Microsoft launches new software qualification

Microsoft has announced it will be starting a new qualification for advanced software engineers known as the Microsoft Certified Architect Program (CAP).

The program has been tried out in a pilot study this year and is now ready to go live. The program is aimed at software specialists with 10 or more years of experience in IT, with at least three years of experience as a practicing architect who show strong technical and leadership skills.

Valvano continued that CAP architects would be able to influence Microsoft software development by interacting with the company's own CAP certified staff.

"Microsoft Learning, which is sponsoring the program, decided to work with the community of practicing architects to help build the certification," said Al Valvano, director of Microsoft learning.

"It's a program designed by the community and built by the community, and it's a great validation of all the skills you've built in your professional life and will have a high impact on your IT career."

Unlike the MSCE qualifications which are exam based CAP entry will require applicants to submit a report highlighting the body of work that they have done so far. This is then reviewed by the admissions panel and then four members will grill the applicant on their core competencies for around an hour.

There is no set criteria as such but the admissions board do have benchmarks in particular skills sets. The final decision is made by a vote of the five person examining board.

There will be three types of CAP qualification; Solutions, Infrastructure, and Messaging. The first two are more general qualifications but the third is solely for messaging experts, working primarily with Microsoft Exchange customers.

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