Microsoft Certified Master Program

Microsoft Certified Master Program

Introducing the new Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) series—exclusive, advanced training and certification on Microsoft server technologies for seasoned IT professionals. Complete the program and you can validate your skills as a technology expert who successfully designs and implements solutions that meet the most complex business requirements. Do you have what it takes to become a Microsoft Certified Master?

Exclusive, advanced training

The strength of Microsoft Master training relies on experience-based curriculums made up of expert-level classroom training and labs. The curriculums are presented by instructors from Microsoft and Microsoft partner organizations, experts in their disciplines, who draw upon real-world scenarios to ensure that students learn the most relevant, applicable skills.

Certification

Master certification enables experienced IT professionals to deepen and broaden their technical expertise on Microsoft server products and authoritatively differentiate themselves to employers and customers. It includes three weeks of highly intensive classroom training, three computer-based tests, and one lab-based exam per training rotation (training and exam series).

There are five MCM certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

  • Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007

  • Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007

  • Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

  • Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008: Directory

Master certification is a prerequisite for all Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) certifications.

To achieve Microsoft Certified Master certification, candidates must:

  • Complete the following prerequisite exams and certifications.

    Note Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission into the Microsoft Certified Master program or attainment of the Microsoft Certified Master credential.

  • Attend the three-week training program and pass the corresponding computer-based exams and a qualifying lab exam.

Certification

Prerequisite experience

Prerequisite exams and certifications

MCM: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

  • Five or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Two or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Thorough understanding of Microsoft Exchange Server design and architecture

  • Thorough understanding of Active Directory, Domain Name System (DNS), and other core network services related to Exchange Server

  • Ability to speak, understand, and write fluent English

MCM: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

  • Five or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Three or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • One or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange Server 2010: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Thorough understanding of Microsoft Exchange Server design and architecture

  • Thorough understanding of Active Directory, Domain Name System (DNS), and other core network services related to Exchange Server

  • Ability to speak, understand, and write fluent English

MCM: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007

  • Three or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting (or equivalent experience)

  • One or more years of hands-on experience with Office Communications Server 2007: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Thorough understanding of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 design and architecture

  • Thorough understanding of Active Directory, Domain Name System (DNS), traditional telephony concepts, Voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP), and other core network services related to Office Communications Server

  • Ability to speak, understand, and write fluent English

MCM: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (2010 details forthcoming)

Option 1: Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server 2003 and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007:

  • Two or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003: installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and custom development

  • One or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and custom development

Option 2: Content Management Server 2002 and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007:

  • Two or more years of hands-on experience with Content Management Server 2002: installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and custom development

  • One or more years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and custom development

Both options require the following additional experience:

  • Thorough understanding of Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 Server design and architecture

  • Thorough understanding of ASP.NET, Windows Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), and other core technologies upon which SharePoint depends

  • Ability to speak, understand, and write in fluent English

MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

  • Five or more years of experience with SQL Server 7.0 or later: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • One or more years of experience with SQL Server 2005 or later: installing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Thorough understanding of SQL Server design and architecture

  • Thorough understanding of SQL Server core components and dependencies, such as online transaction processing (OLTP), high availability, disaster recovery, performance-tuning optimization, storage, security, manageability, and data distribution technologies

  • Ability to speak, understand, and write fluent English

MCM: Windows Server 2008: Directory

  • Five or more years of hands-on experience with Windows Active Directory: installing, designing, configuring, and troubleshooting

  • Thorough understanding of Windows Active Directory design and architecture

  • 300-level understanding of site component topology, forest operations and topology, the Active Directory distributed file system, file replication services, security, client interactions, and Group Policy

  • Basic understanding of Active Directory Certificate Services, Rights Management Services, Active Directory Federated Services, and ADAM/Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services

  • Functional skills in basic protocol analysis, Hyper-V, scripting, PKI, and IP addressing and routing

  • Ability to speak, understand, and write fluent English

One of the following certifications:

And one of the following exams:

  • Exam 70-219*

    or

*This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

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.

  1. Complete the brief application. A non-refundable US$125 application fee is required.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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 can 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 can 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 can 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 can 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

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 5–23, 2009

March 15–April 3, 2010

May 3–22, 2010

Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008: Directory (R2)

September 14–October 2, 2009

November 2–21, 2009

March 1–20, 2010

May 3–22, 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)

Computer-based test retakes for the third attempt: US$250

Final lab exam retakes for third attempt: US$1,500

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 January 1, 2010. No other offers may be combined with this offer.

Register
 

View all answers

Q.  I see you have new versions of the Master tracks coming soon. Should I wait for these vs. attending now?

A.

