Microsoft (MSFT) says it will provide upgraded training for those who hold an earlier Microsoft Certificate, free of charge.

This new policy will benefit about 100,000 IT professionals in China, according to a rough statistic. From May 30 to August 31, Microsoft will offer free training and upgrading support for those who hold MCSA: Windows Server 2000, MCSE-Windows Server 2000, and MCDBA-SQL Server 2000 certificates in China. The training will be conducted through Microsoft's CPLS across the country. All eligible candidates can log in Microsoft's website to register for the training before June 30.

Fifteen years ago, Microsoft launched the MCP certification program and until now about 3 million people across the world have gone through the certification process. With the constant upgrading of its software products, Microsoft gradually worked out a new generation certification system in the middle of 2006. The new generation of certification consists of three categories of four certificates of MCTS, MCITP and MCPD and MCA.

Lin Bo, general manager of Microsoft Greater China Region Education, Training and Certification Department, told local media that Microsoft hopes to help IT professionals to advance their technical skills as soon as possible so as to suit the fast growing market demand through the free training.