciplines are markedly more rigorous in the required learning and testing.
Microsoft corporation themselves are one of the providers of MCP certification program training through modular classes, weekend seminar classes, and online education. Microsoft also has testing sites for those who feel they have the required knowledge and experience to successfully complete the examination process. Many other educational institutions including colleges and universities also provide MCP certification programs as stand alone accreditations or as a part of larger IT degrees. Some community colleges, technical schools, and junior colleges, both campus based and online, offer MCP certification programs as well.
MCP certification programs are well worth the investment of time and money that you put into them. Generally speaking, the more credentials that you can show potential and existing employers, the greater compensations you can expect in wage and advancement potential.
Many people find their way into IT positions as companies grow and change without any actual IT training. These individuals would find that MCP certification programs would help them to understand many aspects of their job more completely. MCP certification programs would also afford these people the benefit of having the accreditation to carry with them if they choose to change jobs. If you are preparing for a new career in IT you would also do well to begin with an MCP certification program. From there you can branch into any specialization you choose. Microsoft offers many accreditations for many different specializations.