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Microsoft Certification - Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification

(Please note that this certification is part of a series launched by Microsoft primary for Information Technology professionals or as Microsoft classifies it – IT Professionals – for those who are Information Technology (IT) specialists in that this is there career (there are also additional certifications for Developers and Trainers). However, although it is classified as such, it is also for Developers. Please do also note that people whose careers lie in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems are also classified as IT Professionals in this manner.)

What is this Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification all about?

This certification deals with skills revolving around the Microsoft technologies such as .Net, Visual Studio that are crucial in the development of web applications and technologies. The certifications deal with how you, as an IT Professional, have “market relevant skills” in terms of creating enterprise solutions based on the Microsoft .Net framework. Additionally, you can choose which certification to pursue based on your career. Thus, this certification or group of certification now deals specifically with technologies revolving around Microsoft .Net 1.0 and 1.1 frameworks.

This certification will also test whether you, as an IT professional, have the skills necessary to “lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of business solutions with Microsoft products”.

What are the Pre-requisites of Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification?

As Microsoft puts it quite clearly, “Two or more years of experience developing and maintaining IT solutions and applications”.

Additionally depending upon the exam and location, several pre-requisites may be required. This certification is divided into two further sub-certifications. It is also essential that you check the exams carefully for any pre-requisites.

Who is the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification for?

This certification is for ‘IT Professionals’ – for those who use software and technologies other than Microsoft Office or Windows Vista/XP/7 in their work. This covers fields in information technology, computer science, software engineering and information systems. To further elaborate the above paragraph, this certification is for those IT Professionals with a focus on the development of Web Applications that revolve around the .Net framework.

Specific Job titles relevant to this certification are:

software engineer
software development engineer
software architect
consultant

Additionally, this certification is also for Developers (although it doesn’t come under the category of certifications for Developers as designed by Microsoft).

Why should I get certified? What benefits are there?

The quote below, taken from the Microsoft website should be more than enough.
"Forty-three percent of survey respondents report salary increases as a result of Microsoft Certification."
– Redmond magazine 2006 survey of Microsoft IT professional’s compensation

These certifications allow an IT professional to keep up with a dynamic marketplace and gain an ‘edge’ – which will at times be the only thing that will differentiate you from a number of candidates. It also provides you technical problem-solving skills and experience that is useful in real world problems one encounters in the workplace.

Additionally, and as is the case in many jobs, Microsoft technologies are being used. Having certification in Microsoft .NET framework may be a requirement or an added advantage for you if your job description involves the usage of these products. In terms of jobs, the above mentioned job roles and the individuals who would like to perform such jobs may at times be required to take this certification.

This also provides access to several online resources on the Microsoft website that are specifically for Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP’s)

Individuals who are certified with the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification are generally capable of any job roles that are related to the Microsoft .NET framework and related suite of technologies and software developed by Microsoft.

How do I take the exams?

Exams are conducted by Prometric (www.prometric.com) and are conducted in various locations – and possibly online. However, you have to check the website since this depends on your location and time of registration.

How do I prepare for the exams?

There are several options in terms of preparing yourself. Please note that some such as the books and practice tests can be used together whereas the practice tests cannot be used alone to prepare yourself. These are:

Practice tests: Provided by several websites, which are Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers, these allow you to get a feel of your current level and in the case where you are pursuing independent study, these tests will prove useful. These cannot be used alone as preparation methods.
Instructor-led training in centers worldwide: various centers worldwide have Microsoft Certified Trainers who provide a superior learning experience by using in-depth knowledge that they possess as well as by using Microsoft Learning Products. However, please check that your trainer or training centre is certified by Microsoft or not before starting preparation. This is the recommended method.
E-Learning Self-paced training: another option provided by Microsoft; this allows those who use Microsoft technologies in the workplace and want to enhance their skills,. “Microsoft E-Learning self-paced training offers you the flexibility to learn at a time and place that is convenient for you” – ideal for those whose schedule cannot allow fixed classes. However please note that this is for those who have the ability to grasp concepts easily and have experience in independent study, in for example, university during the time when they were preparing for their degree.
Microsoft Official Distance Learning: Distance learning is a sort of system whereby the classroom is ‘virtualized’ – in essence you learn exactly as though you were in a classroom. This is also a recommended method since it is conducted by Microsoft Professionals and is also cost effective. Additionally, it can also fit into your busy schedule easily. It is also a combination, sort of, of the E-Learning Self Paced Training and Instructor led training – the best combination by far.
Microsoft Press books: Microsoft has published various books on nearly all of its certifications. Using these hand in hand with several other options and as a reference is suitable. Studying through these alone is not recommended – although it depends on the person.
Self-paced training kits: these are complete, DIY type, kits that combine a number of items that allow you to study independently. These have been developed by Microsoft specialists and are also a suitable mode of learning. These kits include the following items (as per Microsoft’s website):

A 15 percent exam discount voucher from Microsoft
Official, self-paced study guide, including a fully searchable e-book version
Practice tests with multiple, customizable testing options and a learning roadmap based on your results
More than 200 practice and review questions
Case scenarios, practice exercises, and best practices
A 180-day evaluation version of the product that is covered by the kit

Microsoft online resources: Microsoft has included various resources on its own website that provide you with information, allow you to create your own study guides, interact with professionals and students alike and much more.

How am I certified?

This certification is not divided into further certifications like many other Microsoft certifications. Five exams have to be passed – from a number of options.

For this certification no other requirements – such as interviews or experience proof is required.

Additionally, please note that this is a difficult certification – as seen from the aforementioned table – you are required to pass five exams. That is why having experience, as mentioned earlier, is essential.

In order for an IT professional to get the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification, five exams must be passed as follows:

One exam on Web applications development
One exam on Windows applications development
One exam on Web services and server components
One exam on solution architecture
One elective exam

What certifications and exams come under Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification?

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certification is not divided further into nay other certification. Thus all an interested candidate has to do is sit for and pass five exams from a number of exams as listed in the following table.

Here is a complete list of the various exams that come under this specific certification. A candidate has to choose one exam from each of the categories based on career paths and previous knowledge.

Exams on Web applications development: Choose one	Exam number
Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-305
Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-315
Exams on Windows applications development: Choose one	Exam number
Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-306
Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-316

Exams on Web services and server components: Choose one	Exam number
Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-310
Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual C# and the Microsoft .NET Framework Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-320
Exam on solution architecture: Required	Exam number
Analyzing Requirements and Defining Microsoft .NET Solution Architectures Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-300

Elective exams: Choose one	Exam number
Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-229
Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-230
Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-234
TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server	Exam 70-235
Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0 Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-301
Implementing Security for Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-330
Implementing Security for Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.	Exam 70-340
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance	Exam 70-431
Developing E-Business Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004	Exam 74-135