$25,000 question: Is the Microsoft Architecture credential worth the cost?

You’ve heard of a Microsoft Certified Professional. Perhaps at one time you’ve even dreamed of being a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). You took one exam after another at a Microsoft testing center to reach this honored and prestigious pinnacle, then battled your way to prove to your employers (or future employers) that you had what it takes to administrate their Microsoft-oriented network.

With the arrival of Windows Server 2008 comes a new lineup of exams — and the end of a certification era. The MCSE status is no longer found in the lineup of possible acronyms one can add to the end of a name and onto a business card. (So as not to offend any of my fellow certified readers, allow me to put my letters on the table right now: MCSE [NT, 2K, 2K3], MCT, A+, Network+, iNET+, CIW Master, CCNA, CNA, and most recently MCITP: Messaging.)

With the change in the program, there are now exams that provide you with an MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) title, or one tier up, MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) or MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer). But the ultimate level on the exam pyramid is MSA (Microsoft Architect).

The MCTS certifications each focus on “one key Microsoft product or technology” but not on a particular job role skill, according to Microsoft. There are currently 19 Technology Specialist certification options available, ranging from SQL Server 2005 to Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration. Earning one typically entails passing one to three exams.

The Professional Series credentials are focused on single-job-role skills, including design, project management, operations management, and planning. Like the MCTS, you’ll typically need to pass as many as three exams for one of these Professional credentials; you’ll also need one or more pre-requisites from the Technology Series.

At the top of the heap, there’s the MCA program. The credential is geared toward IT pros with at least ten years of advanced IT industry experience and three or more years of experience as a practicing architect. The MCA title comes in two flavors: one for technology-based architecture skills, which includes training and certification; and one for broad architecture skills (which entails certification only).

The technology-based MCA program covers one of two technology fields currently: Messaging (Exchange Server) or Database (SQL Server). Earning this credential requires participating in four in-depth training programs, successfully completing weekly written and lab-based exams, and passing a rigorous Review Board interview conducted by Microsoft experts and MCAs.

There’s also two sub-categories for the broad-architecture MCA program: Infrastructure or Solutions. MCA: Infrastructure is for admins who focus on areas such as the physical network, security, storage, network operating systems, application platforms, desktop operating systems, messaging, management, or operations. The Solutions credential is for those who concentrate on areas including integration, workflow, and applications.

Attaining the broad MCA certification requires passing a test before a review board conducted by MS pros and MCAs.

You might be wondering what costs are involved in pursuing this certification, which is certainly the most extensive and expensive title Microsoft has ever offered.

Costs for the technology-specific MCA certification program total $25,000, paid in full before you begin. Costs for the MCA: Solutions or Infrastructure certifications is $10,000, paid in two $5,000 increments. It’s clear that this is not a simple question-and-answer-type certification automated and replicated across the globe. And it isn’t meant to be. If the difficulty and time involved doesn’t keep the numbers down, the price tag for certification certainly will.

Some have wondered whether the new certification is worth the effort and what the program is really like. Being that the total number of MCAs is just more than 100, it is difficult to find feedback on the subject. However, Richard Godfrey, the CEO of iPrinciples, spoke with Jeremy Smith regarding the experience.

One question asked was, “How has it helped you in your career? And do you think the high cost justifies the value?”

Godfrey said, “I think it has helped rather than hindered, but I don’t think it has changed my opportunities for fame or fortune — and to be honest, I never expected it to. I do think employers and people buying consultancy services should look at the MCA certification as just one of a number of indicators of capability.

“The peer-review process is expensive but very necessary at this level. I don’t look at the cost as ‘expensive’ despite it being a large amount of money (this is definitely not a profit centre for Microsoft!), but I do think people need to look at their own individual cost/benefit analysis — just because you don’t sit the MCA certification doesn’t mean you aren’t a great Architect!”

So is the MCA certification for you? Are you contemplating this or other certifications? Let me know; perhaps I can help!