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Continuing my post Microsoft Certifications – Tips, links and study materials for the SQL Server 2016 MCSA and MCSE exams, where I discussed in general Microsoft certifications at all levels (MTA, MCSA and MCSE), in this post I would like to focus especially on the MTA certification and help answer questions from you who are thinking about obtaining this certification.

What are these acronyms? MTA, MCSA and MCSE?

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First of all, let's learn about Microsoft's current certifications for the Data Platform and begin to familiarize ourselves with the acronyms:
  • MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate): It is Microsoft's first certification test and the easiest, recommended for people who are starting their careers and are still getting familiar with technology. With just 1 test, you already obtain MTA certification in the desired area of ​​activity.

    As an incentive to take the MTA test, Microsoft gives a small discount on taking this exam (you pay 77 dollars instead of 100 dollars for the other MCSA and MCSE tests)

    It is worth remembering that the MTA test does not guarantee you the title of MCP and is also not a prerequisite for taking the MCSA and MCSE tests and therefore, taking it is optional.

  • MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate): Medium/high level test, aimed at people who already have experience with the technologies involved. As soon as you pass any MCSA test, you earn the title of MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional).

    Additionally, MCSA certification is a prerequisite for obtaining MCSE certification. You can even take the MCSE tests before you have the MCSA title,
    but you will only effectively earn the title when you obtain the MCSA (if you have already passed the MCSE test, you will earn the 2 certifications together)

  • MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert): The last level of Microsoft certification tests, the MCSE tests tend to be the most difficult among the Microsoft tests, and must be taken by highly trained professionals with great experience and experience in the technologies in question.

Who is the target audience for MTA certification?

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As I already mentioned here in the post, the MTA tests are more theoretical than the MCSA and MCSE, requiring more theory than real day-to-day scenarios and more generic, not delving too deeply into a specific technology. In general, the target audience for MTA certification are students who wish to enter the job market through an internship and are looking for a way to stand out, or even JR analysts who seek to demonstrate to their company that they are looking to improve and study more.

I believe that this test should not be much sought after by PL, SR analysts or higher levels, since these professionals must already be seeking (or already have) the MCSA and MCSE certifications, which are more difficult titles to obtain and much more technical, already focused on very specific technologies and subjects and with much more practice and scenarios that occur in the daily lives of these professionals.

Is it worth studying and obtaining MTA certification?

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For sure! Regardless of your career level, I believe that a certification is always welcome. Just above, I mentioned the target audience for MTA certification.

If you are a student and are now entering the job market, this is definitely the first certification test you should seek, as it is more theoretical and the test is not so complicated. This helps a lot to learn more about how the certification process works and what Microsoft's tests are like.

I've already had some acquaintances who, on their first test, tried to take an MCSA test without having much experience on the subject. These people didn't do very well on the test and were somewhat afraid of certification tests. For this reason, I always recommend that anyone who is starting to try to obtain their certifications starts with the MTA.

If you already have a high degree of knowledge and experience and are now looking to specialize in certifications, I recommend obtaining the MCSA/MCSE titles and then, if you want, seeking the MTA certification. An MTA certification doesn't really add much to the CV of someone who already has an MCSA/MCSE, but I usually say that certification is addictive (and it really is! lol), so it's something to think about when you already have all the certifications you're aiming for.

What are the MTA tests?

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There are several MTA tests for you to take, depending on your area of ​​activity. You can find out more about the tests accessing this link.
  • Exam 98-349 – Windows Operating System Fundamentals: Candidates for this exam must have knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the Windows operating system in a Windows 10 environment.

    Exam Link
    Course Link

  • Exam 98-361 – Software Development Fundamentals: Candidates for this exam seek to prove their knowledge in software development. It is recommended that candidates be familiar with the concepts and have hands-on experience with the technologies described here, either through relevant courses or by working through tutorials and examples available on MSDN and Microsoft Visual Studio. Candidates must have experience with C# or Microsoft Visual Basic .NET.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-364 – Database Fundamentals: Candidates for this exam want to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills with databases, including relational databases such as Microsoft SQL Server. It is recommended that candidates be familiar with the concepts and have hands-on experience with the technologies described here, either through relevant courses or by working through tutorials and examples available on MSDN and Microsoft Visual Studio. While minimal hands-on experience with the technologies is recommended, these exams do not presuppose work experience.

