Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft certifications are taken to obtain industry
recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products
and technologies. By taking several certifications you can reach higher
levels of certification, called credential.
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MCP
The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential
is for professionals who have the skills to successfully implement
a Microsoft product or technology as part of a business solution
in an organization. Candidates are required to pass one current Microsoft
certification exam. Thus anyone who passes just one Microsoft certification
exam is a Microsoft Certified Professional. |
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MCAD
Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs)
use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level
applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data
services. Candidates are required to pass three selected Microsoft
certification exams to reach the MCAD certification level. |
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MCSD
Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs)
design and develop leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft
development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Windows architecture.
Candidates are required to pass five selected Microsoft certification
exams to reach the MCSD certification level. |
As a software developer, you have a choice of earning two
different credentials to highlight your Microsoft .NET knowledge
and expertise: Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
and Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD). Microsoft illustrates
the two credentials as shown at this picture:
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Microsoft recommend that you choose the MCAD credential
if you develop, test, deploy, and maintain department-level applications,
components, Web or desktop clients, or database and network services
using Microsoft tools and technologies. To be able to take the MCAD
credential it’s recommended that you have one to two years of
experience building, deploying, and maintaining applications.
The MCAD credential was created in response to industry demand for a
certification that allows developers to show they have the skills necessary
to successfully implement functional specifications and build, deploy, and
maintain Microsoft Windows® and Web applications. Achieving the MCAD credential
can be a step toward earning the MCSD credential for advanced developers.
The MCSD credential is relevant if you
• Analyze and design leading-edge enterprise solutions with Microsoft
development tools, technologies and
platforms.
• Have at least two years of experience in a lead developer role analyzing
business and technical requirements,
and defining solution architecture.
• Have a job title of software engineer, software development engineer,
software architect, or consultant.
The MCSD credential is one of the most widely recognized
technical certifications in the industry. By earning the premier MCSD
for .NET credential, individuals demonstrate that they have the skills
necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation,
and administration of business solutions with Microsoft products.
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