• 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.

Resources

• MCA Program – Certification Process Overview
• MCA Review Board Process
• Solution Architect Competencies - Part I
• Solutions Architecture Foundations Hub
• What Do Solution Architect And Enterprise Architect Do?
• Training Resources For Aspiring Enterprise Architect