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koldstar

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How to become a Microsoft Certified Partner

Hi

I have a small company ( only me and 1 employee)

None of us are Microsoft Certifed Professionals but I'm planning that we should take the examns some time soon.
When I log in to my registered partner profile I can see there are several steps to complete before we can become a certifed partner.

The steps are:
1. Obtain at least two (2) exclusive Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) or at least one (1) Tested Product
2. Earn 50 Partner Points
3. Pay the annual Program fee

But I have some questions related to becoming af certifed partner that I'm hoping some of you knows the answers to.

What is a microsoft tested product? And how can I obtain it?
If we both gets certifed we meet the requirements, but what happens if he quits? Do the company loose its status as a certified partner?
Does anyone knows what the annual Program fee is?  I  can't see the info page bcause I'm not certified :-)

And the last one:
I can se that a lot of compaies uses a Microsoft Registred Partner Logo on there websites. But is this a official MS logo? Or are they homemade and against the MS logo policy?
Example: http://images.google.dk/images?ndsp=18&um=1&hl=da&q=microsoft+registered+partner+logo&start=0&sa=N
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Paranormastic
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Cost varies by region, currency, etc.  Here is the contact info for United States - this is the only one I saw an email address for quickly:
Microsoft Partner Program 1-800-765-7768  
Fax 1-661-775-6478  
For general information, e-mail: MSPP-na@Microsoft.Com

For UK:
+44 (0) 800 917 3128
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koldstar

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Thanks Mark.

I am already a registered member with an Action Pack Subscription. I have recieved 10 partner points in recomendations by customers.

I have plannede to order the empower anyway, so if it does the trick I'll try that.
Pity about the action pack subscription - often see that. Get those testimonials in, whilst there is a cap on how many points, it is worthwhile have a few extra in there... Think empower would be worthwhile if you are creating software products (it is an ISV initiative), and helps towards the ISV competancy...

Seeing as you are registered, then look around the partner portal, there is a few things in there that can help, and watch it closely - there are offers sometimes which can be worthwhile.
And thanks to you to Paranormastic :-)

Do any of you know if it against microsofts policy to use some ofe these logos until we get certified?
It only says registered member witch is correct, but I don't think it's made by MS.

 http://images.google.dk/images?ndsp=18&um=1&hl=da&q=microsoft+registered+partner+logo&start=0&sa=N
Yes, it is. Again it is on the Partner site. Really need to stop Google and get into Microsoft partner portals...

https://partner.microsoft.com/ and follow the sales / marketing path then on the left you will see graphics and logos - for me it branches off to my "local" country

See : https://partner.microsoft.com/Australia/salesmarketingsection/smgraphics/gilogobuilder it has rules and guidlines. See attached (and only posted because you are a registered member)...
regmemberguidelines.pdf