Today, Microsoft's certification programs include the most certificants, along with a fairly broad range of offerings. Also, as the biggest player in the software marketplace, Microsoft's programs attract lots of interest and coverage. The company's array of certifications imposes varying requirements that range from completing a single exam to passing as many as seven exams.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). This program is at the bottom of the hierarchy. It certifies individuals who are proficient with Microsoft Office 2003, XP, or 2000 applications — namely, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and/or Outlook. You certify as an Office Specialist after passing any one of the exams for the applications. An Office Expert must pass either the Word Expert or Excel Expert exams. An Office Master must pass the Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint, and either the Access or Outlook exams. In addition, candidates can obtain Microsoft Project 2000 or Project 2002 certification through the Office Specialist program. Over one million individuals have received MOS certification, in addition to the 2+ million MCPs mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

MOS Master Instructor (MOS MI). This program requires candidates to acquire Microsoft Office Master certification for Office 2000 or Office XP, provide teaching credentials, and complete an online application. This certification qualifies an individual to teach MOS courses.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Passing one of the 50-odd exams available in this program (except Office-related exams) qualifies an individual as an MCP. Attaining MCP status is a stepping-stone to most other Microsoft certifications (except MOS-related credentials).

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). This program recognizes support personnel with at least six months of experience troubleshooting user desktop computers. To obtain this certification, you must pass two core exams—one on operating system support and troubleshooting and the other on application support and troubleshooting. For those of you planning to move to the MCSA, it's possible that the MCDST credential will count as an elective for the MCSA. Stay tuned to the Microsoft Web site for the latest information.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA). This program aims to certify administrators who support Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 systems. To obtain this certification, you must pass three core exams and one elective. MCSAs on Windows 2000 can upgrade their credentials to Windows Server 2003 by passing a single upgrade exam (70-292).

Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD). This program aims to certify entry-level .NET developers and programmers. To obtain this certification, you must pass two required exams, including one web or Windows application development exam and one XML web services and server components exam, plus an elective exam.