Becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer: Mentorship, Certification, and the Realities of Teaching Tech

Key takeaways

Becoming an MCT requires a combination of advanced certifications, instructional skills training, and a passion for teaching.
Live instruction provides unique opportunities for interaction and tailored learning experiences that recorded courses can’t match.
Mentorship is vital in training, allowing experienced trainers to guide newcomers through the intricacies of the certification process.
Continuous learning and keeping up with technology trends is essential for trainers to remain relevant and effective.
Challenges such as class cancellations and maintaining energy levels are common in training, yet these experiences contribute to personal growth and the enriching of the training environment.

Summary

Pathway to Becoming an MCT

Dwayne Natwick explains the foundational steps required to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). This includes completing training from an approved provider and obtaining advanced certifications such as Azure or AI certifications. He emphasizes the significance of having strong instructional skills, which become essential when connecting with students during training sessions. Dwayne also notes that the annual fee for MCT certification is set to return in July 2027, which will be $400, significantly less than the previous fee.

The Importance of Live Instruction

In the podcast, Dwayne and the hosts discuss how live training can be far more impactful than recorded courses. Dwayne asserts that engaging with students in real-time allows for valuable interaction and a richer learning experience, enabling participants to learn from each other and address their unique challenges. This spontaneity and adaptability in teaching can’t be effectively replicated in pre-recorded formats.

Curriculum Development and Mentoring

Dwayne recounts his experience creating a curriculum for the instructional skills certificate program and how it differs from traditional certification coursework. He highlights the need for trainers not only to impart knowledge but also to mentor aspiring trainers in developing their own skills. The discussion includes the importance of tailoring instruction to individual needs and ensuring an enriching learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions.

Staying Relevant in Tech Education

The conversation shifts to the challenge of keeping pace with advancements in technology and the evolving landscape of IT training. Dwayne discusses how his involvement in training, certifications, and the latest tech developments helps him remain relevant. He also emphasizes the necessity of continual learning and adapting to trends like AI in education to effectively equip his students.

Navigating Challenges as a Trainer

Dwayne and the hosts reflect on the unpredictable elements of running training courses, such as last-minute cancellations or dealing with logistical issues. The psychological toll of being constantly 'on' during sessions is acknowledged, along with the pressure to maintain high standards while ensuring students receive valuable knowledge. They also touch on how real-life experiences enrich training and how trainers grow alongside their students.

Show notes

In this episode of Engineer in the Loop, Alec and Brian sit down with Dwayne Natwick—renowned Microsoft Certified Trainer, security expert, and mentor to countless professionals navigating the certification landscape. Dwayne demystifies the path to becoming an MCT, from the instructional skills training and role-based certifications you’ll need, to the hidden benefits (and the upcoming return of the annual fee).

The conversation goes deeper than the requirements: Dwayne shares what it’s really like to build and deliver your own train-the-trainer curriculum, why live instruction trumps recorded video courses, and how teaching can both exhaust and inspire. Along the way, you’ll hear war stories about canceled classes, the challenge of staying relevant, and how AI might (or might not) change how we learn.

If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming a certified trainer is worth it—or you just want to hear how top instructors keep up with nonstop new technologies—this is the episode for you.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about becoming an MCT: Microsoft Learn - Become a Microsoft Certified Trainer
Connect with Dwayne on LinkedIn: Dwayne Natwick on LinkedIn
Nebraska.Code() 2025 Conference: Nebraska.Code() Website