REDMOND, Wash., May 23, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that veterans taking tests in the Microsoft® Certified Professional (MCP) program can now use their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees.
As of March 1, 2001, individuals eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32) and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits may receive reimbursement worldwide for Microsoft Certified Professional exam fees and can receive up to $2,000 per test (but no more than the actual cost of the test). This eligibility does not limit the number of tests a candidate may take and includes tests that are retaken, tests needed for renewal of certifications, and exams taken in foreign countries. In addition, an individual does not have to pass an exam to receive the benefit.
“We are proud to be one of the first high-tech certification programs to become eligible under the new guidelines,”
said Anne Marie McSweeney, acting director of certification and skills assessment at Microsoft.
“We are experiencing an ever-increasing demand for skilled IT professionals. The MCP program is designed for individuals who want to be recognized as leaders in cutting-edge technology. U.S. veterans are an amazing resource, and we are very pleased that this benefit could help them reach their certification goals.”
By passing one MCP exam, an individual obtains the MCP credential and can continue to pursue a premier credential such as the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certifications. Those credentials ensure hiring managers that they have found an individual who has demonstrated expertise in a particular set of skills using Microsoft technology.
“The Washington State Approving Agency is excited to welcome Microsoft into this program,”
said Michael J. Ball, agency director of the Washington State Approving Agency.
“The MCP program is one of the leaders in technical certification, and we expect many veterans to make use of this opportunity.”
Veterans can receive reimbursement for Microsoft certification exams by providing the VA with the following information:
-
Name and Social Security number
-
Copy of the test results
-
Name and number of the exam and date taken
-
Name and address of the organization (Microsoft) issuing the license or certificate
-
Cost of the exam
-
The following signed statement:
“I authorize release of my test information to the VA.”
More information on the Microsoft Certified Professional program and local testing centers is available at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/ . More information on VA benefits is available at http://www.gibill.va.gov/ .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
