How do i obtain an MCSD

I was interested in obtaining my certification in Software Developing and was wondering how could i get started on this particular event?

[138 byte] By [Dpowers] at [2007-12-16]

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# 1

In general, you'll need to take several certification tests to obtain an MCSD. You can read about the process and the tests required, here...

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsd/default.asp

Mitch Gordon
http://www.enterpriseetc.com

ghostwrtrone at 2007-9-9 >

top of Msdn Tech,.NET Development,.NET Base Class Library...

# 2

Yea i saw the exams and the courses but the web sit is kind of confusing on telling you how to take the exams and different things i was wondering if you going shed the light a lil bit more...Do i go out and get the books is it a form i fill out on the net and have to go to a meeting place or is something i do in a timely fashion and hand it in the a Microsoft Partner..What direction should i take

Dpowers at 2007-9-9 >

# 3

Hi,

Select the exams which you want to take from the link provided in the previous answer. Once you select the exams, decide which one you want to take first and prepare for it.

Here are some good links for preparation:
www.measureup.com
www.transcender.com

For some free stuff, take a look here: An excellent resource:
http://www.codeclinic.com/certification.htm

Then, you need find a Test center near to you and register for the exam:
http://securereg3.prometric.com/

Once, you fix the date, you need to take the exam in the center and the results will be given out immediately. You will also get a certificate from Microsoft for becoming an MCP if you clear the exam. And then as u write subsequent exams, you will be awarded the MCAD and MCSD Certifications.

Regards,
Vikram

Vikram at 2007-9-9 >

# 4

hey Vikram, I was wondering which on is the best to obtain the MCSD of the MCAD? I know one is for Applications and the other is Solution Developing but what are the things that make it different?

Dpowers at 2007-9-9 >

# 5

Hi Dpowers,

There are three really.
1. MCP : Microsoft Certified Professional:
This certification is awarded as soon as you pass any one exam from the list.

2. MCAD :
This is awarded upon completing 3 exams. The 3 exams basically cover three topics. Windows Forms Developent, Web Application Development, Web Services and XML/Remoting etc.The three exams are available in both VB.NET as well as C#. Choose one language and pass all 3. [Passing the same exam in twice, once in VB.NET and once in C# counts as only 1.]

3. MCSD : This certification usually implies you are already an MCAD, although not mandatory. The usual approach is that you start by becoming an MCAD, and then you need to take one additional exam such as a exam on SQL Server/BiztalkServer etc and one exam on architecture. The exam on architecture is quite tough and has case studies in it where you are given scenarios and you need to devise a solution. Usually, most people keep this for the last exam.

So, MCSD is really a superset of MCAD, I'd advice you first prepare for MCAD and then progress to become an MCSD. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Regards,
Vikram

Vikram at 2007-9-9 >

# 6

Thanks Vikram,

One more question how are the exams giving...I was going to start preparing right now and maybe get ready to take it the first of the year..I was wondering how are the test giving and if you know which exams are the most maintainable or are they all the same challenge...take into consideration that i am an entry level grad but i have extensive developing skills in C# with Ado and Asp.net, also in developing Web services and and Window applciations...My first step was to get the MCAD study prep books is that a good start...are those prep test helpful in obtaining MCAD?

Dpowers at 2007-9-9 >

# 7

Hi,

The three exams on the C# Track are:
1.] Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
2.] Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C#? .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
3.] Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual C# and the Microsoft .NET Framework

I took these in the order 1, 3 and then 2. I found the Windows exam to be simpler as compared to the other two and I would say 3 was tougher than 2 in terms of difficulty level.

In terms of going with the Study prep books, I have one advice. Buy a thick study guide for your first book but have the Exam Cram series of books as the second aid. The exam cram books help you to fine tune yourself to the exam after you have gained the knowledge from the first book.

Also note that the Study Guides from MS Press have not got good reviews - you may want to look for some other one - check for reviews on Amazon.com before you buy the book. I have heard of good feedback regarding the books by Amit Kalani on Certification.

Regards,
Vikram

Vikram at 2007-9-9 >

# 8

Hey Vikram, I was wondering if Visual Studio 2003 Standard was good enough for preparing for the test or do i need to upgrade to visual studio professional?

Dpowers at 2007-9-9 >

# 9

Hi,

There can be questions on features available in the Enterprise edition also. I'd recommend you get the Enterprise Edition. I think there are 60-day trials of the Enterprise Editions which you can use for learning.

Regards,
Vikram

Vikram at 2007-9-9 >

# 10

Hey Vikram, How do i get my Asp.Net for C# to work i am getting the error messege saying that Web Access Denied...What is the solotion i am running Windows XP home edition and i also do not know if IIS comes with it?.The local server i am running does not seem to work with loading the web application?HELP Tongue Tied