Wondering what the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification is all about? This certification is one of Microsoft’s “developer” level certifications. It measures the candidate’s abilities in designing and developing leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft technologies, developer’s tools, platforms, and operating systems.
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer versus Microsoft Certified Application Developer
Though the titles are similar, the MCSD certification encompasses and extends beyond the capabilities of the MCAD certification. While MCAD focuses on developing applications and components for back-end data services and Web or desktop clients, the MCSD focuses on designing and developing enterprise solutions.
The Old MCSD for Microsoft .NET Certification
Microsoft has an older version of its MCSD certification, MCSD for Microsoft .NET. This certification required successfully passing five certification exams covering:
- Web applications development
- Windows applications development
- Web services and server components
- Microsoft .NET solution architectures
- One elective topic
The majority of the certification exams for the MCSD for Microsoft .NET have been retired; however, if you’ve previously passed them, they can be counted as credit toward the MCSD certification. If you have already passed the retired certification exams, it may be possible to formalize your knowledge by completing this certification’s non-retired elective requirements.
Note: If you are current an MCSD and you want to upgrade to MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer), an upgrade path is available (exams 70-553 and 70-554 Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework Part 1 and Part 2).
While the MCSD on Microsoft.NET is largely retired, Microsoft recently introduced new MCSD certifications to reflect the newer technologies in use today.
Current MCSD Certifications
Microsoft currently offers several MCSD certifications:
MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using HTML5– In order to earn this certification, you must pass three certification exams:
- Exam 70-480: Programming in HMTL5 with JavaScript and CSS3
- Exam 70-481: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript
- Exam 70-482: Advanced Windows Store App Development using HTML5 and JavaScript
There is no upgrade path for this certification.
MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using C#– In order to earn this certification, you must pass three certification exams:
- Exam 70-483: Programming in C#
- Exam 70-484: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using C#
- Exam 70-485: Advanced Windows Store App Development using C#
If you have a MCPD Windows Developer 4 certification, you can upgrade it to MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using C# by passing two certification exams (484 and 485).
MCSD: Web Applications– In order to earn this certification, you must pass two certification exams:
- Exam 70-480: Programming in HMTL5 with JavaScript and CSS3
- Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET 4.5 MVC Web Applications
- Exam 70-487: Developing Windows Azure and Web Services
There is no upgrade path for this certification.
Recertification
Microsoft requires recertification on its MCSD certifications every two years in order to ensure that the certification remains relevant despite changes in technology.
Why Earn an MCSD Certification?
Earning an MCSD certification on Windows Store Apps or Web applications can show potential employers that you have the skills required to develop enterprise solutions using the latest Microsoft technologies, development tools, platforms, and operating systems.
The post A Quick Look at the MCSD Certification Track appeared first on K Alliance Articles | Free Training Videos | IT Certification News.