Microsoft Certified Master Certification just announced

Christian — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:05:00 GMT

Microsoft have just announced at TechEd 2008 a new tier certification called Microsoft Certified Master!

The Master certification came about because of the huge gap between the IT Pro certifications and the Microsoft Certified Architect programs so they decided to separate the training and exams from the review board on the product MCA courses and develop it into the Master certification. The Master certification is now a pre-requisite for the product based MCA’s (currently Database,Messaging, Directory Services) but the best news for most people is that anyone can apply; you don't need to be from Microsoft or a Partner. A rough estimation of the target numbers for the certification’s are (this isn’t official info):

MCP - 1,000,000’s
ITPro - 100,000’s
Master NEW! - 1,000’s
Architect - 100’s

All current MCA: Database and MCA: Messaging title holders will automatically receive the new certification (effectively, they’ve already done it). This is great news for engineers (particularly Microsoft PFE’s!) not interested in the consulting aspects required for MCA and provides better recognition than MCA: Database “Apprentice” as this level was previously known. For those of you who’ve looked into the MCA: Database/Messaging requirements already (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/architect) here is a breakdown (subject to variation):-

Microsoft Certified Master

3 weeks of mandatory training

One 2-week block, one 1-week block (can choose to consume all together or not)

Core technical content / sessions
‘Written’ exams
Qualification Lab Test

Microsoft Certified Architect (Technology Programs)

Messaging, Database, Directory
Pre-requisite = Certified Master (does not apply to Infrastructure and Solutions tracks)

All the training will be at Microsoft HQ in Redmond, Washington for the next year but following that they will be starting WORLDWIDE deliveries!

What will it cost?

Pricing

Package: $18,500

3 weeks of training
3 written tests
1 Qualification Lab

Retakes

Written tests: $250 each
Lab Test: $1,500

Believe me, its a bargain.

Here is the "marketing" info from the attached flyer:
What is It?

The Microsoft® Certified Master Program takes the best in the IT industry and makes them even better. Whether you want to enhance and validate your advanced skills or take your career to the next level, achieving a Master Certification will help differentiate you from others in the competitive ranks of senior IT Professionals.

High Bar to Entry

Qualified program applicants are highly skilled technical experts within their respective disciplines and have several years of experience in designing, deploying, and managing solutions using Microsoft technology. Specific requirements vary by platform.

Exclusive Advanced Training from the top Experts
The Microsoft® Certified Master Program goes beyond any product training offered outside Microsoft today. Taught by instructors who are practiced experts within their fields of discipline, the Microsoft® Certified Master Program employs hands-on labs and testing to help ensure each student gains maximum value and insight from the course.

Instructors use their numerous years of experience to create 300- and 400-level classroom training and lab scenarios that provide a "learn-by-doing" training environment for students.

Product Certification from Microsoft

Certified graduates of the program earn recognition for their high level of product expertise and gain the finely tuned skills required to effectively design, implement, and optimize complex customer solutions.

Learn More

Find out how you can advance your career in technology as a Microsoft® Certified Master by visiting www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/master

Regards,

Christian Bolton - MCA: Database, MCM: SQL Server 2008
Database Architect
http://coeo.com - The SQL Server Experts

Christian Bolton's SQL Server Blog : Microsoft Certified Master

Microsoft Certified Master Certification just announced