Prerequisites to Become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)

1. Hold an Active Microsoft Certification

You must have at least one valid, qualifying Microsoft certification. Examples include:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals / Associate / Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals / Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals / Associate / Expert
• Microsoft 365 Certifications (e.g., MS-900, MS-700, MS-203, etc.)
• Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

You can view the full list of eligible certifications here (updated by Microsoft yearly).

2. Instructional Skills Certification

You must have completed an instructional skills course from a Microsoft-approved provider like AtiSunya, which is officially listed as an Instructional Skills Certification Provider (ISCP).

This training must include:

• Instructor-led teaching techniques
• Feedback and evaluation
• Teach-back sessions and coaching

The certificate obtained from this course is submitted with your MCT application.

3. Training Experience (Preferred, Not Mandatory)

Although not strictly required, it is beneficial to have some experience in:

• Delivering technical training (online or in-person)
• Mentoring peers or colleagues
• Public speaking or facilitating workshops

This helps you during the teach-back sessions and improves your readiness.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Program Value

Software Benefits

• Microsoft 365 Developer Subscription – Includes Office 365 E5 license for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.
• Azure Credit – $100/month via Visual Studio subscription for testing and demonstrations
• Visual Studio Enterprise Subscription – Access to Microsoft tools including Windows Server, SQL Server, SharePoint, D365, and Power Apps
• Microsoft Learn for Educators – Teaching resources, labs, and assessments aligned with Microsoft Learn

Exclusive Discounts

• Exam Discounts – Free or discounted Microsoft Certification exams
• Software Partner Discounts – Reduced pricing from LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, Skillable, MeasureUp, and Mindhub
• Merchandise and Events – Exclusive Microsoft event access, merchandise, and MCT Summit registration discounts

Additional Perks

• Private MCT Lounge Access at select Microsoft events
• Invitations to webinars and previews of new Microsoft training material
• Access to the global MCT community through the MCT Central portal