Training Optional for Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MSCM) Certification

Microsoft is pleased to announce, effective July 1, 2013, training will no longer be required to obtain Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certifications. 

In an ongoing effort to expand our offering for Microsoft Certified Solutions Master certification we have decided to remove the training requirement for all master exams.  Microsoft certifications are designed to measure experience-based skills without bias in regard to the manner in which candidates obtain these skills.

This exam policy update is applicable to MCSM: Communication, MCSM: Directory Services, and MCSM: SharePoint certifications. MCSM: Data Platform and MCSM: Messaging certifications will continue to support the training optional model that has been in place for several years. Although training will no longer be required to obtain MCSM certification, Microsoft strongly encourages candidates to continue to attend training to satisfy gaps in knowledge, build relationships with other expert-level peers, and to better prepare for the corresponding Knowledge and Lab Exams that are required for each MCSM certification.