Apply and register
To apply and register for the Microsoft Certified Master program, follow this procedure. After each step, you will receive notification about your eligibility or acceptance into the program and your next steps.
Complete the brief application. A non-refundable US$125 application fee is required.
Upload your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Applicant credentials are reviewed by the Master program leads to determine eligibility.
Note If we are unable to determine your eligibility based on the documents you submitted, you might be contacted for a 30- to 60-minute interview.
Register: Pay in full, and choose your class dates after acceptance into the program. If accepted into the program, you receive details about the training session and a recommended reading list to help you prepare. There is a high correlation of success for those candidates who have completed the recommended pre-reading or have considerable experience with the concepts covered, compared with those who have not.
Special offers
Save on your training investment and take advantage of limited-time discounts off the price of Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) programs. Apply now, and upon acceptance:
Save US$1,000 on the Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Directory R2 program
Save US$3,550 on any other Microsoft Certified Master program of your choice
Note This offer applies to select MCM programs that are completed by June 1, 2010. No other offers may be combined with this offer.
Attend the training program
Each training session is held in Redmond, Washington. Candidates are responsible for all associated travel costs. It is highly recommended that candidates clear all engagements and commitments throughout the scheduled training due to the rigorous program schedule. During training, up to three computer-based tests will be administered, each of which covers subjects discussed in class. Candidates must successfully complete all lab exercises to obtain certification.
Additional policies:
Candidates may retake each of these tests up to two times after training is completed. There is a 45-day waiting period prior to the second attempt, and a 90-day waiting period prior to the third attempt. Retakes may be taken remotely, and only third attempts require an additional fee (see the Pricing section later on this page).
For candidates who do not finish the training or pass the tests after the three attempts, the only way to earn the Microsoft Certified Master credential is to retake the training session (after further developing their skill sets, based on program manager feedback). Candidates may retake the training at 50 percent of the original program cost, subject to seat availability.
Pass the qualification lab exam
The qualification lab test is administered on the final Saturday of the three weeks of training. Candidates who do not pass the lab exam the first time may schedule up to two subsequent attempts (to be taken remotely). Exam retakes may require an additional fee (see the Pricing section later on this page). The first retake is generally available within three months of the initial attempt. There is a six-month waiting period required prior to the second retake.
Note If you have a disability that may require special equipment or other accommodation in order for you to participate in the training program or complete the exams, contact mcmprog@microsoft.com prior to submitting your registration. The Microsoft Certified Master program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to accommodate candidates with disabilities.
Schedule
The following rotations (training program and exams) are currently scheduled for the Microsoft Certified Master program.
Note See the program FAQ regarding upgrade costs, discounts for existing members, and benefits of attending current vs. new version offerings.
IMPORTANT! Registration deadline for a rotation is two calendar weeks prior to the indicated rotation start date.
Program | Fall 2009 offerings | | Spring 2010 offerings | |
|---|
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Note If you want to be certified on Exchange 2007, act now, as these are the last offerings available. | September 21–October 10, 2009 | November 2–21, 2009 | | |
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 | | | March 1–20, 2010 | May 3–22, 2010 |
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 | October 26–November 14, 2009 | | February 8–27, 2010 | May 3–22, 2010 |
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Note If you want to be certified on SharePoint Server 2007, act now, as these are the last offerings available. | September 14–October 2, 2009 | November 2–21, 2009 | | |
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010 | | | | May 3–22, 2010 |
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 | October 5–24, 2009 | | March 15–April 3, 2010 | May 3–22, 2010 |
Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008: Directory (R2) | September 14–27, 2009 | November 2–15, 2009 | March 8–21, 2010 | May 3–16, 2010 |
Note Training dates are subject to change at the sole discretion of Microsoft.
Pricing
Nonrefundable program application fee: US$125
Program fee: US$18,500 (includes the price of first and second attempts of all required tests, including the final lab exam) for all programs except Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008: Directory (R2), which has a fee of US$13,950 (includes the price of first and second attempts of all required tests, including the final lab exam)
Computer-based test retakes for the third attempt: US$250
Final lab exam retakes for third attempt: US$1,500