Certification News

Microsoft Introduces Master Certification Level

A new master certification level from Microsoft inserts a stepping stone between the Microsoft Certified Professional level of certification (MCITP and MCPD) and the very selective Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA). In fact, the new Master level certification is now a prerequisite for the MCA. The master certifications, which cover various Microsoft Server products, 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), tack on a 3 week mandatory training requirement, and top off with a qualification lab exam. Interestingly, another stated prerequisite is that candidates must speak, understand, and write in fluent English, a stipulation we have not come across before.

Registration for this program is scheduled to begin in July 2008. Currently listed tracks include Exchange Server 2007, SQL Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008. Microsoft Office Communications Server and SharePoint Server tracks are in the works.