MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional
This certification is given to those who want to demonstrate expertise with a particular Microsoft product. MCPs have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least one Microsoft operating system.

MCPS - Microsoft Certified Product Specialist
This certification is given to an individual specifically for passing a single exam covering any Microsoft operating system, including Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows 95/98, Windows NT Workstation or Windows NT Server.

MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
This certification is given to individuals that have passed a battery of exams involving a variety of Microsoft operating systems and networking technologies.

MCSD � Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
This certification is given to individuals who design and develop custom business solutions with Microsoft Development tools, technologies and platforms, including Microsoft Office and the Microsoft BackOffice family. This person is involved more with the programming aspects of Microsoft than the networking aspects of Microsoft. For more information on requirements, please see the chart provided later in this section.

MCDBA � Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
The Microsoft� Certified Database Administrator credential is the premier certification for professionals who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. The certification is appropriate for individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases and install and configure Microsoft SQL Server.

MCT � Microsoft Certified Trainer
MCTs are qualified instructionally and certified technically by Microsoft to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) instructor-led courses at Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Centers and Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Program institutions. To achieve this certification, a person must attend the Authorized class that he or she will ultimately teach, participate in a Microsoft approved Train-the-Trainer course, such as CompUSA�s Train the Trainer, and pass the competency exam associated with the course.

MCSP � Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider
This designation is given to an entity who meets certain criteria by Microsoft. Each participant must have on staff a minimum of two MCPs. This authorization is primarily a designation to indicate a business with consulting expertise. For instance, individuals or companies seeking technical support for their Microsoft products might utilize the consulting services of a Microsoft Solutions Provider. Another benefit of the MCSP title is Microsoft�s agreement to provide all Solutions Providers with advanced copies of all the software offered by Microsoft. This status enables CompUSA instructors to familiarize themselves with programs prior to release. When the software is then released, CompUSA is prepared to teach.

CTEC � Certified Technical Education Center
This title permits a center to offer Authorized Technical Training using Microsoft Official Curriculum and Microsoft Certified Instructors. This training includes, but is not limited to, instruction on the following packages: Windows NT Workstation, Windows NT Server, SMS, SQL, Windows 95, and C++.

MOC � Microsoft Official Curriculum
The courseware used for Microsoft Authorized classes is considered Microsoft Official Curriculum. MOC can be ordered only by a CTEC for a class held at a CTEC or a dedicated class at any CompUSA site.

CNA � Certified Novell Administrator
Individuals seeking the CNA designation must pass a single exam, either NetWare 5.0 Administration, System Administration for NetWare 3.12 or IntraNetWare: NetWare 4.11 Administration. CompUSA offers classes by the same name to prepare students for either of these exams. The CNA is Novell�s entry-level certification. It prepares an individual to administer the day to day running of a Novell network. Tasks may include, authorizing new users, assigning security rights to users, writing login scripts, backing-up the system, installing network applications and managing the printing equipment.

CNE � Certified Novell Engineer
To earn the CNE designation, an individual must pass a series of seven exams. Novell currently offers three variations of the CNE, CNE-3, CNE-4 and CNE-5. The numeral refers to the specialization of the CNE in regards to NetWare version (3.X, 4.X or 5.X). It is possible for a person to obtain all versions of CNE designations. For each test the student must pass to obtain either CNE designation, CompUSA offers an associated class. Refer to the diagram for listing of those classes.

MCNE � Master CNE
This Novell certification is regarded as the highest level of technical expertise that one can attain in the IT Industry. A Master CNE has advanced skills that are required to provide solutions to complex networking problems that may span across several different platforms and is able to act as an integration consultant to maximize networking investments. To achieve MCNE status, one must first be a CNE and then specialize in one or more of five areas. These five areas include Management, Connectivity, Messaging, Internet/Intranet Solutions, or Client/Network Solutions. Passing additional performance-based tests that demonstrate competency in these areas is required to achieve certification.

CNI � Certified Novell Instructor
This certification is similar to that of the MCT. CNIs must go through intensive instructor training, testing and performance evaluation before they are certified to teach Novell-Authorized training courses. To attain CNI Certification, an instructor must participate in Novell�s Train-the-Trainer program and demonstrate his or her abilities to effectively present technical material. To teach a class, a CNI must have attended an NAEC for that same class. In addition, he or she must pass the Novell competency exam associated with that class at a higher level than expected for CNE or CNA certification. A CNI need not be a CNE. NetWare training offered by an NAEC must be conducted by a CNI.

NAEC � Novell Authorized Education Center
This title permits a center to offer Advanced Technical Novell training using Novell-authorized courseware and instructors. Sales of these programs are increasing exponentially. As a result, demand for training on these programs is very high.