Microsoft Web Certifications
Microsoft’s Visual Studio development software and their .NET Framework is one of the most commonly-used development environments for creating web sites. Web developers working with in this environment who pursue the certifications discussed in this article should find that their productivity, job opportunities and work recognition are improved as a result. These certifications provide employers with an unbiased assessment of a developer's abilities which allows them to make better hiring decisions.
Web Certifications Available
Microsoft offers numerous certifications that validate knowledge of their Visual Studio 2008 product and .NET Framework 3.5. These certifications focus on specific areas of the product as indicated by the certification names.
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
- Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
- Windows Communication Foundation Applications
- Windows Workflow Foundation Applications
- Windows Forms Applications
- ADO.NET Applications
- ASP.NET Applications
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
- Windows Developer 3.5
- ASP.NET Developer 3.5
- Enterprise Application Developer 3.5
Separate certifications are available for those still using Visual Studio 2005 and .NET Framework 2.0. MCAD and MCSD certification exams are being retired although upgrade paths exist for people who hold these certificates.
Preparing for Microsoft Exams
Training courses to prepare for the exams are available at independent training centers and career colleges as well as at Microsoft certified training centers. Both classroom and online courses are available as well as boot-camp style classes for some certifications. At the high-end, a two-week boot-camp can cost $7000 including air-fare and lodging. Traditional classroom and online classes are less expensive with self-study type courses being the lowest cost at about $200 to $600 a course. Some self-study course providers offer free demos and free trials before purchasing.
Exam Content
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
All MCTS certifications require that the Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation exam be passed. This exam measures a person’s ability to accomplish a range of technical tasks in a .NET environment. In addition, each certification requires one other exam be passed as described below.
- Windows Presentation Foundation Applications – This certification exam covers creating of a WPF application, building user interfaces, adding and managing content, binding to data sources, customizing the appearance and configuring and deploying WPF applications.
- Windows Communication Foundation Applications – The skills validated with this certification include creating, exposing, deploying, instrumenting, administering, consuming, securing and managing the life cycle of the Windows Communication Foundation service.
- Windows Workflow Foundation Applications – Covered in this certification are the skills needed to create and host workflows, communicate with workflows, create and configure custom activities, apply rules and conditions, manage transactions and compensations and create and manage runtime services using the Workflow Foundation.
- Windows Forms Applications – This certification validates the skills needed to use Windows Forms Application to create a User Interface using standard controls, integrate data, implement printing and reporting functionality, enhance usability, implement asynchronous programming techniques, deploy Windows Form control, and configure and deploy applications.
- ADO.NET Applications – Using Active Data Objects(ADOs), exam takers will be tested on their knowledge of how to connect to data sources, select, query, modify and synchronize data, work with disconnected data and demonstrate object relational mapping using the Entity framework.
- ASP.NET Applications – This certification covers configuring and deploying web applications, consuming and creating server controls, working with data and services, troubleshooting and debugging web applications, working with ASP.NET AJAX and client-side scripting, targeting mobile devices and programming web applications.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
- Windows Developer 3.5 - Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is the exam applicable to this certification. It covers design topics such as data management, user interaction and presentation strategy, security implementation, planning for deployment and maintenance, application architecture and optimizing performance.
- ASP.NET Developer 3.5 - The exam, Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, covers ASP design topics such as controls, presentation and layout, accessing data and services, establishing ASP.NET solution structure, leveraging and extending ASP.NET architecture and applying security principles.
- Enterprise Application Developer 3.5 – The Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 exam focuses on planning and design concepts that include envisioning and designing an application, designing and developing the framework, designing components, stabilizing and testing, migrating, deploying and maintaining an application.
For those who hold a certificate for an earlier version of Visual Studio, there are separate upgrade exams available which cover the new features of the product and framework.
Taking Exams
All exams must be taken at one of 3000 Prometric testing locations, which are available worldwide.
Who Should get Microsoft Web Certifications?
These certifications are ideal for anyone working as a web site developer using Visual Studio and the .NET Framework. Obtaining certification validates a person’s abilities to a potential employer or to an internal project manager who needs to assess the person’s skills. For contract professionals, these certifications will give a leg-up on other contractors being considered for the same position.
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
All MCTS Visual Studio 2008 certifications are geared towards website developers who have been working with the .NET Framework and Visual Studio for at least one to two years and have a working knowledge of the product.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
These certifications are designed for web developers who have at least two to three years development experience using Visual Studio and the .NET Framework. All candidates must have already passed the Application Development Foundation exam and at least one other MCTS level exam as listed below.
- Windows Developer 3.5 – Windows Forms Application Development exam
- ASP.NET Developer 3.5 – ASP.NET Application Development exam
- Enterprise Application Developer 3.5 - Windows Forms Application Development, ASP.NET Application Development, ADO.NET Application Development and Windows Communication Foundation Application Development exams.
Evaluating Training Options
After deciding to pursue a Microsoft web certification, one must assess the training options and select the one best suited to their needs. Some factors to consider when making this selection are:
- Convenience – For some people, the ease of taking the course is the primary consideration. Online classes or self-study downloads may be the most convenient option for some while a boot-camp may be best for others who want to complete training all at once.
- Cost – For those paying for training themselves, the cost may be the most important factor. Self-study courses or a course at a local college may be the most affordable options.
- Method of Training - Some people learn best in a traditional classroom where an instructor is available to answer questions. Others learn better when they can study at their own pace, as with self-study courses.
About Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is a publicly traded, multi-national computer technology firm that develops and sells software products for personal and business use. Their Windows operating system, Office suite of products and Internet Explorer internet browser are the dominant products in the market. Revenue in 2008 was over $60 billion.
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