Becoming a master. – But why?

Becoming a master. – why?

The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program offers exclusive, advanced training and certification on Microsoft server technologies to seasoned IT professionals. Complete the program and you can help validate your skills as a technology expert who successfully designs and implements solutions that meet the most complex business requirements. Do you have what it takes to become an MCM? (Source)

There are 5 different master certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010
• Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Lync Server 2010
• Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010
• Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SQL Server 2008
• Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008 R2: Directory

I will focus on the last one – becoming a Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008 R2: Directory.

The Active Directory directory service of the Windows Server 2008 operating system provides the means to manage the identities and relationships that make up an organization’s network. Thus, to help develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications; provide a highly secure network infrastructure; and increase technological efficiency and value, an organization needs a Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) on Windows Server 2008 R2: Directory. An MCM will have a demonstrated and proven expertise in the entire Active Directory product suite, including Active Directory Domain Services, Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, Active Directory Federation Services, and Active Directory Certificate Services. The Microsoft Certified Master on Windows Server 2008 R2: Directory certification will develop the next generation of technical leaders in this critically important IT service. (Source)

This training will require a 14 days classroom training in Redmond, WA, USA, 2 written exams and a final 8 hours lab exam. You’ll need lots of preparation, you’ll need time, you’ll need to travel to Redmond and you’ll need 18500 US$ + flights, hotel, …

But you will also need to pass some prerequisites:

1. Five or more years of hands-on experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Active Directory in complex enterprise environments.
2. A thorough understanding of Active Directory design and architecture.
3. A 300-level understanding of site component topology, forest operations and topology, the Active Directory distributed file system, file replication services, security, client interactions, and Group Policy.
   For example, you should be able to:
4. A basic understanding of Active Directory Certificate Services, Active Directory Federation Services, and Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services.
5. Functional skills in basic protocol analysis, Hyper-V, scripting, PKI, and IP addressing and routing.
6. Ability to speak, understand, and write fluent English.
7. An MCSE certification on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003, or a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator certification.

(Source)