Updates to the Microsoft Certified Master for SQL Server 2008 Program

Used to recognize and certify the top SQL Server talent in the world, Microsoft’s most advanced SQL Server certification is now more accessible than ever
Microsoft has made significant changes to the Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program for SQL Server 2008, and these changes present a great opportunity for Partners to equip their technical staff with top tier SQL Server certification.

The SQL MCM program formerly required three weeks of training at Microsoft – a fact that put the certification out of the reach of many SQL Server experts worldwide, because of the time, travel and expense involved in achieving the certification. By eliminating the mandatory training requirement, plus consolidating the required exams into one knowledge exam (available now) and one lab exam (available soon) Microsoft can provide highly experienced SQL Server IT professionals worldwide with validation of their deep technical expertise, no matter their learning style and economic means.  With online exam prep materials, and exams available through select Prometric Testing centers worldwide, MCM for SQL Server 2008 is now within reach of more SQL Server professionals globally, while maintaining the integrity and value of this advanced certification.

Now more than ever, it’s a great time for Partners to sponsor their qualified SQL Server professionals to pursue MCM for SQL Server 2008.  Having MCMs on your staff sets you apart from your competition, and tells your customers that you can meet their most complex business requirements.  In fact, evidence has shown that customers have engaged with Partners based primarily on the fact that they have MCMs on their team. An investment in your employees is an investment in your company’s future, and can make for higher quality SQL Server deployments in mission critical environments. Find out more, and start making this investment today.

Resources:

      SQL Server MCM Program (program rules and details)  
      How do you know if you’re ready for SQL MCM? (Blog post)
      SQL MCM 2008 Readiness Videos  (for the full list of videos – click the “More” link at the bottom of the page)
      SQL MCM Question forum (Questions about the program from other SQL professionals)   
      Prometric Exam Locations for SQL MCM (Current approved Knowledge Exam centers, and location of information once the Lab Exam is available)