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.NET, SQL Server Exams Debut This Week

Microsoft to release two more next-generation MCP exams for SQL Server experts, Windows developers.

The pace of exam releases coming out of Redmond seems to come in fits and starts, with the beginning of April seeing just one exam release, for Exam 7-529 TS: .NET Framework 2.0 - Distributed Application Development back on the 7th. This week, Microsoft is expected to release two more next-generation MCP exams.

The first one, Exam 70-442 PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using SQL Server 2005, is set for launch on April 27. The exam is one of three exams that count toward the Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Developer title. (The other exams, 70-441 PRO: Designing Database Solutions by Using SQL Server 2005 and 70-431 TS: SQL Server 2005-Implementation and Maintenance, were released back in January.)

Microsoft recommends that candidates for this exam have at least "three or more years dedicated to database work, which may include writing Transact-SQL queries, designing and implementing programming objects, optimizing databases, designing databases at both the conceptual and logical levels," according to the exam objective guide at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-442.asp.

The second exam, 70-526 TS: .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows-based Client Development, debuts on Friday, April 28. Those who pass this exam are half way to fulfilling the requirements for a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist credential (the other being 70-536 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation, which was released March 1), and can be used to count toward the MCPD: Windows Developer title.

According to the exam objective guide, candidates should have at least a year's extensive experience working with Visual Studio .NET in a medium or large development team, primarily doing Windows programming. To view the exam objectives for 70-526, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-526.asp.

Exams are available worldwide at Prometric and Pearson Vue testing centers for $125 each.

About the Author

Michael Domingo has held several positions at 1105 Media, and is currently the editor in chief of Visual Studio Magazine.

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