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Nov 29 2010   5:22PM GMT

No other signs of sweeping changes to Microsoft Certified Master requirements



Posted by: Ed Tittel
No further MCM program changes to match elimination of training requirement for MCM on Sequel Server 2008, training discounts available for most MCM programs though training is mostly still required

Revisiting Anne Martinez’s latest GoCertify “Certification Watch” newsletter reminded me of my blog dated 11/9/2010 which discusses the elimination of the $18,000 classroom training requirement heretofore associated with every Microsoft Certified Master program for the specific MCM associated with SQL Server 2008. Upon learning about this development, I’d hoped to see other MCM offerings quickly following suit, but alas, that appears not to be the case. I’m going to forward this blog to my MS Learning contact at Waggener-Edstrom (Microsoft’s PR agency) to see what kind of response it engenders, but right now all I see is a training discount for $3,500 on any of the other MCM programs (except for Windows Directory R2, for which the discount is $1,000) for those who are fast enough to complete the exams and the application process by the end of 2010.

For the record, the MCM programs are as follows:

The asterisk after the SQL Server 2008 means that “training is optional,” to use MIcrosoft’s language to explain the special deal that the SQL Server team has put together. Given that the other subject areas — especially Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Directory Services — also enjoy subtantial numbers of highly qualified and expert practitioners, it would be really nice if MS decided to turn this into a change of policy across the board. Failing that, I’ll be very interested to see what kind of response I get from the MS Learning folks to this suggestion. I’m supposed to talk to Lutz Ziob, the General Manager for MS Learning, some time in December, and may also bring this up with him should the opportunity present. Stay tuned!

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DavidBjurmanBirr  |   Nov 30, 2010  2:47 PM (GMT)

Hi Ed,

We’re continuously working to improve the programs and remove barriers toward obtaining MCM certification that are unrelated to obtaining the required knowledge & skills. Additionally, we’re committed to making sure only those with the required knowledge and skillset obtain the MCM certification.

The decision to change only one program at a time was intentional so we could closely monitor and analyze the effects these changes and make adjustments if necessary.

In short…stay tuned. You can expect further announcements regarding MCM in 2011.


 

Edtittel  |   Nov 30, 2010  5:04 PM (GMT)

Thanks for the info, David: From everything I can find out about you, you’re an MCA in Messaging (Exchange, right?) who once worked for Dell, as per this [A href="http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=4000001659"]link[/A] It’s nice to hear from someone who’s got this credential. Because of the nature of your response, I’m guessing that perhaps you’re now working for Microsoft? And indeed, your LinkedIn page confirms that you’re a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft. Please forgive the research: neither your profile nor your message provided this oh-so-necessary affiliation data. We also have 40 connections in common there, so you may want to respond to my invitation to link up our networks.

It’s nice to get a sense [CODE]—[/CODE] if not an outright confirmation [CODE]—[/CODE]that things are indeed afoot with the MCM program that may (or may not) involve its expensive training requirement. Indeed do please keep me posted, and I hope to be hearing more from you soon.

Thanks again,
–Ed–