Forum Discussion

kopbeen's avatar
kopbeen
Copper Contributor
Jan 19, 2026

MVP membership

Good day, 

I would like to become a MVP - but I remember in the past you need to be sponsored and be active in the technical Microsoft forums ? I've got a MCSE. MSCD, MCDBA and MCT certifications under my belt. But not sure what the next step is ? I also my internship in the UK with the SRG team in Reading.... (and met the developer who designed and codes the old 'robocopy' console app :)

Thanks and regards,

Pieter Claassens

3 Replies

  • Lucaraheller's avatar
    Lucaraheller
    MCT
    May 10, 2026

    Your background already shows a strong technical foundation, and having certifications like MCSE, MCSD, MCDBA, and MCT is definitely valuable. But today, the MVP program is much more focused on community contribution and long-term impact than on certifications alone.

    The good news is that there is no single required path anymore.

    You do not necessarily need to:

    • work directly with Microsoft,
    • be active only in Microsoft forums,
    • or follow one predefined process.

    What usually matters most today is:

    • consistent community engagement,
    • technical content creation,
    • helping others,
    • speaking at events,
    • blogging,
    • YouTube/tutorials,
    • GitHub/community projects,
    • user groups,
    • LinkedIn technical posts,
    • answering technical questions,
    • and building a visible positive impact in the ecosystem.

    Networking also helps a lot. Existing MVPs can nominate candidates, but the nomination alone is not enough without consistent contributions over time.

    One important thing:
    People who become MVPs usually focus first on helping the community, not on chasing the award itself. The recognition tends to come naturally after sustained contribution.

    And honestly, your story about the SRG internship and meeting the Robocopy developer is already the kind of experience the technical community loves hearing about.

  • rexdekoning's avatar
    rexdekoning
    MVP
    Mar 12, 2026

    Hi Kopbeen just came around this question and next week we have a webinar which might help you in this: 

    https://aka.ms/MVPessentials3.17/in

    BR, 

     

    Rex de Koning 

  • thewatchernode1's avatar
    thewatchernode1
    MCT
    Feb 20, 2026

    There is no 1 true path to becoming a recognized Microsoft MVP, If you want to be an MVP you are doing it wrong. 

    You need to look at what you can contribute to the Microsoft Community whether thats blogging, vblogging, public speaking, running a UG etc.. but most importantly networking at events is key. As fellow MVPs can nominate you for MVP Award but you need to contributing regularly to the community. I hope this helps. 

    Ex-MVP