Yesterday I got the really cool news that I completed all recertification requirements for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master: SharePoint certification. Couldn’t be a happier SharePoint professional right now!
What is the MCSM and what about MCM?
The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program has during the latest year transitioned into the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) program. It is not only a change in name but also a change made to adapt to the new world order. The program is not longer focusing on one specific version of the product but instead focus on what’s in the market at the current moment and specifically it covers both on-premise and cloud solutions. This is good in many senses – this allows the program to always be current, always use the latest techniques and technologies etc. The MCM was a certification without expiration date (well eventually the product cease to exist, but you still have the cert) whereas the MCSM has a three year life span and you must recertify to stay on top.
The first MCSM : SharePoint rotation!
I was fortunate to be able to participate in the rotation called U3, or Upgrade 3, which was the first MCSM rotation for SharePoint. It was two weeks on site, in the always sunny and warm Seattle, in January. I had the opportunity to spend these two weeks in a class room with the finest SharePoint professionals there is. We had great instructors, awesome labs, and fantastic discussions over the two weeks duration. It all led up to one written exam, called the Knowledge Exam, and one hands on lab, called the Qualification Lab. As always the QL was basically doing a couple of weeks worth of deep dive SharePoint work in about 8 hours time. Taken into account that this was a beta it was just about the hardest work I’ve ever done – but it was pure fun. And I made it! Phew…
Congrats to all my other friends that made it through this rotation and best of luck to the ones who will have the joy of doing the exams one more time! You can do it!