In-Depth

MCSD

Premier title for application developers, programmers, and system architects who use Microsoft technology.

• June 01, 2001

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer certification is aimed at those who need to prove skills in designing and developing applications with Microsoft tools, technologies, and architectural schemes. The types of programs that MCSDs are able to develop include desktop applications and multi-user, Web-based, n-tier, and transaction-based applications.

On Feb. 13, 2002, Microsoft created a new version of the title, dubbed MCSD for .NET. (At the same time, Microsoft introduced a similar title for similar title developers of programs, MCAD, was created for those whose main skill encompass writing specific programs, modules and code, sometimes for larger systems.)

The primary candidate for the MCSD has a job title such as software developer, software engineer, software applications engineer, or technical consultant.

Besides specific developer skills, Microsoft suggests that candidates have at least two years of experience in the following areas:

• Analyzing customer needs and creating requirement specification documents for client/server solutions in multiple business domains.
• Process modeling, data modeling, component design, and user interface design.
• Designing, developing, and implementing a client/server solution.
• Integrating new systems and applications into legacy environments.
• Developing Windows-based and Web applications.

Achieving the premier MCSD certification comes with many benefits:

• Industry recognition of your expertise.
• The right to use the MCSD logo on business collateral.
• A certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as an MCP to colleagues and clients.
• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through a private MCP Web site.
• Discounts on products and services (such as Microsoft Developer Network).
• Invitations to Microsoft and MCP Magazine conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
• You can join the MCP Database, a peer-to-peer database that lets you locate others in your geographic area with similar interests.
• Potential college credit for your certification through Excelsior College, a private, independently chartered institution providing means for working adults to demonstrate college-level competencies and to earn accredited college degrees.

The MCSD track based on the original 70-100 Analyzing Requirements exam consists of passing four tests—three core exams and one elective, as shown in the following table:

The MCSD for .NET track requires four core and one elective:

In each core component, Microsoft will provide core credit for only one exam. That is, if you take 70-305 to satisfy the Web Application Development section, you won't get credit for 70-315 toward the MCSD.NET; however, it will still appear on your transcript among exams you passed.

You must take the exams in person at Prometric and VUE testing centers.