Microsoft Certified Architect Program Overview
The Microsoft certified architect program has one goal in mind -- to identify those who complete the program as industry experts in architecture. What Microsoft wants to do is certify those with proven experience and skill to deliver solutions to the marketplace, as well as be able to communicate effectively with business professionals, and architecture and technology professionals.
However, completing the Microsoft certified architect program is no walk in the park. Usually, you won't stand a chance unless you have three years or more of advanced experience in IT architecture. Also, not only must you possess strong technical skills in this category, but you also must have leadership skills and interact well with others.
If you are lucky enough to become a candidate of this program, you will then be put in front of a panel of experts, and be given a review board interview to determine if you are suitable for the program.
The Microsoft certified architect program has two different sets of certifications. The first set is a Microsoft certified architect program for technology-based architecture skills, and a second set is a Microsoft certified architect program for broad architecture skills. For technology-based architecture skills, the architect needs to specialize in Microsoft technology, and participate in a four-week training program, at which time they will be required to complete weekly written exams as well as lab-based exams, and finally pass the review board interview. The Microsoft certified architect program for broad skills revolves around both Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies, where the architect uses their skills to deliver solutions to the customer. Here, you will enter an application to be considered a candidate to be accepted into the program. To be considered a candidate, there are certain characteristics the board is looking for. First of all, you have to possess smart business sense. What good is a solution if the operation expenses are too much to execute it? Also, you have to currently be investigating new technologies, especially as they relate to IT architecture and IT business applications. In addition, the skill of forward thinking is a must, to demonstrate that you can look at what is on the horizon as it relates to the customer's industry, and prepare to best position their solutions to take advantage of the future. Also you have to demonstrate before the board that you can quickly develop deep knowledge in a new technology, or in a past technology. This skill is a must if you're going to be an effective IT architect. These are just some of the required characteristics to complete the Microsoft certified architect program.
Microsoft Certification
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