Microsoft Certified Architect ProgramsMicrosoft Certified Architect Programs

Microsoft Certified Architect Programs

The Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) programs identify top industry experts in IT architecture. Microsoft Certified Architects have proven experience with delivering solutions and can communicate effectively with business, architecture, and technology professionals. These professionals have three or more years of advanced IT architecture experience, possess strong technical and leadership skills, and form a tight-knit, supportive community. Candidates are required to pass a rigorous Review Board interview conducted by a panel of experts. The MCA credential was built by and for industry architects.

"Setting standards is important, especially if those standards are high enough to create an assurance that someone is capable of performing the high-quality job that you count on. Apart from individual achievement, a program like this is great for customers because you know that when you work with one of the elite, you truly are working with one of the best."

Tony Redmond, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for HP Services, Hewlett Packard


The Microsoft Certified Architect program consists of two sets of certifications, each containing multiple track offerings:


MCA programs for technology-based architecture skills (training and certification)

For architects who specialize in using Microsoft technology to provide expert solutions, Microsoft offers MCA training and certification in messaging (Microsoft Exchange Server) and database (Microsoft SQL Server focusing on OLTP (online transaction processing)) disciplines.

To become a Microsoft Certified Technology Architect (referred to internally as "Ranger"), you must participate in a four-week in-depth training program, successfully complete weekly written and lab-based exams, and pass a rigorous Review Board interview conducted by Microsoft experts and MCAs.

•Learn more about MCA: Messaging and MCA: Database certifications
•Meet the Messaging and Database MCAs

MCA programs for broad architecture skills (certification only)

For those industry experts who possess broad architecture skills that use a variety of Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies to deliver customer solutions, Microsoft offers certifications recognizing infrastructure and solutions excellence. To earn certification, you must pass a rigorous Review Board interview conducted by a panel of Microsoft experts and MCAs.

•Learn more about MCA: Infrastructure certifications
•Learn more about MCA: Solutions certifications
•Meet the Infrastructure and Solutions MCAs

Highlights

Live Meeting

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Read the MCA blog posted on TechRepublic

Check out Jeremy Smith's informative blog about the Microsoft Certified Architect Program.

Live Meeting
One year in: An update on the Microsoft Certified Architect program

Watch a recorded Live Meeting about the Microsoft Certified Architect program (English language).

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Visit the Microsoft Architecture Resource Center

The Microsoft Architecture Resource Center (ARC) is a new Web site designed to help tackle tough architecture problems with practical advice and tools.

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See the Microsoft vision for architecture

To build the infrastructure of technology, from a software application to the whole enterprise IT environment, you need a vision of the result before you take your first step. Review the Microsoft vision for architecture and determine whether it aligns with your vision.

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Learn about foundations of solutions architecture

Find articles and webcasts to delve deeper and to learn more about architecture concepts.

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Explore business capabilities to services

Learn about a new approach for modeling connected, service-oriented systems in a way that promotes close alignment between an IT solution and the needs of the business.

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Read architecture blogs

Explore the latest posts from architecture bloggers.

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