The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) / Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) package is designed for IT personnel already working in the IT field.  It also has particular relevance to people with an existing MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) or MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) who are wishing to upgrade their skills to reflect changing technology.  

Although not a replacement to the MCSE - which has been the benchmark for many IT professionals for over a decade - this new type of certification reflects changes in technology and business needs.  Unlike the MCSE qualification, the latest version of Microsoft certifications are more specialised allowing the certification holder to focus their skills in a key area, such as messaging, database maintenance, and server administration (i.e. maintenance).

Part of the new Microsoft certification structure is made up of several tiers beginning with the MCTS series (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist).  This level of certification is a good launching point for individuals wishing to advance their skills in the IT field.  This allows the individual to specialise their skills in more technical areas such as SQL and Exchange Server, Visual Studio, and Microsoft's .NET framework.

In order to obtain an MCTS, most of the time a candidate need only complete one module.  They can become more specialised in a particular field such as Windows Server or .NET by completing all the modules in this field however.  See the table below for more details.  For individuals wishing to advance beyond this level, they can upgrade to the MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional).  An individual can specialise in several key areas which include:

Microsoft Database Development

Microsoft Database Administration (i.e. maintenance)

Customer Support (e.g. Helpdesk, IT Support)

Microsoft Enterprise Support

Microsoft Enterprise Messaging Administration

Microsoft Enterprise Administration

Microsoft Server Administration

The earning potential and job prospects increase as the level of certification rises.  Take a look at the syllabus to see a more detailed view of the specialist areas.