What benefits are there for Microsoft Certified Master on SQL Server?

Question

The requirements to obtain a Microsoft Certified Master certification on SQL Server is more extensive than it is to obtain lower level certifications. Aside from the $20k cost (if you include travel expenses), it requires a 3-week immersion period at Microsoft Campus.

My question is, in addition certifying a superior experience and skill level, what are other benefits in getting this certification? For instance, are the partnership benefits with Microsoft, or other financial/discount benefits, that only MCM allows?

Thanks

Answer 1

Here's the Microsoft link for information about this particular level of certification. I believe it answers your questions.

Answer 2

MCM is really the utmost of certs from MSFT, it is like the SQL and Exchange Ranger program and it is one of those things that - if you have to ask, you are not qualified. I dont mean that disparagingly but there are only a handful of people in the world (I think there were only 25 rangers) who have the skills and experience necessary to attain it.

The value is huge, you will be the most highly demanded SQL asset and can pretty much guarantee to stay busy at architect like rates from MCS. I would say you would make the 20K back in less than a month. You would have no problem getting accepted as a speaker at Microsoft events like TechEd and would have constant demand for article and book writing. All of these points are assumptions but based on knowing a couple people at that level and having had a talk with people from Microsoft Learning last time I was in Redmond.

Answer 3

Keith, Thanks for your answer. We can speculate about the potential benefits that kind of certification, such as getting gigs much easier, having a nice title and easier fame and glory. I agree with you.

But my question was more related to benefits from Microsoft, such as discounts, any special partnership only for MCMs, things like that.

For instance, if you have MCPs in your company, it can become a Certified Partner, and than with more people, or higher certifications, such as MCITP, you're company can become a gold certified partner. MCPs have discounts in MSDN subscriptions also, I believe...

So, what is in it for MCMs besides the obvious?