Q1: What is the Microsoft MVP Award?

A1: The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award is an annual award that is given to outstanding members of Microsoft's technical communities, and that is based on contributions made during the previous year to offline and online technical communities.

Q2: Why does the MVP Award exist?

A2: We believe that technical communities foster the free and objective exchange of knowledge, thereby creating a reliable source of independent, real world expertise that benefits everyone. The Microsoft MVP Award recognizes exceptional technical community leaders worldwide who actively share their expertise with technical communities.

Q3: How does Microsoft select its MVPs?

A3: Over 100 million people participate in technical communities but there are only about 3,500 MVPs worldwide. Outstanding technical community members are nominated by their peers, Microsoft employees, and MVPs. Each year a panel of Microsoft employees reviews the contributions of each nominee for quality, quantity, and level of impact on the technical community. Today's MVPs reflect Microsoft's global customer base and the breadth of its technologies.

Q4: Are there Microsoft MVPs experts in all Microsoft technologies and products?

A4: No. Although many MVPs have in-depth knowledge of more than one product or technology, none of them are experts in all Microsoft technologies or products.

Q5: Do MVPs represent Microsoft?

A5: No. MVPs are not Microsoft employees, nor do they speak on Microsoft's behalf. MVPs are third-party individuals who have received an award from Microsoft that recognizes their exceptional achievements in technical communities.

Q6: Do Microsoft MVPs receive any payment from Microsoft?

A6: No. The MVP Award Program does provide a small award of software and other benefits as part of its core program offering, but MVPs do not receive any monetary payment from Microsoft.

Q7: How long does the Microsoft MVP Award last?

A7: The MVP Award lasts for the duration of one year. During this time, MVP Award recipients are free to refer to themselves as Microsoft MVPs and to enjoy all of the privileges that are included with the award.

Q8: What does Microsoft expect of its MVPs?

A8: Because MVP status is awarded based on past contributions, Microsoft has no expectations of MVPs beyond the expectations of courtesy, professionalism, code of conduct, and adherence to the community rules that we ask of all Microsoft community members. These rules can be found on the Microsoft Communities Rules of Conduct page.

Q9: How can I become a Microsoft MVP?

A9: Individuals are nominated for the MVP Award by their peers or by Microsoft, based on their contributions during the previous year to offline or online technical communities. Each nominee's contributions are then compared to the other candidates' contributions for the same year to determine who will receive the award.

Nominees are chosen from traditional and emerging community venues, including public news groups, forums, third-party Web sites, user groups, book authors, event speakers, Web boards, blogs, and wikis. Current MVPs reside in over 90 countries, write in 30 languages, and share their expertise in over 90 Microsoft technologies.

Q10: Are there any requirements to be awarded as a Microsoft MVP?

A10: Yes, all Microsoft MVPs must be 18 years or older.

Q11: Why must Microsoft MVPs be 18 years or older?

A11: Microsoft is committed to the safety and privacy of minors. Minors are defined as anyone who is not 18 years or older. To help ensure their safety, the MVP program has implemented a policy that all Microsoft MVPs awardees awarded as of April 2006 must affirm that they are 18 years or older.

Q12: How do I get the contact information for Microsoft MVPs?

A12: While you can find a list of all current MVPs on our awardees page, we do not list MVP contact information for privacy and security reasons.

Q13: How do I contact the MVP program team?

A13: MVPGA@microsoft.com is the universal contact for the MVP Award Program team.

For more information

MVP Award Program Overview

Letter from MVP Award Program

MVP Award Program Leadership