Will me taking the Microsoft 70-270 qualify for my company's MCSP status?

Question

The company I work for is a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP). I don't know much about this other than an MCSP company at minimum has 2 employees that have earned some Microsoft Certifications (e.g. MCSE). However I am not sure what particular certifications are required.

I also know that 1 of the 2 employees here who has some Microsoft certifications will be leaving the company. So in order to keep our MCSP status, I will need to take some tests and get certified myself to maintain that count of 2 certified employees.

However I'm not sure which tests/certifications count toward a company's MCSP certification.

I saw that there's a test called 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, which would probably require the least amount of study effort on my part to pass when compared with any of the other tests. The info page for that test shows it counts towards an individual's Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification.

So what I'm wondering is will this be enough? My company needs 2 certified employees to remain a MCSP. Is it enough for one of them (namely me) to be a MCP? Otherwise, what certifications does a person need to earn to maintain the company's MCSP status?

Answer 1

MarkM is right, it's probably best to ask them directly. The number you need is the Partner Service Center, it's for non-technical partner-status requests - I use 800-765-7768 (but it's possible that number is regional).

Ironically, after the other person leaves, your company will be able to add you as an official contact, and you'll be able to log onto the partner site to get more information on your partner status & requirements (if MCSP is similar to Gold). In theory, your boss should have access, but it may be easier to call MS. I've never had a hard time reaching a non-technical MS contact. ;)

Answer 2

You should contact Microsoft directly about this. It is their program, so they will be able to give you the best answer as to what requirements must be met.

Answer 3

Hey! I'm actually with the Partner Program here at Microsoft :) Kara is right... rather than give a generic answer via the forum (there are different levels of partner with different requirements for each level, depending on your competencies). You'll want to call into the Regional Service Center at 1-800-765-7768, and they'll be able to pull up your records and tell you exactly what you need.

In the meanwhile, the following website should answer many of your questions: https://partner.microsoft.com/US/program

Quick point of reference... to the best of my knowledge, the Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP) has not existed for the last 10 years or so. I believe it was superceded by the Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP), and as of the Partner Conference last year, the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN).

Answer 4

Short answer is, it depends, but probably not. In order to be a MCSP you have to have earned 50 "Partner Points". These points can be earned by having Microsoft tested solutions that you have developed, and by earning "competencies". If you are a software development shop then the latter is probably the case and you might be able to get away with it. If you are not then you will have a competency. These competencies require a company to have two MCPs with specific certifications or exams (for example the Server Platform competency requires two MCSEs). If one of those people leaves then you lose the competency, the partner points and possibly your MCSP status. Whoever administers your partner program site can tell what competencies you have and what is required to keep them. Otherwise, call Microsoft.