The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) certification on Microsoft SQL Server helps provide the most experienced and talented IT professionals with worldwide validation and recognition of their in-depth technical expertise in using SQL Server.
Due to the growing worldwide demand to participate in the MCM program for SQL Server 2008, we have made program changes to ensure that more SQL Server experts who want to validate their in-depth technical skills can do so.
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1. Recommended minimum skills and experience
The recommended candidate for an MCM: SQL Server 2008 typically has five or more years of hands-on experience in planning complex, mission-critical SQL Server environments. Competencies include designing and implementing high-performance, scalable, secure enterprise environments and troubleshooting the most challenging SQL Server issues.
A candidate should have experience managing multiple instances of SQL Server, including the use of a variety of features and tasks, and have a thorough understanding of SQL Server design and architecture. Individuals pursuing the MCM on SQL Server certification may include senior-level consultants, support engineers, technology architects, senior database engineers, or administrators working independently or for various types of organizations.
The recommended candidate should have a thorough understanding of SQL Server core engine components and dependencies, such as online transaction processing, high availability, disaster recovery, performance-tuning and optimization, SQL Server operating system (SQLOS) internals, storage engine, relational engine, security, manageability, and data distribution technologies.
2. Prerequisite certifications
Candidates must hold the following two prerequisite Microsoft Certifications in order to be awarded an MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008:
3. Requirements for achieving an MCM certification
To obtain an MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 certification, a candidate must comply with the Microsoft Certification requirements and pass the following two MCM exams:
The Knowledge Exam has a multiple-choice format. The Lab Exam is a hands-on lab. A candidate must pass the Knowledge Exam before the Lab Exam.
Note The time allotted for the Lab Exam is six hours. This includes time for introductory pre-exam steps, scheduled breaks, and any delays experienced during the exam that may occur as a result of using virtual machines.
4. Exam security: biometric-enabled check in
As of July 1, 2011, Prometric has implemented biometric-enabled check-in. This applies to Prometric testing centers offering MCM exams, in those countries in which biometric-enabled check-in is permitted. This simple and quick procedure captures a fingertip pattern template from exam candidates and is designed to protect the security and integrity of the exam testing process, and the privacy of the exam candidate.
5. Exam topics
For candidates to prepare for the Knowledge Exam and Lab Exam, it is recommended that they have hands-on experience and knowledge in the skill areas detailed in this section. Some skills will be tested in the Knowledge Exam and others in the Lab Exam.
Note Microsoft reserves the right to determine which objectives are tested in which exam. Microsoft also reserves the right to periodically modify the requirements and content of the Knowledge Exam and Lab Exam in order to preserve the integrity of the certification program.
5.1 Recoverability and integrity
The candidate should have a thorough knowledge of SQL Server recoverability and data integrity concepts and should be able to design, implement, and troubleshoot specific scenarios. The candidate should also be able to determine an appropriate data recovery solution that minimizes disruption and data loss.
5.2 Manageability
The candidate should have experience with deployment and enforcement of policies and configurations. The candidate should also have experience designing, deploying, and troubleshooting maintenance strategies, monitoring solutions, build-out standards, data retention processes, and consolidation strategies based on application and business requirements.
5.3 Security
The candidate should be able to derive security requirements based on organizational compliance needs and requirements. The candidate should also be able to articulate and apply SQL Server security best practices, identify vulnerability scenarios, and remediate security issues.
5.4 Performance
The candidate should be able to identify performance issues and determine the appropriate solution. The candidate should also be able to distinguish root-cause issues from lower priority side effects, and evaluate diagnostic output in order to assess the health of an environment. The candidate should be familiar with capacity planning, baselining, and benchmarking techniques. The candidate should have an in-depth understanding of performance tuning and troubleshooting techniques and their effect on system resources.
5.5 Availability
The candidate should be capable of designing and implementing an availability strategy based on business and application requirements. The candidate should also be able to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve availability issues.
5.6 Developer support
The candidate should be capable of recommending appropriate schema design, query tuning, and query technology methods based on application and business requirements. The candidate should also be familiar with the various SQL Server data movement and distribution methods and be able to apply them appropriately based on application requirements.