No, we do not recommend you wait. In fact, it can be very likely you will in a better position than most if you attend and certify now. Here’s why: once new versions of Master tracks debut, the previous versions are no longer offered. This means that there will never be a chance to become a 2007 Exchange Master (for example) once the 2010 offering goes live. Yet, customers will likely look for individuals who are certified on 2007 to assist in their projects for years to come. When combined with the fact that existing certified individuals can upgrade their certifications at a discount, and that upgrades may consist of just an exam, or a short training, not always an entirely new 3 weeks of training, it makes financial sense to sign up for rotations (training) on the existing product version while you can. This way, individuals have the opportunity to show that they are certified on both versions vs. just one. For a more detailed answer, please see this blog entry from Per Farny, the MCM/MCA program owner.

Q.  I am having a hard time justifying the ROI on of getting a Master certification to my management. Can you help?

A.

Absolutely. Although the upfront costs are higher than other training and certification programs, the value of the certification can show itself quickly. The best sources to speak to this are individuals who have gone through the program and have already seen the ROI. Please see two examples of this here (a partner was awarded an engagement based on having an MCM on staff) and here (a Certified Master offers a mathematical calculation on ROI).

Q.  As a Microsoft Certified Partner, can I expect my billable rate to increase after I earn a Master and / or Architect certification?

A.

Results vary, based on many factors. However, it is not unlikely that your billable rate could increase, based on the prestige and skill validation associated with Microsoft Master Certification, and the accomplishments of other MCMs. As noted above, Master certification is already the reason for some partners winning business, and the Microsoft Certified Architects (MCA) program has reports of partners who have successfully raised their billable rates by as much as 33 percent for their MCAs.

Q.  Is the Microsoft Certified Master program just a "boot camp" where I will learn everything I need in order to receive the certification?

A.

No. The program is targeted to highly experienced professionals. Candidates must bring real-world experience to the training session. Most have designed and deployed enterprise-level solutions at least two times. To date, only seasoned IT professionals and consultants have achieved the credential.

Q.  I'm a seasoned consultant with extensive expertise on Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, or Windows Server: Directory, but I’m not a Microsoft Certified Professional. Can I take the Microsoft Certified Master training?

A.

No. You must complete the prerequisite exams and certifications in order to participate in the program.

Q.  This sounds like the program called Ranger. Are the two programs related?

A.

"Ranger" was the original name for the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) Technology Architect program. This program included four to five consecutive weeks of training delivered by Microsoft experts, followed by a Review Board (business acumen) test, which was required of candidates in order to earn certification. Due to the high demand for this level of advanced training and corresponding certification, Microsoft has changed the training portion of the MCA Technology Architect (Ranger) program into a stand-alone, three-week training, during which experts from both inside and outside of Microsoft deliver expert-level content to an audience of highly experienced IT professionals. Individuals can now choose to pursue the Architect certification after receiving their Master certification.

Q.  Is the training offered outside of Redmond, Washington, United States?

A.

At this time, the training is offered only in Redmond. Microsoft is evaluating options for additional training sites within and outside of the United States.

Q.  Is the program offered in languages other than English?

A.

Currently and in the foreseeable future, the program is offered only in English. For this reason, candidates must be able to effectively communicate in English.

Q.  Can I test out of the training and go straight to the Review Board?

A.

No, the program's integrity is based on training and certification; thus, the training portion of the program is mandatory. Consistent feedback from those who have taken the training highlights the invaluable experience and community building gained during the training.

Q.  What is the typical pass rate for candidates?

A.

Results may vary and are not guaranteed. To date, the program has seen approximately 70 percent of candidates pass the written, in-class exams on their first attempt. Approximately 60 percent of candidates have passed the final, lab-based exam on their first attempt. For the lab based exam, 80% have passed their second attempts.

Q.  What is the average experience level of a candidate who is accepted into the Microsoft Certified Master program?

A.

The average experience level for Master candidates is 10 years. Some candidates have as many as 20 or more years of industry experience.

Q.  Do I need to bring my own equipment to the training rotation?

A.

Laptops or workstations with Internet access are provided to external candidates. Internal Microsoft candidates must use their Microsoft-issued laptops.

Q.  What type of lab environment is used for training?

A.

Candidates have access to state-of-the-art hardware. Each candidate will receive a dedicated server with which to build their own lab environment, using Microsoft Hypervisor Technology (Hyper-V) or Microsoft Virtual Server technology

Q.  How many candidates are in each training rotation?

A.

Typical class size per training rotation is 10 to 24 students.

Resources

Program brochure

Candidate testimonials

Meet the instructors

MCM: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 datasheet

MCM: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 datasheet

MCM: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 datasheet

MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 datasheet

MCM: Windows Server 2008: Active Directory

Registration information