Microsoft certifications get more expensive

On the first of July, it is going to take a little bit more cash to become Microsoft Certified Professional in specific areas.

According to an announcement from Microsoft, the retail price of mid-range Microsoft Certification exams will increase worldwide. The exams slated for a price increase are:
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD),
and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA).

Meanwhile, the Microsoft Certified Master (MCM), Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams are expected to remain the same.

"This change reflects the significant value that our certifications provide to our customers and our continual investment in new and enhanced Microsoft Certifications and other program improvements," the company said on Microsoft Learning.

Microsoft has posted a Silverlight-based pricing tool calculator (click here) to determine the price increase based upon test type and world region.

For example, current high school or university students in the United States pay $60 for a Microsoft Certification exam. After July first, this will cost $83, representing a 22% increase. For non-students it goes from $125 to $150, or an even 20% increase. The increases differ by region.

Microsoft says the new fees will let the company improve testing flexibility and security in various ways and develop new certification tiers.