5.7 Scalability
The candidate should be capable of defining a scalability strategy and applying appropriate technologies and features based on business or application requirements. The candidate should also understand the implications of interoperability between features and be able to identify and resolve scalability implementation issues.
6. Language availability
At this time, Knowledge Exams and Lab Exams are only available in English.
7. Knowledge Exam and Lab Exam scheduling
Candidates schedule and register for exams via the Prometric website.
7.1 Remote Delivery Options for the Lab Exam
Looking for options for taking the SQL Server Certified Master lab exam? For a limited time, Microsoft Learning will be offering remote delivery of the SQL Server Certified Master lab exam for a reduced price of US$2,000 (normally US$2,500). Remote delivery allows you to take the exam from a quiet location of your choosing and saves you the cost of travelling to a distant testing center. Remote delivery requires a working webcam, the full Microsoft Lync client, and a reliable internet connection.
Some restrictions apply. For details or to schedule remote delivery of the SQL MCM lab exam, contact mcmsqlexam@microsoft.com.
8. Score waiting period
To ensure exam integrity and security, Microsoft will not immediately reveal Knowledge Exam and Lab Exam scores.
8.1 Waiting period for Knowledge Exam results
The waiting period to receive the Knowledge Exam score (pass/fail) from the test provider is up to 30 business days (approximately six weeks). Candidates who pass the Knowledge Exam must wait 14 days after receiving the passing score before scheduling the Lab Exam.
8.2 Waiting period for Lab Exam results
The waiting period to receive the Lab Exam score (pass/fail) from the test provider is up to 30 business days (approximately six weeks).
9. Retake attempts
There is no limit on the number of exam retakes that candidates can attempt if they do not pass an exam. However, they must pay the associated exam fee for each retake exam.
10. Retake waiting period
Candidates must wait a minimum of 90 days before retaking an exam that they did not pass.
11. Exam attempts for already passed exams
Candidates cannot retake any exam that they already passed.
12. Exam agreements and policies
Candidates are solely responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use for Microsoft Certification exams (Exam Agreement), Microsoft exam policies and procedures, and the test provider’s exam policies and procedures.
Prior to taking an exam, candidates are required to accept the Exam Agreement.
Microsoft Certification exams, including questions, answers, and diagrams, are confidential and proprietary to Microsoft and are protected by intellectual property laws.
Any candidate who violates the Exam Agreement or engages in any misconduct will be prohibited from taking any Microsoft Certification exams, and Microsoft may revoke their existing Microsoft Certifications.
13. Upgrade process for an existing MCM on SQL Server
As a benefit to people who already hold an MCM on Microsoft SQL Server, there are reduced requirements to achieve consecutive versions of the certification. The process is as follows:
An existing MCM on SQL Server may follow the upgrade path to the consecutive software version.
For example, a candidate can upgrade from an MCM on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 certification to an MCM on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 certification, and can also upgrade from an MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 to the next major version of Microsoft SQL Server.
To upgrade to the consecutive version of Microsoft SQL Server, the candidate is permitted by Microsoft to bypass the Lab Exam requirement and only pass the Knowledge Exam for the consecutive version of Microsoft SQL Server:
If the candidate passes the Knowledge Exam, the associated MCM: SQL Server certification will be granted to the candidate and added to their transcript.
If the candidate does not pass the Knowledge Exam, he or she will be permitted to attempt an exam retake after a 90-day waiting period.
An existing MCM on SQL Server must pass both the Knowledge Exam and Lab Exam if he or she wants to skip from an MCM on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 to a SQL Server version later than 2008.
14. Certification and exam retirement
An MCM on Microsoft SQL Server certification will retire when Microsoft ends mainstream support for the particular software version. Exam retirement will be announced one year in advance.
15. Pricing
Pricing for the MCM: Microsoft SQL Server exams is as follows:
Exam | Price per attempt |
|---|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master: Knowledge Exam | US$500 |
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master: Lab Exam | US$2,000 |
16. Test locations
Knowledge Exams and Lab Exams are only available at select, highly secure global test centers. Some test centers might only deliver Knowledge Exams, not Lab Exams. Test centers and the exams they deliver are subject to change. Candidates are responsible for confirming via the Prometric website as to whether their regional test centers currently deliver which exams.
Note MCM: SQL Server exams are only available in English, regardless of where the exam is taken.
