Microsoft Certification Ebook

How to become a Microsoft Certified Master

Do you have what it takes to achieve the highest level of technical certification for Microsoft server products? Successful applicants are able to demonstrate their expertise through hands-on experience and prerequisite exams. Complete the following requirements to achieve your Microsoft Certified Master credential.

Apply and register

The Microsoft Certified Master program consists of a three-week training session and three exams. To apply and register, follow this procedure. After each step, you will receive a notification about your eligibility or acceptance into the program and about your next steps.

1.	Fill out a brief application. A non-refundable US$125 application fee is required.
2.	Upload your resumé/CV (curriculum vitae). Applicant credentials will be reviewed by the Master program leads to determine eligibility. Note Individuals might be contacted for a 30- to 60-minute interview if Microsoft is unable to determine eligibility based solely on the submitted documents.
3.	Register: Pay in full and choose your class dates once you are accepted into the program. Once accepted into the program, candidates receive details about the training session and a recommended reading list to help them prepare. There is a high correlation of success for those candidates who have completed the recommended pre-reading or have some experience with the concepts covered, compared with those who have not.

Attend and successfully complete the training program

•	Each three-week training session through June 2009 will be held in Redmond, Washington. Candidates are responsible for all associated travel costs.
•	It is highly recommended that candidates clear all engagements and commitments throughout the scheduled training due to the rigorous program schedule.
•	Candidates must successfully complete all tests and lab exercises. Up to three computer-based tests during the training will be administered, each of which covers subjects discussed in class. • Candidates can retake exams up to two times at a remote testing center after training is completed. Exam retakes require an additional fee. • For candidates who do not finish the training or pass all tests after the maximum of three attempts, the only way to earn the Microsoft Certified Master credential is to retake the training session (after further developing their skill sets, based on program manager feedback). Candidates can retake the training at 50 percent of the original program cost.

Successfully complete the final qualification lab exam

The final qualification lab test is administered on the Saturday after the three weeks of training. Candidates who do not pass the lab exam the first time can schedule up to two subsequent attempts to be taken remotely. Exam retakes require an additional fee. The first retake is generally available within three months of the initial attempt. There is a six-month waiting period required prior to the second attempt.

Note If you have a disability that may require special equipment or other accommodations in order for you to participate in the training program or complete the exams, please contact mcmprog@microsoft.com prior to submitting your registration. The Microsoft Certified Master program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to accommodate candidates with disabilities.

Schedule

Here are the rotations (training program and exams) currently scheduled for the Microsoft Certified Master program.

The next series of rotations will be published after July 1, 2009.

Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007	October 6–25, 2008	March 16–April 4, 2009	May 4–23, 2009
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SQL Server 2008	October 20–November 8, 2008	March 16–April 4, 2009	Look for new rotations after July 1, 2009
Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008: Directory	November 3–22, 2008	February 16–March 7, 2009 Beta discount*	May 4–23, 2009
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007	November 3–22, 2008	March 16–April 4, 2009 Beta discount*	June 1–20, 2009
Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007	January 12–31, 2009	April 27– May 16, 2009 Beta discount*	June 8–27, 2009

Note Training dates are subject to change at the sole discretion of Microsoft.

Pricing structure

Nonrefundable program application fee: US$125
Program fee: US$18,500
Non-lab exam retakes: US$250
Lab exam retakes: US$1,500

Note The program fee includes the price of first attempts at passing all required tests, including the final lab exam.

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