1. MTA : IT Starts Here. www.certiport.com/mta

2. Invest Big Without making a Big Investment! Microsoft makes it easier for academic institutions to build and deliver technology education with a simple, convenient, and affordable suite of entry-level technology certifications.

3. What is Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)? MTA is a new, entry-level certification that validates the fundamental technology knowledge that students need to start building a career in Microsoft technologies. 9 initial titles on Developer, IT Pro, and Database high-demand topics. 9 initial languages: English, Spanish, S. Chinese, T. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, Russian, Br. Portuguese Why did Microsoft create MTA? To provide a solid career foundation to students and enable career exploration. To provide an education solution for teachers including learning and an industry-recognized credential. To lower the barriers to entry to the Microsoft Certification Program by providing a stepping stone to our professional certification. Who is MTA for? MTA is exclusively for academic customers: Technology-focused high schools and higher ed. Institutions. Driven by Certiport partners and Microsoft’s Public Sector, Education and Evangelism teams in the field. How is MTA delivered? Delivered by Certiport via internet-based platform allowing unprecedented testing flexibility. Educators empowered as proctors. Accompanying MTA Exam Review Kits provided to facilitate curriculum adoption. MTA Overview

4. Associate Series Fundamental knowledge for students to start building a successful career in technology. IT Pro and Developer Comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job. Professional Series In-depth skills working with Microsoft technologies. Technology Series IT architects who have completed a rigorous industry-driven peer validation process. IT experts with demonstrated mastery of a product through hands on lab based testing. Advanced Series Advanced skills in specific Microsoft Office applications. Requires passing either Word Expert or Excel Expert. Expert Series Validates core skills with the Microsoft Office suite. Includes exams in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Project, and SharePoint. Specialist Series Overall comprehension and deep expertise of Microsoft Office. Requires Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint, and Outlook or Access exams. Master Series Information Worker Microsoft Certification Program

5. MTA helps institutions stand out as innovative technology curriculum providers. MTA enables educators to easily deploy an innovative, industry recognized, IT certification. MTA validates fundamental technology knowledge and enables technology career path exploration. Presents an easy, cost-effective solution for validating key fundamental technology concepts Provides a Microsoft credential for fundamental technology knowledge, which is in demand in today’s workplace Helps attract technology students, enhance college applications and prepare students for advanced IT studies Helps institutions empower Educators and motivate students to pursue their passion for technology Easily integrated into existing curricula, with exams delivered right in the classroom Provides easy-to-use, reliable validation tool to measure building block IT concepts of students Enables educators to deliver industry relevant certification, preparing students with academic and vocational pursuits. Strengthens substance and value of curricula Validates a student’s fundamental technology knowledge—essential to succeeding with continued studies, academic admissions and building a rewarding career in technology Provides an easy, inexpensive way to explore career options in technology Provides the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) Augments and compliments technology related studies Secondary / Post-Secondary Academic Institutions Institutions EducatorsStudents Audience / Key Benefits Overview

6. One MTA exam = One MTA certification MTA exams are not pre-requisite to each other or to MCTS exams Path from MTA to MCTS to IT Jobs

7. 98-361: Software Developer Fundamentals Understanding core programming Understanding object-oriented programming Understanding general software development Understanding web applications Understanding desktop applications Understanding databases 98-362: Windows Developer Fundamentals Understanding Windows programming basics Creating Windows Forms applications Creating WPF applications Creating Windows Services applications Accessing data in a Windows Forms application Deploying Windows application 98-363: Web Developer Fundamentals Programming web applications Working with data and services Troubleshooting and debugging web applications Working with client-side scripting Configuring and deploying web applications 98-364: Database Admin. Fundamentals Understanding core database concepts Creating database objects Manipulating data Understanding data storage Administering a database Software Developer and Database Titles Exams were defined based on career tracks with high demand in the industry. Specific topics were designed by MSL experts and vetted with college instructors. What Does MTA Test?

