All About Microsoft Certification - No Silverlight Plug-in Required
By Anne Martinez
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Microsoft Certified Master is the newest Microsoft certification level, having recently been added as a stepping stone between the MCITP level designations and the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) title. In fact, Master certification is expected to become a prequisite that must be earned before progressing to the MCA.
Master level certification is available on various Microsoft server products including Exchange Server, SQL Server, and Windows Server, with a few more in the works. As with the other cerification levels, the Master level offers a selection of tracks. All of them are quite rigorous. Candidates start with an experience requirement of a minimum of 5 years and a prerequisite list of Microsoft exams (number and selection depends on track chosen), that must be passed. Next, there is a 3-week hands-on mandatory training requirement, and that is topped off with a qualification lab exam.
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the highest level of Microsoft certification and by far the most rigorous and costly. You'll need a ton of experience just to consider it, and it will set you back at least $10,000 just in program fees, half of which is due up front. The skills assessed include soft skills such as leadership, communication, and organizational strategies as well as technology expertise, which is billed as vendor neutral. There are infrastructure and solutions tracks, as well as a separate MCA Technology program.
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Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the highest level of Microsoft certification and by far the most rigorous and costly.
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For the infrastructure or solutions tracks, first you'll have to submit an extensive dossier documenting your work history, an architectural solution case study, and descriptions of instances in which you have demonstrated each of the required competencies. Then you'll have to undergo an extensive, two hour review by a panel of four experts including two who are current MCAs. During the review, you will present and defend your solution and make a case for why you are really, truly an architecture expert.
The MCA Technology program is open only to Microsoft partners and employees and operates a bit differently. It is even more expensive, requiring you to attend four weeks of training, pass a qualification lab, and then face the review board, as well as meet experience requirements.
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) is the certification that must be earned before you can teach an official Microsoft course using the official curriculum. It has been around for many years. There are four steps to becoming an MCT. The first is of course that you hold a current Microsoft certification from a fairly broad list that includes various MCSA, MCSE, MCITP, MCTS, MCDBA, and other certifications. Second, you must prove trainer expertise by either a) holding CompTIA CTT+ certification or a trainer credential from Cisco, Citrix, Oracle, or Novell, b) attend and pass an approved presentation skills course, or c) prove that you are an instructor at an accredited academic institution. Third, you must sign up for a "Metrics that Matter" account which enforces ongoing MCT requirements such as performance standards. You will need the account number for the next step. The final requirement is that you must complete Microsoft MCT application and pay the $400 program fee (US). An MCT certification must be renewed annually.
Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC) is for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) who are also serve as consultants who design, develop, and implement customized Microsoft learning solutions. To step up from MCT to MCLC, you will need to submit a case study of a project you completed within the last two years that proves your skills as a learning consultant and submit a letter from the customer profiled in your case study. You will have to submit a new case study and a new letter every two years.
