I like the idea of stepping stones in certifications. Maybe not steps up to MCM but somewhere half-way-there maybe. A cert with SQL Server that requires proof of experience (similar to applying for CISSP) and maybe requirement to take a course (1 week or less). The are other vendor certs that already have this in place, example I know of is going for Certified Ethical Hacker requires a 1 week course prior to sitting the test, no exceptions.

I have taken MCITP test and although you do have to know the material I would like to see more challenging lab questions (performing a task). I would like, maybe each tester is giving a VM that has some error with SQL or performance issue with the database engine or SSIS package. You test is getting a xx% increase in performance that is proved through a DMV query maybe or resolving the error in SQL. With you answering questions for that VM as fill-in-the blank and not multiple choice.

That would be a fun test to take 😎