What is Microsoft Certification?
Many hardware manufacturers and software companies support certifications programs whereby prospective consultants and technical support personnel demonstrate their competence using and maintaining that company's products. Microsoft Corporation supports several certification programs including the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and the MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer). MCP certification is achieved by passing a computer-based test developed by Microsoft Corporation, and administered through independent testing sites. Contact the instructor for details. Successful completion of an MCP certification test demonstrates an acceptable level of competence as defined by Microsoft Corporation, and is used by potential employers as assurance of your knowledge. MCSE certifications achieved by passing eight specific MCP exams, and demonstrates you ability to plan, implement, and maintain all aspects of a Microsoft Windows 2000 based client/server network environment.

What is Networking Technology?
Networking Technology deals with the concepts, hardware, software and procedures used to plan, implement and maintain computer networks.
Networking Technology as it is taught at Mott Community College begins with an introduction to networking concepts, detailed information on common network equipment, and planning, installation, and configuration of basic network communications systems.
Subsequent classes concentrate specifically on networking skills and certifications most in demand in the marketplace, currently Microsoft Networking using Microsoft Windows 2000, microsoft's latest network systems, including Novell Netware, which is commonly used by larger companies.

Is Networking the best choice for me?
Maybe. The computer field is vast and encompasses a wide variety of specialties, of which networking is only one. While some specialties are growing faster than others, and networking is among the fastest growing specialties, all fields are growing quickly. Good to excellent wages and above average job security are available in all specialties. If you enjoy working with computers take a variety of introductory classes to gain some insight into what is most interesting to you.

Networking is for me, where do I start?
The only stated prerequisite for the networking program is COMI 160: Introduction to Business Data Processing, which gives the student a good general understanding of computer concepts and vocabulary. COMS-120: Windows Concepts/Computer Technology will very likely be added as a prerequisite in the future, and is strongly recommended to all students who do not have previous experience using DOS or core windows experience. In addition, a good deal of experience with Windows 95, 98 or Windows NT is highly recommended. Please contact Information Technology at 810-762-0500 or by e-mail at tech@.mcc.edu to discuss your particular situation.

How important is technical certification?
Technical certification fills the gap between desire and experience. Passing Microsoft's MCP tests, and achieving MCSE status, demonstrates not only your technical competency, but also your willingness and ability to master highly involved technical concepts. This gives a prospective employer the confidence necessary to continue your development as an employee in their organization. Employers in technical field are primarily looking for people with experience: however, given current low unemployment rates, and the growth of the technology economy, technical job openings far exceed the number of experienced personnel seeking employment.

What is a Network?
A network includes all the hardware and software necessary to provide communication services to computer users for the purpose of sharing information (such as data files and web pages) and resources (such as printers, scanners and fax machines). While network represent a major investment to most organizations, the value of shared data and resources more than offsets this cost.