Mark Parris » Microsoft Certified Master

Microsoft Certified Master’s – Pre-reading.

markparris — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:16:13 +0000

Since becoming a certified master, I have received a steady stream of requests for the pre-reading list that the MCM program recommends should be read/understood prior to attending a rotation. The publically available list can be located here, it does need updating a little but on the whole the list provides a solid foundation for the rotation.

Microsoft Certified Master|Windows Server 2008:Directory

markparris — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:31:09 +0000

I am pleased to say that I recently achieved my Microsoft Certified Master’s (MCM) in Windows Server 2008:Directory. The MCM qualification for me is the culmination of three weeks¹ intensive training in Redmond, three written exams and an eight hour practical examination.

The core focus of my three weeks in Redmond was Domain Services, which to many people is Active Directory. The Domain Services content, included deep dive sessions on Authentication; Replication; Backup and Disaster Recovery; Migration and upgrades; DNS, DFS, Troubleshooting and Group Policy.

¹ The complete subject matter for the three weeks consisted of:

Active Directory:Domain Services
Active Directory:Lightweight Directory Services
Active Directory:Certificate Services
Active Directory:Rights Management Services
Active Directory:Federation Services

Currently I am one of three Certified Masters in the UK and the only freelance consultant; but my certification experience does not stop here, I now have to take a couple of exams on the 2008 R2 content and I hopefully then will be a 2008 and 2008 R2 Certified Master. If you are considering taking your MCM Certification in Active Directory, please feel free to contact me to discuss the experience or if you prefer I can connect you with the program lead.

MCM:Directory

markparris — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:09:01 +0000

I’ve been home for nearly a week now and have had time to reflect on my experiences.

If anyone would like any insights into logistics or what to expect – please drop me a line, but don’t expect me to tell you what’s on the test as I won’t say

Have I passed or failed? – Nobody knows their results yet.

MCM:Directory Day’s 20 – Saturday 22nd

markparris — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:04:31 +0000

Day 20

All cert lab – 8 hours of impossible fun.

MCM:Directory Day’s 19 – Friday 21st

markparris — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:16:56 +0000

Day 19

All Day ITIL – and the final written exam!!.

MCM:Directory Day’s 18 – Thursday 20th

markparris — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:13:41 +0000

Day 18

All Day AD:RMS.

MCM:Directory Day’s 17 – Wednesday 19th

markparris — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:12:51 +0000

Day 17

All Day AD:FS.

MCM:Directory Day’s 16 – Tuesday 18th

markparris — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:12:11 +0000

Day 16

All Day AD:FS.

MCM:Directory Day’s 15 – Monday 17th

markparris — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:11:01 +0000

Day 15 –

2nd Exam and then All Day LDS.

MCM:Directory Day’s 13 – 14. Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th

markparris — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:08:46 +0000

Day 13 & 14 –

All weekend was spent studying for Monday’s exam, we still don’t know how we have done for the first weeks exam – but I think that’s a good thing now. If I knew that I had not passed I probably would not be so focused still.

Till whenever.