Microsoft has recently published more details on the certification tracks for the .Net framework 3.5.
Most of my colleagues are or try to become MCPD for .Net 2.0. Below are the details of what you will need to do to get certifiied on the .Net 3.5 platform:
There’s different MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) tracks : You’re either a Windows, ASP.Net or an Enterprise developer. For the ASP.Net MCPD track here’s what you will need to do:
1. Pass the 70-536 exam: Application Development Foundation.
If you’re currently MCPD you already hold this exam.
2. Certify as MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
You do this by passing a choice of 2 out of the following exams:
Exam 70-502: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Application Development
exam available.
Exam 70-503: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Application Development
exam available.
Exam 70-504: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Application Development
exam available.
Exam 70-505: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
expected August 2008
Exam 70-561: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development
expected June 2008
Exam 70-562: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
expected June 2008
The last one is mandatory for the ASP.Net track, so you’ll need that one plus a choice of one out of the others above. Some of the exams are not yet available, so if you want to take one now I’d start with the WCF exam.
After you’ve passed the two exams you can upgrade your MCTS certification to MCPD by taking the last exam:
3. Pass the MCPD 70-564 exam.
Exam 70-564: PRO: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
expected Dec 2008
There will be an upgrade exam:
Exam 70-567: Upgrade: Transition your MCPD Web Developer Skills to MCPD ASP.NET Developer 3.5 (available soon)
Our experience in running the 2.0 track has shown that people have had better success rates by taking the individual exams, so that’s what I would advise.
Hi, What would you recommend for a person just starting off on the MCPD certification with no prior certification under his belt? With the new 3.5 certification exams would you suggest taking the MCPD 2.0 track then upgrading or would you suggest going diretly for the 3.5 track since it is the lastest certification available. And woth the changes in the different tracks, how would all these affect the books? Are the 70-528 and 70-547 going to be relevant for the 3.5 track?
Comment by Aminu — June 12, 2008 @ 9:23 am |
Hi Amuni,
Well, it depends – if you want to be certified asap, then you have to consider the fact that the 3.5 exams are not yet fully operational. If you want to certify between now and say a year, I would definitely recommend you skip the 2.0 exams and dive straight into the 3.5 versions. If you have books on 2.0, then the information in the 70-528 and 70-547 will to a large extend overlap with the new exam books, but you will miss the 3.0 and 3.5 additions like WCF, Linq and also AJAX. There is an upgrade exam, but it requires you to cram a LOT of stuff into your head for one exam, so I’d take the individual 3.5 exams.
All the best, I hope it works out for you.
Freek
Comment by Freek Leemhuis — June 12, 2008 @ 3:12 pm |
Hi Freek
I am a bit confused with these exams. I have no microsoft certification as of now. Planning to give MCPD. Are the above steps still valid or is there any modification?
Thanks
Vishal
Comment by vishal — October 8, 2008 @ 4:02 am |
@Vishal
Sorry for the late reply – I’ve been away on holiday.
As you might have noticed the landing page for certification has now been updated to include the 3.5 track for MCPD. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcpd/vstudio/2008/default.mspx and you will find that the steps described above are reflected there. If you have any specific queries please let me know.
Comment by Freek Leemhuis — November 4, 2008 @ 8:50 am |
Hi Freek
I m planning to give MCPD certifiction and this is my first one.which .NET version to go for. I m currently working in .NET 2.0 Please advise.
Comment by Meenal — December 14, 2008 @ 4:42 pm |
Hi Meenal,
I would at this stage definitely go for the 3.5 track. Most of the courseware will apply to 2.0 as well, so you can use it at work and the 3.5 certification is a good way to learn the new features in 3.5. You will be able to explain to your boss why you need to switch to 3.5 asap
Lots of success!
Comment by Freek Leemhuis — January 14, 2009 @ 4:23 pm |
Hi
I have done 70-528 and 70-536 So what should be the next exam to be MCPD. shall I opt for 70-547 or some other exam is there ( based on the 2.0 and 3.5 transition) Till now I have done on .Net 2.0 now should I complete the track with 547 or should I opt for .Net 3.5 latest papers
Comment by Deb — January 14, 2009 @ 9:08 am |
Hey, though call that one! So here’s the options available
- take 70-547 and you’ll be MCPD certified for 2005. The knowledge will be valid for 3.5 and you can take the upgrade exam at a later stage at your convenience
- abandon the 2.0 track in favour of the 3.5 track, which means you’ll have taken the 528 exam in vain and you will take longer to be certified, but after the two exams you will be an early adopter in the 3.5 track.
I guess you will have to ask yourself – how quick do I need to be certified? If you need it quick, the most viable route in my opinion would be the first option.
Let me know how you get on, I would love to hear from readers experiences!
Good luck.
Comment by Freek Leemhuis — January 14, 2009 @ 4:19 pm |
Thanx friend
!!!!!
Thanx a lot……….. Thinking of goin for 547 1st. Then to the 3.5 track ,……. ie 562 ( replacement of 528) and then 564…….
thanx again for quick and veluable suggestion
Enjoy
Comment by Deb — January 15, 2009 @ 4:17 am |