Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
Books
This hybrid certification is offered by:
Microsoft Corporation
Santa Clarita,
CA,
USA
Phone: 800-636-7544
Email: MCPHelp@microsoft.com
Skill Level:
Advanced
Status:
Active
Certification Summary:
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.
Initial requirements:
There are two broad tracks to choose from, infrastructure and solutions (broad architecture skills) or technology (platform based).
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.
Continuing requirements:
Microsoft requires recertification. The requirements change from time to time as the program evolves. The current requirements are communicated to active MCAs and are documented in the program guides.
Low Cost:
$25000
High Cost:
$0
Online resources:
Not Available
Offline resources:
Not Available
All certifications from Microsoft Corporation
Vendor's page for this certification
