Clarke Moyer Microsoft MCP Certification Passing Guide
🎓 Early Career Context
Clarke obtained the MCP in 2009 during the same period he completed his BS-IT at Western Governors University. WGU's program helped build the foundational Microsoft Windows knowledge that led to this credential. Clarke obtained the MCP specifically as a prerequisite for his hire into SAIC and DCGS — it was a career requirement, not just an academic one.
The Story
C:\CERTIFICATIONS> dir MCP.exe
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Certification ID: A2100-0009
Exam: Windows XP Professional
Obtained: 2009
Status: RETIRED
Required for: SAIC / DCGS hire
C:\CERTIFICATIONS> _
I earned it, it served its purpose, and then Microsoft eventually retired the entire track when they shifted to the role-based cloud certification model. No complaints — the new track is genuinely better and more useful.
⚠️ Retired Certification
The MCP certification track has been retired by Microsoft. Microsoft no longer offers the MCP credential. Clarke holds this as a legacy certification. There is nothing to study for — you cannot take this exam anymore.
For current Microsoft certifications, see the recommendations below.
What I Recommend Instead
Microsoft’s current certification track is genuinely excellent — role-based, cloud-focused, and actually relevant to what enterprises and DoD environments are running today. I’ve completed all of these and recommend them.
- →AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals — Start here. The entry point for all Azure certifications. Covers cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and governance.
- →AI-900 Azure AI Fundamentals — Essential for anyone advising on AI policy or procurement in enterprise or DoD environments.
- →MS-900 Microsoft 365 Fundamentals — Covers productivity, collaboration, security, and compliance across the Microsoft 365 platform.
- →SC-900 Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals — Entry point to the Microsoft security track. Especially useful alongside CISSP for mapping concepts to Azure.
- →SC Series — Cloud & AI Security Engineer Track — Clarke’s overview of the full SC security track, from SC-900 through SC-100, and how each maps to DoD and enterprise security roles.
📅 Related training: Professional Development Events
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