News
MCT 2002 No Longer Fee Free
Starting Oct. 1, 2001, MCTs required to renew certification status with program fee.
According to sources familiar with the program, the new MCT program for 2002 is now saddled with a $400 program fee. Microsoft hasn't confirmed the fee, but plans to do so officially next week.
The fee comes as no surprise -- Microsoft in the past has indicated that it would incorporate this requirement (see "Details on Continuing Education Credits for MCTs" at http://www.mcpmag.com/news/default.asp?url=001130a).
The fee may not have much impact on freelance trainers. Mike Stroud, a technical trainer in Windsor, Ontario, considers it a reasonable cost, but would like see better benefits, "like TechNet, MSDN, beta software...." But the impact on technical training companies remains to be seen. Some companies are likely to use it as a benefit in order to retain staff.
The MCT 2002 program will also add another benefit: downloadable trainer kits. Program changes go into effect October 1, 2001. Microsoft will furnish official details soon on its MCP site.