MCA Technology Architect Frequently Asked Questions

No. The MCA Technology Architect certification is experience-based. Generally, only seasoned architects and consultants achieve the credential. The program training is purely technical, but to achieve certification, the candidate must already possess the kind of architectural, consulting, and soft skills expertise that comes from years of experience. Only two of the seven competencies evaluated by the Review Board are technical competencies. The remaining five competencies draw upon the leadership, strategy, and other skills that the candidate has attained through years of experience.

Microsoft trusts and values the partnerships that it has with tens of thousands of businesses worldwide. Out of regard for those earned relationships and due to confidentiality requirements, Microsoft requires that an MCA candidate be either a Microsoft Certified Partner or a full-time Microsoft employee. Prior to July 2007, only Gold Certified Partners were accepted into the program. In response to partner requests, now all qualified Microsoft Certified Partners can participate in the program.

The MCA: Infrastructure and MCA: Solutions programs provide no training and are technology-neutral (a candidate can become certified without focus on Microsoft technologies). The MCA: Messaging and the MCA: Database programs require successful participation in training for certification, and focus on the respective Microsoft-based technology areas from an architectural perspective.

"Ranger" was the original name for the MCA Technology Architect program. The program was dubbed "Ranger" because of its intensity, pace, and value. Due to the high demand for this advanced training and certification, the program has grown substantially and was formalized as the MCA Technology Architect program in 2006.

Results will vary based on many factors, but it is not unlikely, based on the prestige associated with MCA certification and what the community of certified members can accomplish for their customers. The program has received reports of partners successfully raising their billable rates by as much as 33 percent for their certified MCAs.

Those participants who pass training and one of either the lab-based exam or the Review Board interview are granted apprentice status and earn membership into the technical community of their specialization. Program participants do not receive MCA certification until they have successfully completed both certification components of the program.

At this time, the training is offered only in Redmond because of the proximity to qualified instructors. Microsoft is currently evaluating options for additional training sites throughout and outside of the United States.

Currently and in the foreseeable future, the program is offered only in English. This is why the ability to effectively communicate in English is a candidate requirement.

The program’s integrity is based on training and certification. To ensure a consistent level of delivery by certified individuals, 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.

On average, approximately 80 percent of candidates who take the training are eligible to attempt the lab-based exam. On their first attempt, 70 percent of candidates pass the lab-based exam. Only 20 percent pass the Review Board on their first attempt. Approximately 60 percent of candidates pass the Review Board on the second attempt. These statistics highlight the need for successful candidates to be proficient across all seven competencies evaluated during the Review Board interview, not just the technical portions.

Across all Technology Architect programs, the average level is 13 years of industry experience. Some candidates have as much as 20 to 30 or more years of industry experience.

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

Candidates have access to state-of-the-art hardware. They will use a dual-processor x64-based server with 6 GB of RAM to build out their own lab environment, using Virtual Server technology. Candidates work in this environment throughout the various instructional sessions to solidify how to apply learned concepts.and then have a chance to customize their virtual environment to suit their own needs. Customization helps increase knowledge on aspects of the technology that architects might deal with in customer situations. (For example, one might build out a multi-node cluster or build out a multi-organization customer scenario and then establish coexistence.)

In addition, candidates will have access to Storage Area Networks through the dual HBAs that are installed in each server. The Ranger lab is currently equipped with the following storage arrays that you will work with in a hands-on manner: an EMC Clariion CX3-40, a Hewlett Packard EVA 8000, a Network Appliance FAS3000, and a Hitachi AMS 1000. Instructors will help the class understand the principles that are behind appropriate storage design and Volume Shadow Copy implementation. Using this equipment, candidates will implement those learned principles in the lab.