Microsoft to Bump Up Exam Pricing Next Year -- Redmondmag.com

Microsoft to Bump Up Exam Pricing Next Year

Twenty-five percent increase expected to be announced on Friday.

By Michael Domingo
12/05/2001

Sources say that beginning Jan. 4, 2002, U.S. pricing for Microsoft exams through Prometric and VUE testing centers will increase 25 percent, to $125. Microsoft's exam pricing hasn't changed in about seven years.

The increase comes at a time of global recession, and speculation is that the increase will help to offset the added cost of maintaining the certification program's quality. Andy Barkl, MCT and owner of WeTrainIT in Glendale, Arizona, notices that Microsoft is following suit with other certification programs. "Cisco exams were just raised to $125 also and CompTIA exams always have been more expensive than most."

The increase is likely to affect international pricing. Georges Thibault, an MCT in Quebec, Canada, calls the increase "ridiculous." He notes that the exchange rate can translate to about $200 Canadian. "Why does Microsoft have to make the certification process so expensive?"

Microsoft would not comment on the increase, but plans to officially release this information on Friday.

About the Author

Michael Domingo has held several positions at 1105 Media, and is currently the editor in chief of Visual Studio Magazine.

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