Microsoft Certified Architect Program Certifications
(Please note that this certification is part of a series launched by Microsoft primarily for IT Professionals at the peak of their profession. Microsoft classifies these certifications as “Advanced Certifications” which shows that this is the cream of Microsoft Certifications established for senior IT Professionals who have established themselves in their respective fields. )
What is this Microsoft Certified Architect Program Certification all about?
This certification can be thought of as the pinnacle in Microsoft Certifications; the king of certifications. It allows the highest achieving IT Professionals to distinguish themselves. It tests skills such as designing and delivering enterprise solutions, technical and leadership abilities, advanced proficiency. It is in essence the ‘mark of distinction’ in Microsoft certifications.
It is also unique in that it involves an interview in front of a panel of experts and a lot of documentation – quite like when an individual works towards earning a PhD. Thus if you would like a Microsoft PhD, then this is the certification for you. But a lot of experience – and proof – is required. At the very least you have to show 10 years of experience!
What are the Pre-requisites of Microsoft Certified Master Program Certifications?
As Microsoft puts it quite clearly, “Successful candidates generally have ten or more years of IT experience, and five or more years of specific architectural experience. Microsoft Certified Master certification is a prerequisite for all MCA Technology certifications.”
Several certifications may also be required based on which of the above Microsoft products certification is being pursued.
Additionally several pre-requisites are required for each of the certifications as mentioned in the table at the end of this article. It is therefore also essential that you check the exams carefully for any pre-requisites.
Who is the Microsoft Certified Architect Program Certification for?
A number of key Microsoft Server technologies are covered and several other work relevant skills that are essential in the creation of corporate solutions.
Why should I get certified? What benefits are there?
The quote below, taken from the Microsoft website should be more than enough.
“Forty-three percent of survey respondents report salary increases as a result of Microsoft Certification.”
– Redmond magazine 2006 survey of Microsoft IT professional’s compensation
These certifications allow an IT professional to keep up with a dynamic marketplace and gain an ‘edge’ – which will at times be the only thing that will differentiate you from a number of candidates. It also provides you technical problem-solving skills and experience that is useful in real world problems one encounters in the workplace.
Additionally, and as is the case in many jobs, Microsoft technologies are being used. Having certification in Microsoft .NET framework may be a requirement or an added advantage for you if your job description involves the usage of these products. In terms of jobs, the above mentioned job roles and the individuals who would like to perform such jobs may at times be required to take this certification.
This also provides access to several online resources on the Microsoft website that are specifically for Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP’s)
How do I take the exams?
There are no exams in this certification – only interviews in front of a panel of industry experts.
Training for the certifications that occurs after the exams is at several locations. These locations change and can be verified through the Microsoft website.
How do I prepare for the exams?
There are no exams in this certification – only interviews in front of a panel of industry experts.
How am I certified?
- For MCA Technology certifications only: Earn a current Microsoft Certified Master credential.
- Register for the Microsoft Certified Architect program.
- Review the program resources
- Prepare the required program documentation.
- Submit your documentation and schedule your interview.
- Successfully complete your Review Board interview.
The above step by step procedures define how an IT professional is certified as well as how he/she applies for such certification.
This certification is divided into further certifications like many other Microsoft certifications.
Additionally, please note that this is the most difficult certification – as seen from the aforementioned table. You are required to provide proof of your experience and then have an interview with a panel of professionals.
What certifications and exams come under Microsoft Certified Master Program Certification?
The Microsoft Certified Master Program is divided further into other certifications. Thus an interested candidate has to apply for the certification he/she requires by following the step by step procedure mentioned earlier.
Here is a complete list of the various certifications. A candidate will have to choose the certification based on career paths, product type and previous knowledge.
Infrastructure certification
The MCA: Infrastructure certification is designed for IT architects whose key areas of focus include:
- Physical network
- Security
- Storage
- Network operating systems
- Application platforms
- Desktop operating systems
- Messaging
- Management
- Operations
Solutions certification
The MCA: Solutions certification is designed for IT architects whose key areas of focus include:
- Integration
- Workflow
- Applications (purchased, developed, and business)
Microsoft Technology certifications
- MCA: Microsoft Exchange Server
- MCA: Microsoft Office Communications Server
- MCA: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server
- MCA: Microsoft SQL Server
- MCA: Windows Server: Directory
Link to Official Microsoft Certified Architect Program Website
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/architect.aspx#tab1