With the arrival of Windows Server 2008 comes a whole new lineup of exams from Microsoft and the end of the MCSE certification era.

At the top of the heap in the new catalog of Microsoft certification options is the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) program, which 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 costs for the technology-specific MCA certification run $25,000, paid in full before you begin. While the costs for the MCA: Solutions or Infrastructure certifications are $10,000.

As J. Peter Bruzzese writes in today's Enterprise Windows, "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.

Posted by Caroline Craig on April 30, 2008 07:41 AM