8. 98-365: Windows Server Admin. Fundamentals Understanding server installation Understanding server roles Understanding Active Directory Understanding storage Understanding server performance management Understanding server maintenance 98-366: Networking Fundamentals Understanding network infrastructures o Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, WAN, wireless, topologies, access methods Understanding network hardware o Switches, routers, media types Understanding protocols and services o OSI model, IPv4, IPv6, names resolution, networking services, TCP/IP 98-367: Security Fundamentals Understanding security layers Understanding operating system security Understanding network security Understanding security software Exams were defined based on career tracks with high demand in the industry. Specific topics were designed by MSL experts and vetted with college instructors. IT Pro Titles What Does MTA Test?

9. 98-349: Windows Operating System Fundamentals Understanding Operating System Configurations Installing and Upgrading Client Systems Managing Applications Managing Files and Folders Managing Devices Understanding Operating System Maintenance 98-372: Microsoft.NET Fundamentals Understanding.NET Framework Concepts Understanding Namespaces and Classes in the.NET Framework Understanding.NET Code Compilation Understanding I/O Classes in the.NET Framework New Titles for 2011

10. One-year license that includes up to 1,000 MTA exams. Exams delivered in any computer with internet access in the campus. Educators empowered to deliver exams to their students at anytime. Unlimited access to MTA Exam Review Kits. MTA Campus License

11. Developed by MS Learning, MTA Exam Review Kits are collections of 21-hour review lessons covering the topics of each individual MTA exam. They are offered as a free digital download to MTA customers Course syllabus Learning objectives Unit scope and sequence Pacing chart A mapping of the unit learning activities to the MTA exam objectives Instructor materials Lesson plans for each day of instruction Presentation slides for each day of instruction Annotated speaker notes for each slide Content delivery resources including Occasional class demonstrations Occasional interactive whole-class sessions Guides for occasional discussions to foster dialogue about key topics Student learning materials includin g Instructor presentation slides In-class exercises (including the code for those exercises) Practical out-of-class work Labs as appropriate Student assessment materials End-of-lesson/sub-unit questions and answers Microsoft Official Academic Courseware and Student Study Guides coming in Fall 2010 MTA Exam Review Kits

12. IT Pro Edition / Developer and Database Edition MTA Student Study Guides:

13. Vendor Courseware Wiley, CCI MeasureUp Practice Tests Releasing thru February 2011 Student Study Guides AreYouCertifiable (AYC) Practice Game http://www.microsoft.com/click/areyoucertifiable www.microsoft.com/learning/mta Prep Guides and Learning Plans www.certiport.com/mta Marketing materials, become a test center, purchase a license MTA Courseware and Additional Resources

14. www.certiport.comwww.certiport.com – Register as a testing center MTA Onboarding Video walks customers through test center set up BI Platform makes becoming a Certiport Test Center for MTA easier than traditional platform exams Exam Administration Training Video. Best Practices for Test Center Security and Management New Test Center On-Boarding Become a Public Test Center for off-campus students

15. Appendix A Comprehensive Messaging

16. Messaging: STEM-D Students 16

17. Messaging: STEM-D Students 17 POSITIONING STATEMENT An MTA certification empowers students with a credential that validates fundamental knowledge and provides an essential foundation to build a career in technology. Audience STEM-D (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Design) students who are 15-24 years old who have an interest in a technology career; global audience with focus on North America, Latin America, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Germany, France, and Russia. Key Takeaway “I want to excel in my studies and as a future technology leader and innovator.” Pillars EXPLOREEMPOWERSUCCEED Differentiated Benefit Messaging Supporting Points Test technical knowledge in order to identify a technology career path. Test your breadth of technical knowledge and explore career options before choosing a specialized career path, with minimal investment of time and money. IDC reports a 40% gap between the demand for and supply IT professionals with the right technical skills. Matt Walker, “Certification at the Entry Level,” Certification Magazine, July 2008 Prepare for the next level of training and Certification. Take the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) with MTA. Earn an MTA credential to prove your commitment to technology and connect with a community of more than five million Microsoft Certified Professionals. An industry-recognized certification puts the worker — even an entry-level worker — in a stronger position with prospective employers. Certifications are a clear indicator for the employer that the individual who wants a job has the skills to perform the tasks…Certification in the IT industry is critical for getting your foot in the door. Certmag.com Matt Walker — July 2008 Stand out with admissions and on your resume/CV with a Microsoft credential. Invest in yourself by earning a Microsoft credential that measures and validates the fundamental technology skills that are in demand today. The MTA credential helps you succeed with continued studies, compete on admissions, and prepares you for a career in technology 71% of MCPs believe Microsoft certification helped them receive a promotion or raise. 2007 MCP Customer Satisfaction Survey 55% of hiring managers consider employee certification as a criterion for hiring. IDC whitepaper sponsored by Microsoft, Value of Certification: Team Certification and Organizational Performance, Doc #204360, November 2006)