    Exam Link
    Course Link

  • Exam 98-365 – Windows Server Administration Fundamentals: This exam is designed to provide candidates with an assessment of their knowledge of fundamental server administration concepts. It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the concepts and technologies described here by taking relevant training courses. Candidates are expected to have some hands-on experience with Windows Server, Windows-based networking, Active Directory, account management, and system recovery tools and concepts.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-366 – Networking Fundamentals: This exam is designed to provide candidates with an assessment of their knowledge of fundamental networking concepts. Candidates for this exam seek to prove fundamental networking knowledge and skills. Before taking the exam, candidates should acquire a solid foundational knowledge of the topics outlined in this preparation guide. It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the concepts and technologies described here by taking relevant training courses. Candidates are expected to have hands-on experience with Windows Server, Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, name resolution process, and network protocols and topologies.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-367 – Security Fundamentals: This exam validates the candidate's skills and knowledge regarding security. It can serve as a stepping stone toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exams. It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the concepts and technologies described here by taking relevant training courses. Candidates are expected to have some hands-on experience with Windows Server, Windows-based networks, Active Directory, anti-malware products, firewalls, devices, topologies, and network ports.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-368 – Mobility and Devices Fundamentals: This exam validates the candidate's skills and knowledge regarding Windows devices and mobility. It can serve as a stepping stone toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exams. It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the concepts and technologies described here by taking relevant training courses. Candidates are expected to have some hands-on experience with Windows devices, Windows-based networks, Active Directory, anti-malware products, firewalls, devices, topologies, and network ports.

    Exam Link
    Course Link

  • Exam 98-369 – Cloud Fundamentals: This exam is designed for candidates who want to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in using Microsoft cloud services. The exam can serve as a stepping stone toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exams. It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the concepts and technologies described here by taking relevant training courses. Candidates should have some hands-on experience with Office 365, Microsoft Intune, firewalls, network topologies and devices, and network ports.

    Exam Link
    Course Link

  • Exam 98-375 – Fundamentals of HTML5 Application Development: Candidates for this exam are seeking to demonstrate skills in developing core HTML5 client applications that will run on today's touch devices (PCs, tablets, and phones). While HTML is often viewed as a web technology that is rendered in a browser to produce a UI, this exam focuses on using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to develop client applications. Before taking the exam, candidates should acquire a solid foundational knowledge of the topics outlined in the preparation guide, including CSS and JavaScript. It is recommended that candidates are familiar with the concepts and have hands-on experience with related technologies, either through relevant courses or by working through tutorials and examples available on MSDN and Microsoft Visual Studio.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-380 – Introduction to Programming Using Block-Based Languages ​​(Touch Develop): Candidates for this exam must understand algorithm flow and implement common program control structures. Candidates must have experience with block-based programming languages ​​such as Touch Develop, Scratch, and Blockly. Candidates are expected to have some practical experience designing, creating and publishing code within a block-based programming language.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-381 – Introduction to programming using Python: Candidates for this exam must be able to recognize and write Python code correctly syntactically, recognize the data types supported by Python, and be able to recognize and write Python code that will logically solve a given problem. Candidates are expected to have had at least approximately 100 hours of instruction and/or hands-on experience with the Python programming language, be familiar with its features and capabilities, and understand how to write, debug, and maintain well-documented and well-formed Python code.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-382 – Introduction to programming using JavaScript: Candidates for this exam must be able to recognize and write syntactically correct JavaScript code, use data types supported by JavaScript, and be able to recognize and write JavaScript code that will logically solve a given problem. Candidates are expected to have at least 100 hours of instruction or hands-on experience with the JavaScript programming language. Candidates must also be familiar with JavaScript features and capabilities and understand how to write, debug, and maintain well-formed and well-documented JavaScript code.

    Exam Link

  • Exam 98-383 – Introduction to programming using HTML and CSS: Candidates for this exam must be able to recognize and write syntactically correct HTML and CSS, structure data using HTML elements, and create and apply styles using CSS. Candidates must have at least 100 hours of instruction or hands-on experience with HTML and CSS, be familiar with its features and capabilities, and understand how to write, debug, and maintain well-formed HTML and CSS code.

    Exam Link

Is the MTA test a prerequisite for MCSA/MCSE? If approved, do I get the MCP?

View answer
The MTA test is Microsoft's first certification test and the easiest, recommended for people who are starting their careers and are still familiarizing themselves with technology, and therefore, there is no prerequisite to take it. Anyone can take this test. With just 1 test, you already obtain MTA certification in the desired area of ​​activity.

However, passing the MTA does not guarantee you the title of MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and is also not a prerequisite for taking the MCSA and MCSE tests. You can take the MCSA/MCSE exams without having the MTA title.

To become an MCP, simply pass any MCSA or MCSE exam.

How much does the MTA test cost and how do I pay?

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As you know, all Microsoft certification tests are charged in dollars (US). The cost of the MTA test is 77 dollars, while an MCSA/MCSE test costs 100 dollars. Microsoft gives this small discount to encourage people to obtain this certification and also to reduce the cost a little for a student, who is largely the target audience for MTA certification.

As the companies that offer the exams are American (Certiport and PearsonVue), the test can only be paid for using an international credit card under Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. If you don't have one, there are several companies that offer cards with no annual fees and fees, such as NuBank and Banco Inter. You can also opt for an international prepaid credit card (you don't even need a bank account), such as the PagSeguro Prepaid Card. In other words, no excuses for postponing your certification test... lol

It is worth remembering that the 50% discount for students NO applies to MTA tests.

Can I take the MTA test in Portuguese?

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Yes! Maybe yes!

