Two of Microsoft's Certified Architect Program Certifications Discontinued

 

In a move that allows Microsoft to focus more on its own technologies and less on vendor-neutral certifications, Microsoft discontinued two of its Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) certifications. Both the MCA: Solutions and MCA: Infrastructure certifications have been discontinued and passed on to other groups.

The International Association of Software Architects (IASA) and the Association of Open Group Enterprise Architects (AOGEA) are professional associations that each offer comparable certification programs. In fact, both groups recognize these two MCA certifications and teamed with Microsoft to help existing MCAs obtain comparable certifications. Microsoft offered to pay for either the IASA or AOGEA option from May 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.

IASA's certification, the Certified Information Technology Architect (CITA) is available at the Foundation and Professional levels. A single exam must be passed to earn the Foundation certificate while a board exam and substantial documentation is needed for the Professional certificate.

AOGEA recognizes several certifications as qualifications for membership including: Federated Enterprise Architecture Certification (FEAC), Open Group's IT Architect Certification (ITAC) and The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), and now, MCA.

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CBT Planet offers a full menu of Microsoft certification training covering Microsoft technologies at all levels as well as a host of vendor-neutral certification programs. Whether you're an existing MCA or a candidate interested in any of the IASA or AOGEA certifications, enrolling in comprehensive certification preparation courses from CBT Planet allows you to master the technology and obtain the skills required of certification. Vendor-neutral and Microsoft training take many forms including both live and self-study options such as computer software training videos, DVDs, CBTs, online classes, distance learning, IT certification boot camps, and onsite classes.