18. Messaging: Non-Core IT Students 18

19. Messaging: Non-Core IT Students 19 POSITIONING STATEMENT Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification empowers students with a credential validating the fundamental knowledge required to succeed with continued studies, certification, and to build successful careers in technology and business. Audience Students who are 15-24 years old interested in technology; job changers seeking a new career path; global audience, with focus on North America, Latin America, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Germany, France, and Russia Key Takeaway “I want to pursue an education and career that’s interesting to me...I know that technology is important; but it can also be intimidating.” Pillars EXPLOREEMPOWERSUCCEED Differentiated Benefit Messaging Supporting Points Validates fundamental knowledge to determine propensity for continued studies and a career in technology and business. Easily explore a variety of career options in technology without investing a lot of time or money. IDC reports a 40% gap between the demand for and supply IT professionals with the right technical skills. Matt Walker, “Certification at the Entry Level,” Certification Magazine, July 2008 Confidence-inspiring credential leads to success with future studies in technology and business. Take the first step in pursuing a career in technology. Enhance the value of your Business courses by studying technology and becoming MTA certified! MTA certification demonstrates that you have the fundamental knowledge required to continue technical studies and certifications, and gives you confidence to begin building a rewarding career. Stand out in admissions and on your resume/CV with a valuable Microsoft credential that helps build a career in technology and business. Invest in yourself by earning a valued Microsoft credential that measures and validates the fundamental technical skills that are in demand today. The MTA credential can help you succeed with continued studies, compete on admissions, and prepare you for a career in technology. Technology plays a role in virtually every business around the world. Business students who have a fundamental knowledge of how technology works are positioned to find their place in the work force and succeed earlier than their non technical peers. Enhance your business degree with a technology credential.

20. Messaging: Teachers and Faculty 20

21. Messaging: Teachers and Faculty 21 POSITIONING STATEMENT The MTA certification enables educators to easily teach and test fundamental technology knowledge. MTA exams can be delivered by educators in the classroom any day at any time, making it easy to integrate them into existing schedules and curricula. Audience Teachers and faculty that teach technology courses to students at accredited academic institutions including high schools, tech colleges, community colleges, or universities Key Takeaway “My teaching prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in continued technology studies and careers.” Pillars EXPLOREEMPOWERSUCCEED Differentiated Benefit Messaging Supporting Points Motivate students to explore their potential and passion for technology. Create new opportunities for you and your students – MTA exams help you explore potential and passion with a variety of technology tracks. MTA validates the fundamental technology knowledge that is in demand today. An IDC study suggests there will be a 40% gap in the next five to ten years between the demand for, and supply of IT professionals with the right technical skills. Matt Walker, “Certification at the Entry Level,” Certification Magazine, July 2008 Easily integrate into existing Learning Management System (LMS) and curricula. Spend more time teaching and less time on administrative tasks. The MTA exam is the smart alternative to creating and maintaining your own exams– MTA exams easily integrate into the most broadly used Learning Management Systems. Deliver MTA exams right in your classroom, on your schedule, as a secure, browser-based exam. Prepare students for advanced technology studies and a rewarding career in technology by adding MTA exams to your fundamental technology curriculum Draw students to your classroom and prepare them for their next level of study with a world wide recognized credential. Stay current with the technology industry and keep your curricula up-to-date with the latest industry-recognized credential. Give your students more than a passing grade this semester. Help students become more competitive when they graduate by providing them with an added credential Prepare your students for careers in technology, and give them an opportunity to graduate with an MTA credential– recognized by businesses around the world.

