Microsoft Architect Series

The Architect Series

is completely different from the Technology Specialist and Professional series, composed of a five-week training session, at a cost of $25,000. Candidates are paired with an existing Microsoft Certified Architect for the duration of the program who mentor and provide guidance to complete a series of tasks. At the conclusion the candidate must submit a report and pass a Review Board interview.^{[citation needed]}

The Architect Series is very similar to other industry professional certification programs, such as the Certified Practicing Engineer (CPEng) offered by Engineers Australia.^{[citation needed]}

There are two primary tracks in the Architect Program:

Technology-based Architecture

There are two MCA Certifications in the Technology-based Architecture track:

• Messaging (Microsoft Exchange Server)
• Database (Microsoft SQL Server focused on OLTP)

Broad Architecture

This track is designed for professionals that use a variety of Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies to deliver customer solutions. Again there are two primary tracks:

• Infrastructure certifications
• Solutions certifications