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Microsoft's High-End Master Series Cert Now Open
Microsoft opens registration for new Microsoft Certified Master certification program.
Microsoft earlier this month opened registration for its new Microsoft Certified Master certification. The program provides IT professionals with a new, premium-level certification aimed at showing deep and intense expertise with Microsoft technologies, demonstrated by completion of training, exams and hands-on lab tests. Microsoft will focus on Exchange Server 2007 on the rollout of the program, with SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 in subsequent rollouts.
According to Microsoft director of advanced training and certification Per Farney, the Certified Master grew out of the company's development of training and education solutions for its "Ranger" programs (some of which also filtered into the Microsoft Certified Architect certification).
At a minimum expense of $18,500 (which doesn't include travel costs), the program isn't cheap; those who decide to attempt the program should weigh the benefits of completing the program and have some buy-in from their employer, as the program also requires a rigorous and lengthy completion schedule. (See Microsoft Announces New Master-Level Cert Track in the News archive to read our original story on the program.)
According to information posted on the Microsoft Web site, early adopters who participate in the first beta version of the program will be able to take many of the training and exams in the program at significant discount, sometimes up to 50 percent of retail. Almost all training, exams and hands-on lab tests in the beta program will be administered at Microsoft's Redmond campus.
To find out more, click here. To register, click here.
About the Author
Michael Domingo has held several positions at 1105 Media, and is currently the editor in chief of Visual Studio Magazine.