Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)

The pinnacle of professional distinction

Use your expertise in Microsoft technologies.

Validate your ability to design and build innovative solutions for complex on-premises, off-premises, and hybrid enterprise environments.

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

Choose a certification to view its details and required exams:

MCSM:
Data Platform
MCSM:
SharePoint
MCSM:
Communication
MCSM:
Messaging
MCSM:
Directory Services

All MCSM certifications require that you pass one or more knowledge exams and a lab exam to earn the certification. For some of the certifications, training prior to taking the exams is also required or is optional, as follows:

  • MCSM: Communication (Lync Server)—training is required

  • MCSM: SharePoint—training is required

  • MCSM: Data Platform (SQL Server)—no training is available at this time

  • MCSM: Messaging (Exchange Server)—training is optional

If there is no training or you choose not to take the training for a specific certification, you can take the knowledge exams as soon as they are released, as described on the respective pages. Once you’ve passed these exams, you’ll need to schedule and pass a lab exam.

If you intend to attend a training program, you must first apply for admittance, as described on the Microsoft Advanced Certification Learning Portal. The training takes place on the Microsoft Redmond, Washington campus over a period of two to three weeks, and the knowledge and lab exams are administered onsite at the end of the training.

Once you’re admitted into the program, you’ll be required to pay for the training in full and choose your class dates. You’ll receive details about the training rotation (training sessions with exams) and a recommended reading list to help you prepare. Details regarding the registration process and the program policies are provided on the Microsoft Advanced Certification Learning Portal.

Frequently asked questions

The following questions specifically address the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certification. Visit the Certification overview or Exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.

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A.

By aligning MCSA, MCSE, MCSD, and MCSM into a common naming scheme, we are directly associating our certifications and more clearly positioning MCSM as the ultimate destination for IT professionals.

A.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certifications validate skills that are deeper and broader than those validated by MCM certifications, skills that are required to build solutions both on-premises and in the cloud. Microsoft added recertification requirements to ensure that IT professionals who hold our certifications are up-to-date on our continually evolving technology. MCSM certifications require recertification every three years.

A.

Your existing MCM certifications are unaffected by the certification name changes. Your MCM certification will not expire.

A.

Check the MCSM certification links above for exam availability. However, you can get started taking the prerequisite exams for each of these certifications today.

A.

MCSE and MCSD certifications are prerequisites for some of the MCSM certifications. These certifications better prepare you to pursue an MCSM certification by validating the full range of skills and abilities required to be successful at building technology solutions. MCSE and MCSD certifications also validate more difficult skills than the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and help to bridge the gap between the MCITP and the level of knowledge required for Master-level certifications. Check your certification track before you start to make sure you have all the necessary prerequisites.

A.

To ensure that our certifications remain meaningful and valuable indicators of candidate skills, MCSM certifications require recertification every three years. Some programs require additional training for certification.

A.

Upgrade paths for MCM certifications no longer apply and have been replaced by the recertification process.

A.

The schedule is available online. View the MCSM course schedule.