Press Release

IET and Microsoft sign membership agreement

12 May 2009

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), a world-leading professional organisation, has joined forces with global giant Microsoft to provide its certified professionals with an assured fast-track route to IET membership.

The agreement, signed today by IET president, Chris Earnshaw and Microsoft managing director, Gordon Frazer, will enable Microsoft’s certified technical community to access IET membership and benefits.

Chris Earnshaw, IET president, said, "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Microsoft to provide Microsoft Certified Professionals with a range of IET services and support. Working together we can help drive professional standards across the global IT community.”

Gordon Frazer, managing director, Microsoft Ltd and vice president Microsoft EMEA, said, “There are more than 70,000 Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) in the UK. They are vital to the success of the UK’s knowledge-based economy, especially for those organisations seeking to use IT to save money in these difficult economic times. This partnership will enable the MCP community to access the resources of the IET to help them further their careers and enhance their skills.”

Of particular interest to Microsoft certified professionals will be the new ICTTech qualification, launched in January, and currently only awarded by the IET. ICTTech is a competence-based professional qualification for IT and communications technicians, which assesses not only technical skill levels, but also those interpersonal and professional skills that are important in career development within organisations.

The IET and Microsoft certification programme provides easy access to additional information, training and qualifications which are invaluable for continuing professional development and career progression.