Microsoft Certified Architect: Technology Programs
|
Program mission statement
The Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) program provides top-tier training and certification on Microsoft products for building a community of trusted architects who successfully address the most complex customer requirements.
Profile of the Technology Architect
Professionals who hold the Microsoft Certified Architect technology-based certifications are trusted by Microsoft and recognized by the IT industry worldwide as individuals who hold the highest level of professional certification on the Microsoft product platforms.
These individuals are highly skilled technical experts and experienced consultants who can engage with businesses of any size and deliver the best possible solution to solve the most complex requirements.
Program overview
There are two certification tracks. For architects who specialize in using Microsoft technology to provide expert solutions, Microsoft offers MCA training and certification in:
| • | Messaging (Microsoft Exchange Server) |
| • | Database (Microsoft SQL Server focused on OLTP (online transaction processing) |
The MCA technology training has two parts. The first component is four weeks of mandatory technical training, which includes weekly written exams. Candidates who pass the training are eligible to participate in the second component: certification. Certification consists of an online lab based exam and a Review Board interview. Candidates have the option of attempting the final certification criteria during the week following the training or deferring them to a later date.
Benefits
World-class training from Microsoft and industry experts
Four consecutive weeks of extensive hands-on technical training with state-of-the-art equipment (servers and storage arrays) delivered by top Microsoft IT experts, members of Microsoft product groups, Microsoft Certified Architects, and other industry experts from around the world. Training includes chalk talks, classroom case studies, hands-on labs, and group study.
A connection to Microsoft product groups
As the Microsoft development team's first and most trusted field resource, Microsoft Certified Architects are often called upon to provide direct input into current and future product development.
Certification
The Microsoft Certified Architect credential lets customers know that the MCA is an experienced architect who speaks the languages of business, architecture, and technology. The MCA has the skills and background to create and migrate the most reliable and optimized messaging or database solutions at the enterprise level.
Community
The MCA technology programs provide membership into an exclusive community of highly trained and skilled product architects, members of Microsoft development teams, and members of Microsoft Information Technology. The community provides:
| • | Technical discussion forums |
| • | Peer support |
| • | Product group escalation and feedback channels |
| • | Regular conference calls |
| • | Remote attendance to subsequent MCA training |
Exclusive access to pre-release software
Certified individuals have access to pre-beta software releases and communications.
Continued education
Certified individuals are invited to attend exclusive semi-annual training that covers new and updated technologies.
