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What Is An MVP?

Introduction

The Most Valuable Professional (MVP) program is administered by Microsoft as a way of recognizing people who use and evangelize Microsoft products. There are currently about 4000 MVPs worldwide, and of those, over 260 have a specific expertise related to SQL Server. MVPs are not Microsoft employees: The MVP program is an annual award to IT professionals, and it is based on community activity over the past year. These awards are retroactive and count towards the previous year of involvement, so if you see an MVP hard at work in the community, he or she is most likely working toward a future nomination.

How Do You Become An MVP?

The MVP award is given based on contributions to the community over a 12-month timeframe. There are four award dates each year – January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.  The awarded term extends for 12 months and is then up for renewal. Contrary to what many believe, certification exams are not required to become an MVP. MVPs are chosen for their contributions to the Microsoft user community. The types of contributions include – but are not limited to – the following criteria:

  •     Providing correct answers to questions posted in forums and newsgroups
  •     Providing presentations at conferences and newsgroups
  •     Running and/or contributing to community-based web sites
  •     Providing helpful technical blog posts
  •     Presenting at local user groups and code camps
  •     Volunteering with larger SQL Server organizations (like PASS)

Visibility is important to the MVP program. The more people your efforts touch, the better your chances of being recognized as an MVP.

How do SQL Server MVPs Interact with PASS?

PASS has always valued its interaction with SQL Server MVPs. Each year, many MVPs attend and speak at the PASS Community Summit , provide presentations for PASS chapters  around the world, sit on the PASS Board of Directors , and volunteer for all levels of the organization.  If you attend a PASS event where an MVP is in attendance, they are more than happy to answer your questions about the MVP program and provide helpful technical advice.

How do I find out more information about the MVP program?

The best place to find information about the MVP program is Microsoft’s MVP site (you can see the list of SQL Server MVP's here.

The Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) is an independent, not-for-profit association, dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting the Microsoft SQL Server community. From local user groups and special interest groups (SIGs) to webcasts and the annual PASS Community Summit � the largest gathering of SQL Server professionals in the world � PASS enables knowledge sharing, in-depth learning, access to the Microsoft SQL Server team, and the ability to influence the direction of SQL Server technologies. PASS was founded in 1999 by Microsoft and CA and continues to enjoy executive level endorsement from both organizations. As the number one user community for Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft looks to the PASS community for valued feedback, input, and inspiration. PASS Mission Empower the global Microsoft SQL Server community to connect, share, learn and be inspired through networking, knowledge sharing, peer-based learning, and the ability to influence the direction of Microsoft SQL Server products and services.