The Master Blog

Introducing our latest SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master - Clas Hortien

boB 'The Tool Man' Taylor — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:27:08 GMT

Clas started working with SQL Server (6.5) in 1995 and has never lost his addiction to it.

Since more than 13 years he is now located at the SAP headquarter in Germany and is doing worldwide consulting

and development support for SAP and SAP customers running on SQL Server of all releases.

He is contributor to several SAP whitepapers and blogs regularly at http://blogs.msdn.com/b/saponsqlserver

Clas is a Senior Premier Field Engineer at Microsoft.

Certified Master Stories: Zewei Song

Brett Geoffroy — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:34:00 GMT

Behind every Master certification is a story. In this post, Zewei (AKA "Dr. Z") shares his:

Dr. Z is Master Z now!

Certified Master Stories: Bill Ayers

Brett Geoffroy — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:32:00 GMT

Behind every Master certification is a story. Many thanks to Bill for sharing this one:

SharePoint 2010 MCM

Certified Master Stories: Kirk Evans

Brett Geoffroy — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:00 GMT

Behind every Master certification is a story. Thanks to Kirk for sharing his!

How I Became a SharePoint 2010 MCM

Certified Master Stories: Aleksandar Draskovic

Brett Geoffroy — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:23:00 GMT

We're kicking off a new and continuing series of posts for our program today that I hope you find both valuable and enjoyable.

One of the most common requests I get from prospective MCSMs about the program is for testimonials explaining the value of the program. No one delivers that better than those who've been through it, and many SharePoint MCMs/MCSMs/MCAs have authored outstanding blog posts telling the stories of their certification journeys. The intent of this series is to connect those seeking these stories with those who are excited to share them.

Winning the draw for the first post by virtue of alphabetical order and having submitted the first story, Aleksandar Draskovic has not one, but two detailed posts telling his SharePoint 2010 MCM story. Thanks to Aleks for sharing, and enjoy!

Introducing our latest SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master - Sean Gallardy

boB 'The Tool Man' Taylor — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:55:12 GMT

Sean has been working exclusively with SQL Server since 2008. His first foray into the world of SQL Server was migrating a database
from another RDBMS system to SQL Server 2005. Decided having liked SQL Server he pursued a career as a DBA as hasn't looked back.

Sharing knowledge, learning, and helping others learn is part of his passion with the SQL Community for which he was given a Microsoft
Community Contributor status. You'll find him posting replies on the SQL Server forums all hours of the day.

Outside of SQL Server he enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing video games, and enjoying tea from all over the world. He also enjoys
diving and is looking forward to some day visiting Australia.

Introducing our latest Windows 2008 R2 Microsoft Certified Master - Amarpal Attwal

dgreg - MSFT — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:34:00 GMT

Amarpal started in the IT sector as a helpdesk administrator and combined with hard work and dedication along with persistence managed to sit and pass various MCP exams opening the door to promotions starting from desktop engineer through to Active Directory Architect.

Have led many teams in the engineering function for previous employers and now manages the ITS engineering team for Just-Eat (just-eat.com) as ITS Engineering Lead.

Road to the MCM

One day browsing Microsoft.com somehow I came across the learning section to see the various options and technical paths. Then I saw the "MCM" section and thought I need to get myself on that list and that was where the journey to becoming master began.

Advice

To potential MCM candidate - this is not for the faint hearted. If this is what you want to do then follow through with all you have and don't look back until you reach your goal. I failed all three exams first time around but didn't let that stop me - so don't let anything stop you achieving what you want!

Attended

MCM: Directory Service 2008 R2 Rotation 14 in February 2012

In my spare time I'm a keen sportsman and loves boxing! Have boxed for my local town in regional competitions as an amateur in the super-heavy weight division, and still can pack a punch so beware if you see me!

LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/amarpal-attwal/15/323/b66

Changes to MCM SQL Server 2008 Exam retake policy

boB 'The Tool Man' Taylor — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:46:49 GMT

Due to the upcoming retirement of our MCM exams, and our desire to provide our candidates with enough time to complete the process that
they have invested in heavily, effective immediately the following changes are being put into place.

If you are retaking an MCM exam for the first time (i.e. you have taken once and are now attempting it the second time) you must wait 30 days from the previous exam date.

If you are retaking an MCM exam for subsequent attempts (i.e. third or greater attempt) then you must wait 60 days from the previous exam date.

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Master: Data Platform Knowledge Exam is available for registration today!

Cindy McCormack — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Microsoft Learning announces the release of the first Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certification.

The MCSM: Data Platform certification provides validation and recognition of deep technical expertise on Microsoft SQL Server technologies to IT Professionals world-wide. Companies who employ individuals holding an MCSM: Data Platform certification can be confident that they have the technical depth and breadth expertise needed to manage the most complex data environments.

An MCSM: Data Platform certification is one of the highest levels of Microsoft SQL Server technology certification for the database engine offered by Microsoft. This certification can be achieved by passing these two exams in the following sequence:

Exam 88-986 MCSM: Data Platform Knowledge Exam - available today!
Exam 88-987: MCSM: Data Platform Lab Exam–available soon!

How to Prepare:

Although there is currently no instructor-led training for the MCSM: Data Platform certification, we have developed a rich set of practice labs that provide candidates the opportunity to practice advanced skills in a virtual environment. These scenario-based labs allow candidates to work through complex business problems to design robust real-world solutions. The release of these practice labs will coincide with the release of the Lab Exam. Practice Labs will be available for purchase in 30-day and 7-day increments. Please check our website for availability and purchasing instructions.

Schedule the Exam:

Schedule and take your MCSM: Data Platform Knowledge exam at your local Prometric testing center.

To learn more about the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master certification visit the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master web page on Microsoft Learning.

Introducing our latest SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master - Jameel Ahmed

boB 'The Tool Man' Taylor — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:11:27 GMT

Jameel has an extensive background in best practices,performance monitoring & tuning, high availability, disaster recovery, and Business Intelligence solutions.

He loves a challenge and prides on creating innovative solutions by using an arsenal of technologies at his disposal.

He has also written a few articles for SQL Server Magazine.

Jameel has been working with SQL Server since 1999 in Consulting, Health, & Financial sectors and is based from Vancouver, Canada.

He can be found on Twitter as @SQLJams and blogs at http://sqljams.com