Microsoft Certified Trainer

Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the premier technical and instructional experts in Microsoft technologies. When you join this esteemed group of worldwide training professionals, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to Microsoft benefits and readiness resources designed to enhance your training career and engage with Microsoft teams. Microsoft Training Services Partners are required to deliver official Microsoft courseware using Microsoft Certified Trainers. Membership in the MCT Program qualifies you to deliver this official Microsoft courseware in our customer skilling ecosystem.

The Microsoft Certified Trainer status is an annual membership program for professionals who train Microsoft customers on our company’s technologies. You must meet program enrollment or renewal requirements, complete the online application, and agree to the MCT Program Agreement each year to remain enrolled in the MCT Program. (Note: The MCT Program annual fee is currently being waived for all new and renewing program members as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Enrollment in the MCT Program is currently paused to allow for system and process enhancements. If you need to enroll manually during our downtime, please contact the 'Instructional Skills Certificate Provider' you used to fulfill the MCT Instructional Skills requirement.

MCT Program Value

Software and discounts

Active MCTs receive access to software licenses, service credits, exam discounts, and other benefits designed to help them prepare for Microsoft course deliveries and enhance their technical expertise. MCT benefits must be used in accordance with the legal requirements defined in the MCT Program Agreement and all related Microsoft software licensing and resource policies. Explore all the benefits available to MCTs.

MCT Lounge community platform

MCTs and MCT Alumni have access to MCT Lounge, a gated community within the Microsoft Tech Community. MCT Lounge offers exclusive access to the following resources:

• MCT Program meetings
• Continuous updates on Microsoft courseware
• Professional development libraries with technical and instructional resources
• Opportunities to provide input and engage in discussion with Microsoft teams
• Connections to Microsoft Training Services Partners
• Discussion forums with MCT Program leaders and fellow MCTs.

Resources and tools offered within MCT Lounge are continuously updated, creating a dynamic experience where MCTs expand their knowledge on Microsoft technologies and enhance their instructional skills.

To join this dedicated MCT community space, MCTs must first request access and be verified as an active MCT Program member. Active MCTs and MCT Alumni can follow the MCT Lounge Access Request process to join MCT Lounge and get involved in the community.

Connection to Microsoft teams and partners

Through the MCT Lounge community space, Microsoft Certified Trainers can learn from our company’s teams and connect with Training Services Partners. Virtual and in-person events with Microsoft employees give MCTs the inside track on our products, courseware, and global events. Training Services Partners also have a presence in MCT Lounge, allowing them to post job opportunities and create connections to the MCTs they seek to hire for customer trainings. Being an MCT will offer you connections in Microsoft and our skilling ecosystem.

MCT Program Enrollment

Are you ready to become an MCT or reinstate a previous MCT status? We’re excited to have you as part of our world-class community of trainers.

Enrollment Instructions

• New MCT Enrollment - Visit this page for step-by-step instructions on achieving MCT career status. Please note that from May 31st, 2025, the MCT Enrollment process will require you to contact your Instructional Skills Certificate Provider. Your ISCP organization will confirm your completion of an ISC program and initiate the application process.
• MCT Renewal or Reinstatement – Visit this page if you are a current or prior MCT to review the instructions for re-enrolling in the MCT Program.

MCT Lounge Access

Once approved for membership in the MCT Program, all MCTs must join MCT Lounge, our online community. MCT Lounge provides professional development resources and important announcements MCTs need to remain informed of Microsoft updates and engaged with MCT opportunities. When your MCT application has been approved, follow the steps provided at aka.ms/requestMCTaccess and check the MCT Lounge regularly.

MCT Alumni Program

For over three decades, MCTs have been at the forefront of Microsoft technology training and adoption. In recognition of their significant contributions, we offer the MCT Alumni program. This program is for all MCTs in good standing with Microsoft who no longer train as part of the MCT program but wish to maintain their relationship with the MCT community.

MCTs may choose to discontinue their active MCT Program membership and switch to the MCT Alumni Program. The MCT Alumni program will never require an annual fee, and it allows members to retain two important MCT Program benefits:

• Access to MCT Lounge to help former MCTs stay connected to MCT Program activities and announcements
• Discounts on exams to ease former MCTs ability to earn current Microsoft certifications and facilitate their re-entry into the MCT program in the future.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the MCT Alumni Program, please review the MCT Alumni Program Agreement to understand the terms of membership.

Apply for MCT Alumni membership or change your active MCT status to the Alumni status by emailing mctprog@microsoft.com. If you require support in this process, visit the MCT Support forum available at https://aka.ms/mctsupport.

Microsoft Certified Trainer Support Options

1. Self-Help Resources

• Current MCTs can review the MCT Support Resources page via the MCT Lounge for help with common support issues.
• If this is your first time accessing the MCT Lounge, please refer to the MCT Access guide for step-by-step instructions.

2. Submit a Support Request

Create an online support request for help with MCT applications, renewals, benefits, or tool access.

Step 1. Go to online support request

• For Product family, confirm that “Learning” is selected.
• Under Product or Service, confirm that “Microsoft Certified Trainer” is selected.
• Select a high-level category most closely matching your issue.
• For Types of Support, select Professional No Charge.
• Input your ___location and time zone.
• Select “Email” as preferred contact method.

Note: Microsoft Certified Trainer support is only available through email and not by phone. If you select "Phone," support will still be provided via email.

Step 2. Describe the issue

• Provide a clear summary of the issue.
• Attach screenshots of any error message or technical issue to help us understand the problem.

Step 3. Contact Details and Sharing

• The person submitting the case is the "Primary Contact" for the support case.

Step 4. Submit support case

• Your case number will be displayed and confirmed in an email from support@mail.support.microsoft.com (Check your junk folder).
• Microsoft Certified Trainer Support will contact you during business hours, 6 AM - 6 PM PT, to resolve the issue.
• You can check your case status online, using the Manage tab on the online support request.