17. Benefits
Achieving an MCM: Microsoft SQL Server certification provides the following benefits:
Use of the associated MCM: Microsoft SQL Server logo, subject to the logo licensing terms and conditions.
After filling out a survey, the candidate will receive a custom-made plaque reflecting the Microsoft Certified Master achievement.
The candidate will be given the choice to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement and release. If the candidate chooses to sign this agreement, the candidate will receive the following access:
Inclusion on an email distribution list that the MCM: SQL Server community uses to communicate with one another and which is also the vehicle for incoming community communications.
Invitations to ongoing education sessions (typically delivered monthly), which are often delivered by program managers and developers on the Microsoft SQL Server product team.
The option to be listed on the MCM public directory and MCM blogs.
Microsoft may, at its sole discretion, revoke a candidate’s Microsoft Certified Master certification or suspend access to certain benefits if the candidate becomes employed by a company that makes competing software for which the candidate receives confidential information under the Microsoft Certified Master program. Microsoft reserves the right to modify program requirements and benefits at any time.
18. MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 readiness
Although the most effective preparation is real-world, hands-on experience, there are a number of training resources that can help prepare a candidate for the Knowledge Exam and Lab Exam. This section details some readiness resources.
Note This is not an all-inclusive list, but instead represents coverage of the overall certification topic scope.
18.1 Accelerated Exam Preparation program for Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008The SQL MCM Accelerated Exam Preparation program is designed to prepare SQL Server MCM candidates to take the Knowledge Exam and/or the Lab Exam for the SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master program. Candidates may participate in a scheduled series of live online sessions, subscribe to practice labs, or choose a bundle of both offerings.
a) SQL MCM sessions: starting March 6, 2012Take a scheduled series of seven weeks of live online sessions with a presenter, who is a SQL MCM, including a review of an exam topic and open Q&A time. Two sessions of two hours each will be delivered weekly, with each week focusing on one of the seven exam topic areas.
b) SQL MCM labsGet a two month subscription for practicing with 20 SQL MCM-level labs in a hosted SQL Server VM environment. The labs will be associated with the weekly exam topics. This is an easy to use, anytime access lab environment to practice the skills you need.
18.2 Practice labs for SQL Server MCMIf you want to access practice labs, but without the two-month commitment required by the Accelerated Exam Preparation program, the same labs are also available right now in one week or one month increments. The labs cover advanced SQL Server topics geared to helping you prepare for Master level certification. The goal of these hands-on lab materials is to give you an understanding of the features of SQL Server 2008 that a Microsoft Certified Master may use when designing and implementing solutions for business requirements.
18.3 SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) readiness videosTo help candidates with their exam preparation, Microsoft Learning has published several hours of freely accessible MCM-level instruction delivered via video. Take advantage of this valuable training experience delivered by some of the top SQL Server instructors in the world.
Note Some of the preceding links go to third-party sites. Such sites are not under the control of Microsoft, and Microsoft is not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. Microsoft is not responsible for webcasting or any other form of transmission received from any linked site. Microsoft is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of Microsoft of the site or the products contained therein.
18.5 Third-party training courses
Microsoft does not sponsor or endorse the following listed vendors or their services or products. However, these vendors may provide you with advanced-level training on SQL Server.
18.6 Third-party readiness resourcesMicrosoft does not sponsor or endorse the following listed sites or their services or products. However, these resources may be able to provide you with advanced-level preparation.
18.7 White papers and online references The following are recommended Microsoft white papers and online references that you can use to help prepare for the MCM: SQL Server 2008 certification.
18.8 Blogs
There are Microsoft SQL Server team blogs as well as third-party blogs that will provide you with real-life experiences and industry perspectives. For a comprehensive list of recommended blogs, visit the MSDN SQL Server blog page.
19. SSAS Maestro program
The new SSAS Maestro program is a three-day, deep-dive course on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services. It gives architects and consultants the education and hands-on experience needed to deliver highest scalable Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) solutions. The training is prepared and presented by top industry experts and the SQL Server Analysis Server team, in coordination with the SQL Customer Advisory Team (SQLCAT). Today, there is increasing need for people with the expertise to architect, deliver, and maintain mission critical OLAP deployments, and the primary objective of this course is to equip attendees with the latest SSAS best practices and case studies.
