Near the top of Microsoft’s certification pyramid, is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certification. Billed as “The pinnacle of professional distinction,” the MCSM certification validates your expertise in designing and building innovative solutions using Microsoft technologies for complex environments including on-premises, off-premises, and hybrid enterprise settings.
MCSM – A New Name and Broader, Deeper Skills
The MCSM certification program is much like the former Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program. The name has been changed to better align with Microsoft’s MCSA (Associate), MCSE (Expert), MCSD (Developer), and MCSM (Master) naming scheme while also positioning it as the top level, ultimate destination for IT professionals.
The MCSM program also validates broader, deeper skills including on-premises and cloud-based solutions. As of November 2012, Microsoft offers four MCSM certifications: Data Platform, SharePoint, Communication, and Messaging.
- MCSM: Data Platform– In order to earn this certification, you must pass five certification exams:
- Exam 461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- Exam 462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- Exam 463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- Exam 464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- Exam 465: Designing Database Solutions for SQL Server 2012
There is no upgrade path for this certification. This certification must be recertified every three years.
- MCSM: SharePoint– In order to earn this certification, you must pass five certification exams:
- Exam 410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
- Exam 411: Administering Windows Server 2012
- Exam 412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
- Exam 331: Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
- Exam 332: Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013
There is no upgrade path for this certification. This certification must be recertified every three years.
- MCSM: Communication– In order to earn this certification, you must pass five certification exams:
- Exam 410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
- Exam 411: Administering Windows Server 2012
- Exam 412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
- Exam 336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013
- Exam 337: Enterprise Voice & Online Services With Microsoft Lync Server 2013
There is no upgrade path for this certification. This certification must be recertified every three years.
- MCSM: Messaging – In order to earn this certification, you must pass five certification exams:
- Exam 410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
- Exam 411: Administering Windows Server 2012
- Exam 412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
- Exam 341: Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
- Exam 342: Advanced Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
There is no upgrade path for this certification. This certification must be recertified every three years.
Why Earn an MCSM Certification?
Earning an MCSM certification on Data Platform, SharePoint, Communication, or Messaging distinguishes you as a master in Microsoft technology. The MCSM certification shows employers and clients that you have reached the “pinnacle of professional distinction.” In addition, the MCSM certification is a prerequisite for Microsoft’s highest level of certification, the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA). If you are planning on pursuing an MCA credential, you will first need to reach the MCSM level.
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