Chris Fraser, CPA.CITP, of Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.,in Tampa has become one of the country's first Small Business Specialists. Microsoft claims the newly launched designation proves competency in marketing, selling, planning, and building solutions for small businesses. To qualify as a Small 
Business Specialist, Fraser had to pass Microsofts' Small Business Sales and Marketing Skills Assessment, Exam 74-134 -- Preinstalling Microsoft Products Using the OEM Preinstallation Kit, and Exam 70-282 Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for Small and Medium-Sized Business.
It's wonderful to see Microsoft recognize the importantance of this level of expertise. If you or your firm regularly practice in the "technology assitance" area I would encourage you to take a long look at this certification. While certainly not as rigerous as an MCSE or MCSA, and perhaps more examination based than the experience and education based CITP designation, it appears to serve a solid purpose. Now if we could just get Microsoft to formally recognize the underlying value of the CPA certificate ......
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NOTE: I serve with Chris on the AICPA's CITP Credential Committee and find his youthful exuberance to be both inspiring and thought provoking. The profession could use a few hundred thousand 30-somethings just like him!
