Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) Review Board Interview Video Distilled
I was watching MCA Review Board Interview video as part of my preparation to the MCA program. Following are the notes I have taken while watching the video:
- Review process conducted quarterly.
- The board of 7 members reviews 13 candidates during a week.
- 3 hours per candidate
- The process:
- 10 minutes for set up.
- Introductions.
- 30 minutes presentation to the board.
- Candidate shows the 7 skills throughout the presentation.
- During 30 minutes of the presentation it is candidate’s prime time, only interrupted for clarifying. Generally no interruptions.
- Show 7 competencies.
- 10 minutes for each member of the board to ask questions.
- Precision technique questions methods – expect to be cut off.
- 5 minutes break – candidate leave the room – the board discusses what they saw and what they did not.
- 10 minutes Q&A – wide open questions.
- 5 minutes for closing remarks – candidate may say thanks or add whatever he likes.
- Done
- Members go through process of determining whether the candidate deserves MCA – thumbs up/down, giving each competencies “does not meet”, “meets” or “exceeds” mark.
- The board shares general impressions and notes taken during 2 hours review process.
- The board makes recommendations – provide feedback to the candidate where he can improve.
- Final vote, thumbs up/down.
- 3 members must give thumbs up to achieve the MCA certification.
- The candidate should expect an email after two weeks with the decision on his performance during the review.