Becoming a certified Microsoft developer: The lowdown on the MCAD and MCSD
Ed Tittel, iLearning, Inc.
05.21.2003
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With over 42,000 certified individuals for the MCSD and a healthy "add rate" of about 500 new MCADs a month since that program was introduced mid-September 2002, Microsoft's developer certification programs are definitely worth considering for those interested in programming in the Windows environment. In part one of this article, I provide an overview of these programs and their requirements. In part two, I review key topics and discuss tricks and resources you can use to help you prepare for these exams.
The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) is Microsoft's base-level developer certification. Obtaining this credential requires passing three exams, including two core exams and an elective (details are available at the MCAD requirements page). Topics covered include:
Individuals who pursue this program are primarily those who write code or develop programs for use at departmental levels, or who work primarily as coders who create individual software components for incorporation into larger-scale applications.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is Microsoft's senior-level developer certification. Along with basic programming language and development skills, the credential stresses enterprise-level software architecture, design and maintenance skills for distributed, enterprise-level applications and services. Obtaining this credential requires passing five exams, including four core exams and an elective (details are available
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at the MCSD requirements page). Topics covered include:
Every exam that counts toward the MCAD also counts toward the MCSD, so individuals can pursue the MCAD with assurance that their work also counts toward the more senior level credential. In fact, this assurance should last as long as MCADs can complete their MCSDs before program requirements change. This probably won't occur until 2006, according to recent reports about Microsoft's next-generation developer platform, part of the "Blackcomb" server environment. Because both credentials were introduced or upgraded recently, and are closely tied to the April 24, 2003 release of Windows Server 2003 and the new .NET Framework, Visual Studio and other components, these credentials stand at the beginning of their lifecycles.
The overlap between the two programs is so substantial in fact, that requirements for MCSD may be explained as a logical extension of those for MCAD, as follows:
Thus, the MCAD is a terrific stepping-stone for individuals who ultimately wish to obtain the more prestigious and senior-level MCSD, but is also a great "coder certification" in its own right.
Click here to continue to part two.
Ed Tittel is the VP of the Content Services division of iLearning, Inc. (a CapStar company). Based in Austin, TX, Ed's company specializes in Web markup languages, Java programming, and IT certification topics. Ed is also series editor for Que Certification's Exam Cram 2 and Training Guide books.
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