I recently obtained my MCPD (Enterprise Applications Developer) credentials. I'll admit probably this is one thing which stayed in my TODO list for more than a year. Microsoft re-organised their certification program after the release of Visual Studio 2005, .NET 2.0 and SQL Server 2005. Not everyone is aware of this new certification model and its requires some explanation here.

According to new certification model, the two main categories of certification for people on Software development falls under either

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), and eventually upgrading to Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)

MCTS are targeted to specific technology so that you can demonstrate your expertise in that area. You can get your MCTS credentials in one of the following areas.

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

In addition to the above credentials, which applies to all the .NET 2.0 developers based on their choosen field (Windows, Web and Distributed), developers can also obtain MCTS credential for some of the server products example:

MCTS: SQL Server 2005

MCTS: BizTalk Server 2006

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: Enterprise Applications Developer (MCPD):

MCPD demonstrates comprehensive skills that are required to perform the job successfully, and must remain current in best practices and technologies. It also demonstrates that you have the comprehensive skills required to build n-tier solutions targeting both Web and rich-client user experiences. In order to obtain MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer candidates must first meet the requirements for the following three Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) credentials for the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

In addition the candiate also required to pass a design paper "PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework"

--Saravana

Labels: Certification

TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 was in my TODO list for a very long time. My last exam  was 74-135 BizTalk 2004 Exam way back in April 2005.

So I decided to write the exam on 5th of March 2007. I did some search to gather as much information as I can to prepare for the exam. For this exam I need to pull materials from variety of sources like MSDN, Blogs, WebCasts, Books, MS e-Learning and Product documentation. It took me enormous amount of time and effort to gather all the materials than actually preparing for the exam. I remember doing the same thing for my 74-135 BizTalk 2004 Exam, now I need to start everything again. So, this time I decided to document each and every step I move forward towards the exam goal and here is the outcome BizTalk Server 2006 Exam (70-235) Preparation Diary

As my first article after the launch of BizTalk 24 * 7 I've published my exam preparation diary, hoping it will be helpful for people not only taking the exam but also for some one preparing for interview, or in general a good reference, where all the important points related to BizTalk is in one place. It will be helpful for experienced BizTalk people to glance the document and try the exam.

I've also highlighted the document on BizTalk 24 * 7 home page.

Disclaimer: BizTalk Server 2006 Exam (70-235) Preparation Diary is my own preparation guide, there is no guarantee you'll pass the exam, just by reading the article. Keep the article as starting point, do more research, I put enough reference wherever required, so expand your reading with references mentioned. Good Luck.

Nandri!

Saravana

Labels: BIZTALK, Certification