Important Changes for Microsoft Action Pack Subscription Members!
Learn about the next phase of the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription. A new training and assessment requirement takes effect November 30 for new and renewing subscribers. Understand the changes and discover how you can get a head start on meeting the requirements. Also available soon: new special-edition toolkits, tailored to Web solutions providers and Small Business Specialists. Learn how these kits can help you add value to your services.
Important changes are being made to the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS), including an upcoming assessment requirement and the ability to receive free Special Edition kits. Review the details below.
Upcoming Assessment Requirement
A new online-training and assessment requirement will go into effect November 30, 2007. New and renewing subscribers will be required to take any Microsoft E-Learning course and then pass its associated assessment with a minimum score of 70 percent. To continue receiving your Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, you will be required to pass an assessment every two years.
You can get a head start by taking one of more than 600 free courses in the Partner Learning Center with associated assessments. To help you find relevant courses quickly, use this saved search tool
. You must be a Partner Program member to access the Partner Learning Center. Not a Registered Member? Enroll today.
To ensure proper credit for your completed assessment:
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Use the same Windows Live ID when you sign in to the Partner Learning Center that you use to sign in to the Microsoft Partner Program Portal.
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Select and complete a course, submit your assessment, and exit the course.
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Print the completion certificate at the end of the assessment and save it for your records.
If you have additional questions about the assessment requirement, visit the MAPS Managed Newsgroup.
New Special Edition Toolkits
Microsoft offers three Special Edition toolkits, specifically tailored for Microsoft Small Business Specialists, Web solutions providers, and public accountants. Additional requirements must be met to receive these toolkits.
Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community
The Small Business Specialist Community Special Edition kit is designed exclusively for active, enrolled Microsoft Small Business Specialists who serve small-business customers. This kit is delivered up to twice a year and includes additional internal-use software benefits, training opportunities, and special offers to give you a competitive edge in selling your services based on Microsoft technologies.
If you are already a Small Business Specialist, you will receive an email notifying you that you can order your free toolkit. Read the latest toolkit information. Or, find out how to become a Small Business Specialist.
Web Solutions Providers
To help you take advantage of growth in the Web-based commerce market, we’ve created a Special Edition kit for Web designers and developers—or anyone who’s building a Web solutions business. This kit, delivered twice a year, contains tools and products, technology resources, business resource papers, and special offers to support your business objectives.
To receive the free Web Solutions Special Edition kit, you must pass one of the three, free Web Solutions online courses and be an active Microsoft Action Pack subscriber. If you meet these requirements, you will receive an email notifying you that you can order your toolkit.
Note: If you pass one of the Web Solutions assessments, this also meets your assessment requirement to receive the full Microsoft Action Pack Subscription.