Recently, I have seen a number of posts in various places around the 'net and it is clear that many folks (even those posting about these programs) do not really understand the difference between the Microsoft Certified Master, Microsoft Certified Architect and other programs, their offerings, process and cost.
I'll try to break it down for you:
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
A technical credential earned with a single product focused exam. Cost of $125. Many specialties available. Examples include the MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuring and MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuring. The exam can be taken through Prometric.
Microsoft Certified Information Technology Specialist (MCITP)
A technical credential focused on role-based competencies that include technical knowledge as well as the ability to apply that knowledge in the given role. The MCITP usually requires at least 2 additional specific MCTS credentials to form the technical basis of the credential. In addition there is one or more professional-level exams which focus on the application of the technical knowledge in the specified role. One or more role-focused exams. Cost between $125 for single pro exam tracks to $250 for multi-exam professional tracks. Examples of this credential include the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator and MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator. The exam can be taken through Prometric.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
What the MCITP is for engineers, the MCPD is for developers. The MCPD tracks credential a candidate's experience in a professional development role applying a range of specific development platforms. Each MCPD track requires multiple additional MCTS exams as a pre-requisite to the single pro level exam to earn one of the three MCPD credentials. MCPD level credentials are available for Web Developer, Windows Developer, and Enterprise Application Developer specializations. Cost $125 for single pro level exam. The exam can be taken through Prometric.
Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)
A technical credential which indicates a deep specialization in a specific product area with Microsoft technology. MCM certified candidates have communications channels to the product group, have completed rigorous training with Microsoft, and have a documented history of delivery experience with the product as well as knowledge-based and experience-based exam passes. The MCM programs are 3 weeks in duration and a candidate must attend the full session to complete the MCM program.
There are currently available only two programs in Exchange Server (Exchange) and SQL Server (Database). About to release later this year will be Active Directory (Directory or Windows Server 2008). Also announced for development and release are tracks specializing in Office Communications Server and Office SharePoint Server.
The MCM program requires Microsoft's approval to attend as well as specific technical certification pre-requisites the candidate must have completed. During the course, there are multiple written assessments as well as a lab-based exam at the conclusion of the course. The candidate must pass all assessments to earn the MCM title.
The MCM program costs $18,500 for each program.
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
The Microsoft Certified Architect is intended to certify individuals who have reached a stage of competency with both technology and delivery management such that they can be relied upon to make excellent, repeatable delivery on a large scale project for an enterprise customer. The MCAs have demonstrated a series of competencies in architecture including knowledge and application of several external architecture and operational frameworks, integration of broad based technology knowledge, and the ability to work with the customer at almost any level of the organization.
There are two sets of MCA programs. The first set are credential programs that focus on the architect as a design and delivery professional and are offered in the general Infrastructure and Solutions tracks. The second set are technology focused and indicate a professional has both the advanced architecture knowledge as well as the deep technical knowledge of an MCM. Presently, MCA technology tracks are available for MCA: Database and MCA: Messaging. For either technology track, the candidate must hold the MCM in the specified area. For any MCA program, the credentials and documentation on the candidate's history must be accepted to even sit the review board.
The actual MCA procedure itself is a peer-based review board interview which is 2 hours in length. The time investment that must go into candidate documentation and preparation to sit the review board is considerate and candidates should not assume that the review board itself is the only time commitment required. The pass rate for this program is historically EXTREMELY low for first attempts as candidates often require additional preparation to appropriately demonstrate ALL of the required competencies.
Cost to attempt the review board has been announced around $4,950.