Hello everyone! My name's Eric, and I'm a new MCT, and here's my story.
Feb. 3, 2010 - I attend a Trainer Skills for Microsoft Dynamics course offered by Microsoft (virtual). I attended the class and satisfied the pre-requisites to apply for my MCT. Anxious to go forth and do great things, I apply for my MCT. Verified with the MCT team that I would not have to pay again in March, and I happily pay my $400, and continue on. A few days later ...I found out that I would have to pay again in March, and that they could refund my MCT application fee, cancel my application, re-apply using a voucher, and things would be swell. However, after the long process of getting a refund, my application submitted and approved something broke (~Feb 10-20th)! My new application was approved, but for some reason it was not showing up on my transcript. I've since then learned that if it does not show up on your transcript ...then you're denied access to MCT*. Jump forward a week or so later and now it's nearly March! I get an e-mail saying that the MCT 2010 application period is open. But wait... I have not been setup with anything for 2009! I call and ask if they can just submit my registration for 2010 and forget about 2009 ...because at this rate, I'd be looking at 2011 enrollment before the issue was resolved. They obliged and my application was submitted. E-mail a day or two later... huzzah! Now begins the quest for access.
1) E-mail the MBS team to request access to PartnerSource (since I'm certified in Dynamics CRM and meet the MCT: Dynamics pre-requisites). You're of course unable to reach these guys via phone ...just e-mail. Doh! +1-2 day wait. Access granted... great!
2) Access to the MCT site! +1-2 days, not too bad... automated e-mail recieved. Getting setup was a piece of cake!
3) Access to the Courseware Library. Well, they do not see me as a valid MCT, so that's why my access is denied. I check my transcript again... and it says I'm good to go. Since I'm also unable to talk to this team, I e-mail/call the RSC / MCT hotline and ask for some help. +1-2 days and finally the MCT team is able to get in touch with the CW Library team, and access is granted!
4) MyLearningRewards. You are not Authorized. After a few e-mail exchanges back-and-forth which include my MCP id, I was told that they recieve information from Prometric on a weekly basis and check at the end of the week to see if I'm able to access the site, and it could take 10-15 days for Prometric to send the information over to them. The end of the week comes, and I'm still getting the same error. Now I'm confused. I apply for my MCT... through Microsoft. Attend a pre-requisite course, also through Microsoft. Now I'm being told that Prometric is involved. E-mail traffic started on the 9th. It's the 15th :(. Originally e-mail traffic started back in Feb., when I was having issues with the MCT 2009.
My question to Microsoft and the MCT community is: does the MCT process have to be this difficult? As a new MCT this is very disheartening. Maybe it's just me and my situation is unique... but it certinally has become a hassle. Is there a MCT Mentor program ...or are reminders sent in the MCT Flash on where to access MCT resources that may be of interest? So far... I've either posted on twitter for help or figured it out through a lot of trial and error!
Thanks!
Eric
After struggling to get my MCT with similar issues and going back and forth with the MRESC, now I am still trying to get my Technet subscription. The Microsoft Regional Education Service Centre in Australia gave me a number to ring and said choose option 3. So I rang the number and I get option 1 and 2. No option 3. Hidden menu? Nope!
So I completely empathise with you!
Farhan Sattar
After the e-mail containing details of your MCT welcome kit have arrived, it took 5 days before I recieved my Technet subscription.
My 2010 MCT welcome kit shipped on March 13. All I am getting from MRESC is to call different numbers in Australia and go thru IVR options that don't exisit rather than them simply sorting it out.
Update: Email back from MRESC...we spoken to subscriptions and here is another number for them to call in Aus...seriously if you have spoken to them just tell them to sort it out!
So the new number they gave me again told me to press option 3. guess what? no option 3. press 3 and it just loops back round asking me to press option 1 or 2. Wonderful #fail
Hi Eric, Farhan,
Mileage varies it seems... The MCT Program, and in particular the benefits, consist of many components. OVer the years we have added resources and benefits; some were designed for MCT and others live on existing systems that we simply tap into. The TechNet benefit is a good example, we offer that at no cost to all MCTs around the world, behind the scenes that benefit is delivered by 7 different sub regions where TechNet is sold. We update all regions once a week and any new MCT should receive his/her subscription within a few days after joining. Similar procedures were put in place for other resources and benefits.
So far for the explanation, that does not mean your experience as a new MCT should be as per above.
Farhan, if you would send me your full name, email address and if you could include your MC ID, I will escalate this to support and we will send you full details on your TechNet subscription. Also please tell me what else you currently are waiting for.
Eric, could you let me know if you are OK now or if you would like me to contact support and help you on any of the resources/benefits? Please email me at tjeerdv@microsoft.com
thanks! It is worth the effort, we'll get you both full access to the full range of MCT resources asap!
Since posting this ...about 3 days later, the remaining pieces that I was missing were completed! Thanks for following up.
Hi Erwin and Tjeerd,
Technet is sorted. I will confirm about the other benefits are working as soon as I can. Or if there is anything outstanding
a Big thanks guys!
I got into the private MCT forums the other night...but anyway the point of this post is GO BLUE TEAM :)