Being a Microsoft Gold-certified Partner means a company works closely with Microsoft and has agreed to follow the ambitious standards laid out in its partnership program. Gold certification is a stamp of approval from Microsoft recognizing that company for furthering its own innovative approach.
Why Become a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner?
Many privileges and perks are associated with becoming a Gold-Certified Partner, including 100 licenses for each MS product the firm uses, exclusive tools, continuing education modules at reduced or no cost, plus all the news, updates and technical support the company needs to make it a successful partner.
Non-partner companies simply do not get this level of access and customized service. The greatest advantage is the ability to pass on MS-branded products and services to clients.
Partnership levels are divided into Gold and Silver. In the past, other levels were achievable, including Registered Member and MS Certified. Now, all corporate partnerships are designated either Gold or Silver.
Both levels receive support from MS that allows them to deliver the highest quality of IT services and goods to their clients. Reaching the Gold partnership level is a sign of the company’s competence based on specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Expertise, skills and specific core competencies must be demonstrated for a company to achieve Gold-Certified status. Companies that demonstrate a wide variety of skills and competencies may be eligible to receive both Silver and Gold certifications. A strict set of criteria must be met and maintained for the partnership to continue, ensuring the company’s clients of a high level of professionalism.
What are the Microsoft Gold Certification Requirements?
More requirements must be met at Gold-certified level than at Silver-certified, although the general qualification and approval process is the same for both. MS thoroughly evaluates its potential partners for compliance with its requirements. To be considered Gold-Certified, a company must register for the MS Partner Network, qualify for membership and then meet all the eligibility requirements.
Some of these requirements include:
- Collect and submit a minimum of five client references
- Earn a minimum of 120 Partner Points
- Have at least four MS Certified Trainers (MCTs) on staff – at least two of whom have sales and marketing certification and at least one of whom has passed licensing overview assessing
- Meet certification and sales requirements
- Pay the fee
How to Become a Gold Certified Consultant?
Gold-certified partners are those companies that represent the highest levels of expertise and competency in working with MS technology. The partnership indicates that the company can provide the best service for its specific business solution offerings.
Those companies that have not already applied to become MS certified partners but are interested in offering this level of qualification to their clients are encouraged to begin the application process here. Clients understand that services backed by the technology of MS are innovative and profitable business solutions.
The first step in MS certification is joining the Partner Network. Filling out an online company profile is the beginning of this process. Then, the company can enroll and become a member of the community.
Enrollment entails signing into a MS account. For this, the company must have the proper identification and a password. This step links the company to the part of the Partner Network that most closely matches its business interests, goals and qualifications.
Partners who become certified are given a unique Partner ID. This allows the company to participate in community discussions with other members. Partners have the option of buying subscriptions that allow them to market themselves either a Small Business Specialist or an Action Pack Solution Provider – whichever is more appropriate for the company. They also have access to the cloud programs.
To retain all the privileges and benefits of being a MS Gold-Certified Partner, the company must work to ensure all its credentials and qualifications stay up-to-date. Membership must be renewed once a year within a specified 90-day window.