Only 5% of IT professionals who recently took the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) exam relied on instructor-led or classroom-based training.
This is according to a recent survey of 300 IT professionals who sat for the exam, conducted by TrainSignal (an IT e-learning provider) in conjunction with Microsoft. The survey results indicate that computer-based training or self-study is by far the most popular way to prepare for this certification, with 95% of respondents opting for this avenue.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is considered one of the top five in-demand certifications of 2015, with 67% of respondents saying their training and certification has resulted in a promotion or pay raise, and 60% reporting that it helped them find a new job.
"Getting certified is one of the best ways to show you value keeping your skills up to date," says Scott Skinger, TrainSignal founder and CEO. "Achieving the MCSA will show your employer that you have intermediate knowledge of the latest Microsoft technologies.
"The MCSA also sets you up for the expert-level MCSE, which will allow you to further differentiate yourself by showing where your specialties lie," adds Skinger. A large majority (75.8%) of respondents indicated that they intend to pursue the MCSE.
The survey results highlight the importance of real-world experience in achieving the certification. Only 1.4% of respondents indicated that experience was not important, while 63.9% indicated that it was vital, and 34.6% that it was useful. Practice exams were also considered vital by a large majority (70%).
The exam is challenging, with a pass rate of 81.2%. Most of those taking it (70.5%) were not surprised by the level of difficulty, but 24.9% indicated that it was harder than other IT exams, and only 4.6% considered it easier.
Finding time to study was considered one of the biggest challenges by 55% of respondents. "The thing to know going into it is that obtaining the MCSA takes a lot of work. You're going to put in long study hours and will have to sit for two to three exams, but it'll be worth it," emphasises Skinger. "Adding the MCSA to your resume shows that you're dedicated to learning and remaining current, which are two of the most important factors in a successful IT career."
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