Offer employees formal education that includes Microsoft certification as a component

It may be that your company offers an educational benefit to its employees. If that's the case, you may be able to enroll your IT staff in academic programs that include, as part of the program, Microsoft certifications. This sort of education is more formal, but it also increases an employee's skills in ways more than just with Microsoft programs.

I recommend: Kaplan University is a regionally accredited university that offers Microsoft certification. Its program even allows your staff to earn their certification online. Western Governors University is another option for formal education that includes Microsoft certification training.

Bring your staff up to speed rapidly with Microsoft certification boot camp programs

Boot camps provide a fast track where professionals can learn what they need to know in order to pass Microsoft certification exams. This sort of Microsoft certification training tends to be intensive and full-time. Boot camps may range from a couple of days to two weeks or more.

I recommend: Vibrant Worldwide offers Microsoft Office certification boot camps, as well as Microsoft certification classes for certified Microsoft engineer training. Gates offers an MCSE boot camp specifically designed for the server and network professional.

Provide study and reference materials to your staff to help them earn Microsoft certification

From books to computer-based training to videos, there are a variety of self-study materials you can purchase that will help your staff become Microsoft certified. Whether it's something basic such as Microsoft Excel certification or whether it's one of the MS IT certifications, self-guided study is a wonderful way to bring your staff up to speed in their spare work time.

I recommend: K Alliance, formerly known as CBT planet, has been an industry leader when it comes to computer-based training. You can also find a variety of Microsoft CBT products from Self Study Store.