Top 11 Sharepoint Architect Certifications

Certifications are important for a SharePoint Architect in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Employers look to certifications as a way to ensure that potential candidates have the necessary skills and experience needed for the job. Certified SharePoint Architects also have access to exclusive training opportunities, resources, and support which can be beneficial for staying on top of new trends and technologies. Additionally, having a certification may give you an edge over other candidates when it comes to landing interviews and getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for SharePoint Architects and explain how they can help to further an individual's career in the field.

What are SharePoint Architect Certifications?

SharePoint Architect Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides IT professionals with the knowledge and skills to design, deploy, manage, and support SharePoint applications. It is designed to help IT professionals in all industries develop the necessary expertise to create, configure, and manage SharePoint solutions.

The program covers topics such as developing site collections and content databases, setting up search services, configuring service application architecture, deploying custom solutions, creating workflows, managing security settings, configuring web parts and page layouts, designing mobile solutions for SharePoint applications, and more. The certification also helps IT professionals understand how to optimize performance of SharePoint applications while ensuring they meet the business needs of the organization.

By receiving a SharePoint Architect Certification individuals can demonstrate their ability to design and implement secure and reliable SharePoint solutions that meet their organization's requirements. This certification shows employers that certified individuals have the skills needed to effectively design and maintain a successful SharePoint environment. Additionally it can help individuals build their career by showing employers that they are knowledgeable about the latest trends in this field.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a SharePoint Architect Certification, make sure to have a solid understanding of the SharePoint platform and its capabilities. Additionally, it is beneficial to have experience in designing, deploying and administering SharePoint solutions. Having this knowledge will make the certification process easier and more successful.

Related: What does a SharePoint Architect do?

Top 11 SharePoint Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to SharePoint Architects today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): SharePoint

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): SharePoint is a certification program that validates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, configuring and managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 solutions. It demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain collaborative enterprise-level environments built on the SharePoint platform.

To get this certification, you must first pass two required exams: Exam 70-331: Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 and Exam 70-332: Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013. You can also choose to take one additional elective exam from a list of available options.

The cost for each exam is $150 USD. Depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exams, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete all three exams and earn your MCSE: SharePoint certification.

2. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): SharePoint

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): SharePoint is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in developing applications using Microsoft SharePoint technologies. The certification validates the expertise of developers in building solutions with SharePoint, including web parts, workflow, and other customizations.

To get this certification, an individual must pass three exams: Exam 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development; Exam 70-576: PRO: Designing and Developing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 Applications; and Exam 70-577: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development. It typically takes around six months of studying to prepare for these exams.

The cost of the MCPD: SharePoint certification depends on the location where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 per exam or $450 total for all three exams.

3. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): SharePoint

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): SharePoint is a certification program provided by Microsoft to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the use and deployment of SharePoint. This certification validates that an individual has the skills necessary to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot a Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 or 2013 environment.

The MCTS: SharePoint certification requires passing one exam. The exam focuses on topics such as configuring and managing sites, users, content types, search services, security settings, web parts and applications. It also covers topics related to monitoring performance and maintaining high availability of the server farm.

It typically takes at least three months of preparation to pass the MCTS: SharePoint exam. To prepare for the exam, you should have hands-on experience with deploying and managing a Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 or 2013 environment. You should also become familiar with all aspects of the product including its features, tools and best practices. Additionally, it is recommended that you take a course or attend training sessions related to SharePoint administration before attempting the exam.

The cost for taking the MCTS: SharePoint exam varies depending on your location but generally costs around $150 USD per attempt.

4. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 is a certification program offered by Microsoft to demonstrate expertise in managing and deploying Windows Server 2008. It is the highest level of certification for IT professionals who manage, deploy, and maintain Windows Server 2008-based networks.

The MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification requires passing five exams:

1. Exam 70-640: Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory

2. Exam 70-642: Configuring Network Infrastructure with Windows Server 2008

3. Exam 70-643: Configuring Applications on Windows Server 2008

4. Exam 70-646: Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

5. Exam 70-647: Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

It usually takes around six months to complete all five exams, but this can vary depending on the individual's experience and knowledge base. To get the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification, you must pass all five exams with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points each. You can purchase practice tests and study materials from Microsoft or other third-party providers to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification varies depending on how many exams you take and where you take them. Each exam costs around $125 USD if taken at an authorized testing center or as part of a Microsoft course; however, some third-party providers may offer discounts or special packages that reduce the overall cost of getting certified.

5. Microsoft Office 365 Identity and Services

Microsoft Office 365 Identity and Services is a cloud-based service that provides users with access to the latest version of Office applications, plus other services such as email, file storage, and collaboration tools. It is designed to help organizations get the most out of their existing investments in Office while also providing them with new capabilities that are available through the cloud.

The setup process for Microsoft Office 365 Identity and Services typically takes about one hour. To get started, you will need to sign up for an account on the Microsoft website. Once your account is set up, you can then download and install the necessary software onto your computer or device.

The cost of Microsoft Office 365 Identity and Services depends on the plan you choose. The basic plan starts at $5 per user per month, while more advanced plans start at $12.50 per user per month. You can also purchase additional services such as Exchange Online Protection or Advanced Threat Protection for an additional fee.

In addition to purchasing a subscription plan, you may also need to purchase licenses for each user who will be using the service. These licenses are not included in the subscription price and must be purchased separately.

6. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Customization and Configuration

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Customization and Configuration is a comprehensive suite of tools and services that enable organizations to tailor the Dynamics CRM platform to meet their specific business needs. It offers an extensive set of features, including custom entities, fields, forms, views, dashboards, charts, and reports.

Customization and configuration can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity of the project. The amount of time needed will also depend on the size of the organization and how much customization they need. Typically, smaller organizations with fewer customization requirements can get up and running quickly while larger organizations may require more time for implementation.

To get started with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Customization and Configuration you will need to purchase a license from Microsoft or one of its resellers. You will then need to install the software on your server or in the cloud. Once installed you can begin customizing your environment by creating custom entities, fields, forms, views, dashboards, charts and reports.

The cost of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Customization and Configuration depends on the number of licenses purchased as well as any additional services required such as training or support. Generally speaking it can range anywhere from several hundred dollars up to thousands depending on what is needed.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365 is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s technical proficiency in using Microsoft Office 365 products and services. It validates the ability to deploy, configure, manage and troubleshoot Office 365 services in an enterprise environment.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the MCSA: Office 365 certification exam. Depending on your experience and background, you may be able to complete it more quickly. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as configuring Office 365 services, managing user identities and roles, implementing security measures, monitoring service health and performance, troubleshooting issues related to Office 365 services, migrating data from previous versions of Microsoft Office products, and administering Exchange Online environments.

To get the MCSA: Office 365 certification, you must pass one required exam (Exam 70-346) and one elective exam (Exam 70-347). Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE at a cost of $165 USD each. You can also purchase practice tests from various online sources to help you prepare for the exams.

The total cost for the MCSA: Office 365 certification is approximately $330 USD plus any additional fees associated with practice tests or other study materials.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a certification program designed to help developers demonstrate their expertise in designing and developing Windows Store apps, Microsoft Azure solutions, and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. The certification validates the skills needed to develop modern mobile applications using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and other related technologies.

The MCSD: App Builder certification requires passing three exams: Exam 70-480 (Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3), Exam 70-486 (Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications), and Exam 70-487 (Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services). It typically takes around 6 months of preparation to pass all three exams.

To get the MCSD: App Builder certification, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft or its authorized resellers. Each exam voucher costs $150 USD. After purchasing the exam vouchers, you can register for the exams at Pearson VUE test centers located around the world. Once you have passed all three exams, you will be awarded your MCSD: App Builder certification.