22. Messaging: Institutions 22

23. Messaging: Institutions 23 POSITIONING STATEMENT Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is a cost-effective solution for the validation of fundamental technology knowledge. MTA provides schools with the prestige of offering an official Microsoft certification to help attract high caliber students, drive college acceptances and increase internship opportunities. Audience Educators and decision makers within accredited academic institutions Key Takeaway “We want to set our school apart, give our teachers/faculty the tools for success, and prepare students for promising careers in technology and business.” Pillars EXPLOREEMPOWERSUCCEED Differentiated Benefit Messaging Supporting Points Explore a new and easy way of testing technology fundamentals. Explore a new way of measuring results by adopting third party industry exams that are designed to validate and certify the technology skills that are in demand today. Help students develop their inner technologist and start planning for their future by including fundamental technology exams and credentials in your curriculum. Validate the fundamental technology knowledge essential for continuing studies and careers in technology with an industry-recognized MTA exam. Easily integrate a cost-effective means to empower teachers/faculty and students’ technology knowledge. Adopt a cost-effective site license model and delivery mechanism for entry-level technology exams. Empower faculty and students by offering curriculum and exams focused on real world, technology skills and knowledge. Prepare students for advanced technology studies and rewarding careers with a low cost, industry-relevant measurement tool. Stand out as an innovative institution by teaching and using the latest technology. Demonstrate your commitment to the latest technology and institutional leadership. Attract and retain the most qualified teachers, faculty, and students – with MTA they know that they’re preparing for continuing studies and careers in technology. Gain recognition among institutions and employers around the world by offering a valuable, industry-recognized Microsoft technical credential.

24. Appendix B Early Adopters

25. “I wish ALL my students could use these as pre-requisites. I think you’re (Microsoft) ahead of the curve, because most text books are not as current as you are.” Jack McCarty IT Program Coordinator, Academic MCT Clarendon College Pampa Center Pampa, TX What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA “I teach at a 2 years college and want to congratulate Microsoft for creating this program, it is EXACTLY what students studying IT need. We have restructured our college’s IT program to incorporate the MTA program and certifications. I highly encourage college/university instructors to take a look the program I think you will find it’s perfect for entry level students. After taking the exams and reviewing the material students need to know to pass the MTA exams I want to say Thanks Microsoft for doing this. Today’s IT students need a good foundation to begin their IT careers, and you’ve done it.” Douglas Spindler Born to Learn Blogger, MCT

26. “We delivered the ERK over three days and asked the students to prepare for the exam by going home and playing the "Are you Certifiable?" game. On the morning of the fourth day we held the Networking Fundamentals exam - and to our surprise (and joy) all of our students passed! We gained formal feedback from each student and they said that the ERK and the AYC game helped them to prepare and pass the exam! …the delivery of the ERK over the three days really helped them to review what they had previously learnt and expand upon knowledge that they had only touched upon For our students, MCDST is one of the hardest things that they do. I often find myself re-teaching the most elementary of networking concepts that we would have covered in A+. Hence, I see the MTA is the perfect stepping stone.” Zeshan Sattar Born to Learn Blogger, MCT What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA

27. “I have lot of students who comes to MCTS class an struggle to learn Windows 2008 concepts since they are not familiar with the fundamentals. All this time I've been taking my 1-2 days additionally and cover basics free of charge! Now we have a official course which seems to do the job perfectly.” Susan Thasilva Born to Learn Blogger What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA “I think the new MTA track is a great idea, I know lots of students that want to move in to IT but coming on a TS level course is beyond them. So they end up taking something like A+ and Net+ qualifications, which are useful but if the Students want to be Microsoft Specialists it’s much better they start their training there.” mgbleeds Born to Learn Blogger

28. What Early Adopters are Saying about MTA “I'm an MCPD and have many.NET certifications. Just recently I was thinking about expanding my knowledge toward IT systems and I was delighted to see the MTA track for two reasons: to make sure I understand the basic concepts before tackling the real stuff, and because registration for an exam is the only way for me to actually complete my intentions.” Tom Van Hauwaert Born to Learn Blogger “I think the MTA certification is a great path to add to Microsoft's certification offerings. I see great strategies and opportunities for the academic arena. By offering the MTA certification, students gain confidence to enter the job market while providing a way to showcase their knowledge to prospective employers. Academy's can use it as a standardized metric for their program. A win-win program! As an instructor, I see a big gap between the MCTS candidate and entry-level and I think this fill that gap!” Rachel Jones, Born to Learn Blogger, MCT