Microsoft Certifications Exams, prices gone up

The Software giant Microsoft has decided to increase the price of its certification programs for partners worldwide.

The company said that the price hike will be effective from July 1 2011 for countries that fall under the certification program but in India, the price hike will be in-effect from August 1 2011.

Microsoft said that it understands that the price hike comes at trying financial times but added that the discounts for the certification programs will be significant.

"Microsoft is dedicated to helping students become more employable for entry jobs in the IT industry. IT Academy members, high school, college, or university students enrolled in a degree or diploma program will continue to receive a discount off the retail price of select Microsoft Certification exams," the company said.

The planned price hikes won't have an effect on Microsoft Certified Master (MCM), Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams.

Microsoft has failed to give a reason behind the price rise but it indicates that the company wants to build-on the rising demand for certification in its software offerings and other services.