9. CompTIA Cloud+ Certification

CompTIA Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates an IT professional's knowledge and skills in cloud computing. It covers the concepts, technologies, architecture, and security of cloud computing. The CompTIA Cloud+ certification demonstrates to employers that professionals have the necessary skills to manage cloud infrastructure services and resources.

The CompTIA Cloud+ exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale from 100 to 900. The exam fee is $319 USD.

To prepare for the CompTIA Cloud+ exam, it is recommended that you have at least two years of experience working in network administration, storage, or data center administration. You should also be familiar with virtualization technologies and concepts, as well as cloud service models such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Additionally, you should have an understanding of disaster recovery processes and strategies for managing cloud resources.

There are many resources available online to help you prepare for the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam including study guides, practice tests, video tutorials, and more. Additionally, there are training courses available from various vendors that can help you gain the knowledge needed to pass the exam.

10. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in virtualizing environments using Citrix technologies. The certification is offered by Citrix, a leader in the virtualization space.

The CCP-V certification covers topics such as XenServer, XenDesktop, NetScaler, and other related technologies. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying architecture and components of virtualized systems.

To become certified, you must pass two exams: 1) Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (1Y0-311) and 2) Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (1Y0-312). Both exams take approximately 90 minutes to complete and cost $200 USD each. You can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CCP-V certification from Citrix. This certification is valid for three years from the date of passing both exams. After three years, you must retake one or both exams to maintain your certification status.

In total, it takes approximately four hours to complete both exams and costs $400 USD to obtain the CCP-V certification from Citrix.

11. VMware VCP6-DCV: Data Center Virtualization

VMware VCP6-DCV (Data Center Virtualization) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and troubleshooting VMware vSphere 6 environments. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot vSphere 6 in a data center environment.

The certification exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in, but usually ranges from $225-$250 USD.

To get certified as a VMware VCP6-DCV professional, you must first complete a course or training program that covers all of the topics covered in the exam. After completing the course or training program, you must then pass the certification exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your VMware VCP6-DCV certificate.

Do You Really Need a SharePoint Architect Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual goals and ambitions. If you are looking to become a SharePoint Architect, then having a certificate in the field can be very beneficial. It can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills required to work as an architect. A certificate also shows that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the technology and its intricacies, which is invaluable in any profession.

On the other hand, if you are already working in the field of SharePoint architecture, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate. You may already have plenty of experience and understanding of how things work within the system, and so a certificate may not be necessary in order to progress further in your career.

Ultimately it is up to you as an individual whether or not obtaining a SharePoint Architect Certificate is right for you. However, it can certainly be beneficial if you want to increase your chances of success when applying for jobs or promotions within the field.

Related: Sharepoint Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About SharePoint Architect Certifications

Q1. What is a SharePoint Architect Certification?

A1. A SharePoint Architect Certification is an official recognition of expertise in the design, development, and deployment of Microsoft SharePoint solutions. It validates a person’s ability to understand the technical concepts and best practices surrounding SharePoint architecture.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting a SharePoint Architect Certification?

A2. Benefits to getting a SharePoint Architect Certification include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, improved credibility and respect from peers and employers, better understanding of the technology, and enhanced career growth potential.

Q3. How do I get certified as a SharePoint Architect?

A3. To become certified as a SharePoint Architect, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-333: Deploying Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015 and Exam 70-339: Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016. You can find study materials for these exams on the Microsoft website or through third-party training providers such as Simplilearn or MindEdge Learning Solutions.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a SharePoint Architect?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a SharePoint Architect depends on your experience level and how much time you dedicate to studying for the certification exams. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on your situation.

Q5 What skills do I need to become certified as a SharePoint Architect?

A5 You will need knowledge in areas related to networking, server administration, system architecture, web development, security protocols, database management systems (DBMS), cloud computing technologies and other related topics to successfully pass the certification exams for becoming a Certified SharePoint Architect