February 6, 2008 at 9:06 am
Another new cert for SQL 2008. Microsoft Certified Architect: Database.
It requires attending a four week training course at Microsoft, weekly exams in which those who get 80% or better get to take a four hour lab exam and those who pass get to present a case study to 7 people. And I'm not sure if you have to pass that case study thing to get the cert or not. They weren't too clear on that.
This reminds me a lot of the CISCO certifications. Also, there's continuing eduction offered twice a year for this program.
February 6, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I read about MCA Database and tuition is $25,000.
(The tuition fee does not guarantee successful completion of the program, but it does cover the cost of the training and certification process as well as continued education --From FAQ Microsoft website)
60 % of candidates pass on second attempt.
Is it worth to go for? (on your money not by company's money).
Any suggestion?
Thanks
February 6, 2008 at 8:22 pm
This is a high end certification, mostly for internal MS people and consultants. Not sure it's worth it unless you plan on being a consultant and billing a high $$/hr rate.
February 6, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I'd love to try it, but the cost is prohibitive, and the travel and hotels, aong with the required 4 weeks off work make it just about impossible.
Exchange rates don't help. $25,000 = R200,000. That's a significant portion of my income for a year.
Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability
February 7, 2008 at 4:06 am
It's not for internal Microsoft people any more. Anyone who is an employee of a Microsoft Certified Partner (not just a gold partner) can now attend the Architect program. There are apparently only 10 certified architects, so those who pass will be in pretty elite company.
But it is expensive. And I know my company won't pay for it.
February 7, 2008 at 1:24 pm
It is open to anyone, but really geared for people in MCS or MS Partners that can bill it out.
It's so new as well, I'm not sure there's a value. The people that can get it, and are likely to, probably don't need it.
Time will tell if it's worth it.
February 7, 2008 at 1:36 pm
There's actually one level even higher, or at least used to (since the term has mysteriously disppeared). The Microsoft Fellow has a lot of the same requirements as this, except you had to be recommended by another fellow or two. I'm assuming this is the new name with a slightly lower set of pre-requisites.
I guess they figured out that you can't grow a fellows community based on peer review if you don't have anyone in the group to start with:)
I do think there is some serious value to have some "very hard to attain" levels of certification. Gives you something to grow towards....
Besides - four weeks is the fastest they can grow your pod in....:hehe:
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Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my part...unless you're my manager...or a director and above...or a really loud-spoken end-user..All right - what was my emergency again?
February 8, 2008 at 4:02 am
Besides - four weeks is the fastest they can grow your pod in....
DUDE! Who told? We had to sign a conference call NDA regarding that information....
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