The vast majority of Microsoft certification tests have several languages ​​to choose from, and one of them is Portuguese (PT-BR). This helps a lot when the person taking the exam does not have command of the original language of the test, which is English, especially because the test texts tend to be a little long and
the person may end up getting confused.

However, beta tests, or even recently launched official tests, usually do not have multi-language options at the beginning. They take a few months to be translated and this can prevent you, who don't know English, from taking these tests for a long time.

Furthermore, I need to tell you that in some cases, the tests in Portuguese can even confuse you, since the technical terms are also translated.

Some examples:
– Stored Procedure
– View
– Trigger
– Job
– Sending logs (Log Shipping)

However, I have to warn you that English is ESSENTIAL, not only to take certification tests, but throughout your career in the IT area. The overwhelming majority of technical books and articles are generally in English, many technical terms are still in English, and most IT giants are in the US.

That said, it's difficult to find an excellent IT professional who doesn't at least know how to read texts in English. If you don't already have this skill, don't waste any more time! Get started TODAY studying English, for the sake of your career.

I want to take the MTA test. How do I do it?

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To take the Microsoft certification tests, the first step is to have a Microsoft account and email (outlook.live.com).

Once you have your Microsoft account, you must go to the exam page you want to take and schedule the date and time you would like to take the test with the Microsoft partner that carries out the tests (Certiport or PearsonVue). On the website, you will choose the training center closest to you (or you can arrange to do it at home) and the payment method.

On the scheduled day, simply show up at the indicated location with a photo ID.

Below are the MTA exam pages to begin the process of scheduling and booking the test:

How many questions does the test have? What is the grade to be approved? What is the test time?

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The MTA test (at least 98-364) consists of 35 questions, where a minimum of 70% correct answer is required to pass.

The time limit for reading the exam rules is 15 minutes and the time for taking the test is 45 minutes (totaling it all up to 1 hour). If you studied a lot, this won't be a problem, as the questions are very simple.

Where do I take the MTA test?

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If you are a student, check to see if the school is established as a Certiport testing center and registered to administer MTA exams. If so, your teacher or supervisor can send the exam to you.

If you are not a student, Microsoft certification tests can be taken in 2 environments (described below). You will choose whether to take the test at home or at an official training center when scheduling the test, where the website itself shows you which training center is closest to you.

  • Official training center: One of the places to take a certification test is at an official training center. These locations, Microsoft partners, usually offer official training and also provide a structure for the general public to take their certification tests.

    The tests must be scheduled in advance (I explained in the previous question) and are taken on a computer connected to the Internet, with cameras in the room and an instructor on site. Your belongings, including bags, backpacks and cell phones, must be collected before the start of the test, and removed by you only at the end of the exam.

    The entire structure is the responsibility of the company and in case of any problem, they must help you resolve it immediately.

  • Your home: Another option for those who do not want to travel to a training center, whether due to convenience, lack of time or even because they live very far from one, is to take the test in the comfort of their home.

    Although this option may seem very comfortable at first, I must warn you that it has a series of rules to make it an interesting and really practical option:
    – A Microsoft employee will monitor you throughout the exam using a Webcam or cell phone with the camera turned on.
    – You will have to show the entire place in your house where you will take the exam, so that they can make sure that the place does not have anything against the rules and policies of the exam, such as a camera or paper with notes and tips, and you may be asked to remove objects from the place where you will take the test.
    – No one from your household will be able to appear in the camera images or speak to you during the test.
    – If the internet connection drops or there is a problem with your computer, the test is over for you, with no right to retake (just pay again)

Where can I study? Do you have material for MTA?

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If you are studying materials to take an MTA test, you can use the Microsoft Virtual Academy, which offers free online IT, development and data science training delivered by world-class experts to help you develop your skills and advance your career.

In addition, there are several free materials that I will make available (all in Portuguese/PT-BR):

The exam 98-349: Windows Operating System Fundamentals I only found it in English, but for anyone who wants it, it's here.

Are you looking for materials in English or material for a test that I didn't list above? Access this link.

For those taking the 98-364: Database Administration Fundamentals test (which is the one I took), I have also prepared some links that may be useful in your studies, depending on the skills required:

Simulated DBA Academy

Exam 98-364: Database Fundamentals (Exam Link)
Understanding Core Database Concepts

Create Database Objects

Manipulate Data

Understand Data Storage

Administer a Database

If you want to join a Whatsapp group focused on Microsoft certifications, access the link https://chat.whatsapp.com/invite/0pnHXak46QCHOMfGXOD2OC (Whatsapp) or https://t.me/certificacao (Telegram) on your cell phone and enjoy the content and tips that are sent there!

And don't forget to share and publicize your certifications! Don't know how to do this? See how by accessing the post MCP Professional – How to share your certifications and how to find certified professionals.

Do you want to know EVERYTHING about the data certification tests? Watch the Webinar on Data Platform Certifications, which I participated in together with Caio Amante, Danilo Cardoso, Maruan Aawar and Meirieli Ribeiro:

A hug and see you next time!