Competency & Advanced Competency Requirements
The Microsoft Partner Network Competency and Advanced Competency requirements are finally here. These are expected to evolve over time. You'll be able to enrol in the Competencies from the second quarter of calendar year 2010 and the Advanced Competencies from October 2010.
October 2010 will see the retirement of Gold Certified/Certified and Registered Partners. The Microsoft Partner Network will be made up of Community Members, Subscribers, Competency Partners and Advanced Competency Partners.
The following table provides a high-level, general summary of competency qualification criteria. Specific Competency and Advanced Competency requirements vary and will be published on the Partner Portal in the next couple of months. In the mean time for detailed information on each competency and advanced Competency requirements please click here.
Requirements |
Competency |
Advanced (Beginning October 2010) |
Capability |
Two Microsoft Certified Professionals1 |
New! Four Microsoft Certified Professionals, in a single competency each2 New! Revenue services agreement (not required for calendar year 2010) To be introduced 2010-2011 Partner Business Plan Revenue Requirement |
Business Training & Assessments3 |
New! Volume Licensing Online Training & Assessments New! Sales & Marketing Online Training & Assessments |
New! Volume Licensing Online Training & Assessments New! Sales & Marketing Online Training & Assessments |
Customer Evidence |
Three unique customer references per competency |
New! Five unique customer references per competency4 New! Participate in Microsoft Customer Satisfaction Index |
Competency and Advanced Competency Partners will be required to complete a full profile and pay a membership fee as part of their annual enrolment
1Partners can attain multiple competencies. Your employees or contractors who pass the applicable competency exams are eligible toward multiple competencies. A person who has attained a Master or Architect Certification qualifies for two Microsoft Certified Professional level certifications.
2Partners can attain multiple Advanced Competencies. Your employees or contractors who pass the applicable Advanced Competency exams are only eligible toward one Advanced Competency. A person who has attained a Master or Architect Certification qualifies for two Microsoft Certified Professional level certifications.
3Requirements vary by competency.
4You may use customer references from your Standard Competency toward your Advanced Competency
If you have any questions please post to this blog, send me an email sarahar@microsoft.com or attend the Roadshow: Partner Network 1/2 Day Training Course I am running starting next week.
Look forward to see you soon
Sarah.