Having a Microsoft certification credential ID is important for proving you have earned official Microsoft certifications. This ID number uniquely identifies you in the Microsoft certification system and allows you to access exam records, unofficial transcripts, and more. Here is a quick guide to finding your Microsoft certification credential ID and understanding what it’s used for.
What is a Microsoft certification credential ID?
A Microsoft certification credential ID is a unique number assigned to you when you earn your first Microsoft certification. It serves as your identifier in Microsoft’s certification system and is tied to your Microsoft account.
Some key facts about Microsoft credential IDs:
- Issued when you pass your first Microsoft exam and certification.
- Remains the same for life – does not change as you earn more certifications.
- Allows access to your certification records and unofficial transcript.
- Used to verify your Microsoft certifications to employers or others.
- Provides access to Microsoft Certification benefits and offers.
So in summary, it’s a unique number that proves you hold genuine Microsoft certifications and allows you to access useful certification resources.
Why do I need a Microsoft credential ID?
There are a few key reasons why your Microsoft credential ID is useful:
- Proving you hold certifications: The ID allows verification of your Microsoft certifications. You can share your ID number with employers so they can validate your certified status.
- Accessing your records: The ID allows you to access your certification records, unofficial transcript, and exam history via the Microsoft transcript system.
- Eligibility for benefits: The ID makes you eligible for Microsoft Certification benefits like special offers, training resources, and more.
- Tracking your progress: It allows you to track your progress throughout your Microsoft certification journey from first exam to final credential.
So in short, the credential ID unlocks access to helpful certification resources, allows verification of your credentials, and enables you to track your Microsoft certification progress over time.
Where can I find my Microsoft certification credential ID?
There are a couple places you can locate your Microsoft certification credential ID:
- On your certification badges – The ID is printed on any certification badges you have earned from Microsoft.
- In your Microsoft transcript system account – Sign into the transcript system and your ID will be shown at the top of the page.
- On a certification exam completion report – It is shown on the exam results page and report after you pass any Microsoft certification exam.
If you can’t find your ID through any of those options, you can contact Microsoft support and they can assist you in getting your credential ID number.
How do I use my Microsoft certification credential ID?
Here are some of the main ways you can use your Microsoft certification credential ID once you know the number:
- Validate your certifications – Share your ID with employers, LinkedIn connections, colleagues, etc. to allow them to verify your Microsoft certified status.
- Access transcript system – Use your ID to sign in to the Microsoft transcript system and view exam history, unofficial transcripts, and access digital certification badges.
- Take advantage of offers – Use your ID when registering for certification-related offers like free exam retakes, discounted exam vouchers, free Microsoft training courses, and more exclusive deals.
- Update your Microsoft account – Add your credential ID to your Microsoft account profile to link your certifications to your account.
- Track progress – Monitor your certification journey over time using the ID to pull up records of all your Microsoft exams, credentials earned, and next steps.
So in summary, use your Microsoft certification credential ID to validate your credentials, unlock access to useful certification resources, and track your progress from beginner to expert across Microsoft technologies.
How do I update or change my Microsoft certification credential ID?
The good news is that your Microsoft certification credential ID never expires and does not need to be updated or changed. This ID number is permanently assigned to you when you pass your first Microsoft certification exam.
Even as you earn more Microsoft certifications and credentials, your original credential ID remains the same and is valid for life.
Microsoft’s system automatically links any new certifications you earn to your existing ID. So you never have to worry about updating the actual ID number itself – Microsoft takes care of associating new certifications with your original ID behind the scenes.
Here are some key facts on credential ID updates:
- The ID does not expire and remains valid for life.
- New certifications are automatically linked to your original ID.
- The ID does not change as you earn more certifications.
- You cannot manually update or change the ID number.
- Contact Microsoft if your ID is lost to retrieve it.
So in summary, your Microsoft certification credential ID does not need any updates or changes once it’s assigned to you. It remains static while your certification achievements continue growing and attaching automatically to that original ID.
Tips for keeping track of your Microsoft certification credential ID
Your Microsoft certification credential ID is important for tracking your certifications, so it’s helpful to keep your ID number in a safe and accessible place. Here are some tips:
- Store it in your Microsoft account profile for easy access.
- Note it down in a document or certification log you maintain.
- Take a photo of any certification badges which contain the ID.
- Save exam completion reports with the ID in your records.
- Add the ID to your CV, LinkedIn profile or email signature for easy validation.
- Share the ID with your employer’s training department/HR for their records.
Keeping your Microsoft certification credential ID in multiple accessible places makes it easy to reference when needed. It ensures you and others can validate and verify your Microsoft certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep my Microsoft certification credential ID private?
No, your Microsoft certification credential ID is not considered private information. It is meant to be shared for verifying your Microsoft certified status.
Can someone else use my Microsoft certification credential ID?
No, your ID is uniquely tied to you. Others cannot access your records or certifications with your ID.
What if I lose my Microsoft certification credential ID?
If you cannot locate your ID, you can contact Microsoft Support to retrieve it by verifying your account information.
Does my ID change if I change my name?
No, your ID will remain the same even if you change your name. It is tied specifically to your Microsoft account rather than your name.
Can I use the same ID for non-Microsoft certifications?
No, your Microsoft credential ID applies only to certifications within Microsoft programs. Other vendors have their own specific IDs.
Is my Microsoft certification credential ID the same as my MCP number?
Yes, your official Microsoft certification ID number may also be referred to as your MCP number, both terms refer to the same unique ID.
Conclusion
Your Microsoft certification credential ID is a key component in managing and tracking your Microsoft certifications. This unique identifier verifies your certified status, unlocks access to helpful resources, and allows you to monitor your progress from your first Microsoft exam onward.
Treating it as an important asset and keeping it in a safe, accessible place ensures you can leverage its full value for advancing your technology career certified with Microsoft.