“…Microsoft and Pearson Vue is lending some financial support to certification candidates in indirect ways. One is a “second-shot” program, which gives exam candidates a second, free opportunity to try to pass an exam (CertCities.com has more about the free retake promotion at http://certcities.com/editorial/news/story.asp?EditorialsID=674). The companies are also providing discounts of up to 25 percent on exam fees through its MCT Rewards program. This, according to Randy Trask, vice president of market development for Pearson VUE.

From September 1 to December 31, exam candidates who take instructor-led training from an MCT [Microsoft Certified Trainer] can obtain a discount code from the trainer. The candidate then enters that code while registering for an exam at a Pearson Vue testing center to obtain the 25 percent discount immediately. I can’t find any more info on the discount program. It appears from the above story that, if your MCT instructor has enrolled in the MCT Rewards program here, then they will give you a code good for a discount when you take your certification exam. I do not know if this program is available outside of the United States.