In-Depth

MCAD

For programmers, developers of component, application using Microsoft technology.

  • October 01, 2002
According to Microsoft, a candidate for the Microsoft Certified Application Developer for Microsoft .NET, or MCAD.NET, has demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients or back-end data services using Microsoft .NET technologies. Microsoft says it created this title based on results of a job skills survey, which showed that the certification program itself neglected a segment of developers who wanted a way to prove capabilities in writing code and developing programs at the departmental or component level.

The MCAD distinguishes itself from the MCSD in that the job description for an MCAD typically excludes designing or defining solutions, creating specifications for customers, and designing the system software architecture. (Likewise, 70-300, Analyzing Requirements and Defining .NET Solutions Architecture is not part of the MCAD track.) Rather, the MCAD is often tasked with writing code for specific functions or components of an application.

The primary candidate for an MCAD.NET has a job title such as application developer, programmer, software developer, software engineer, software applications engineer, or technical consultant.

Microsoft suggests that you have substantial knowledge of both Microsoft Office and Microsoft BackOffice applications, as well as at least two years of experience in the following areas:

  • Application or component creation based on an existing customer needs analysis and specification.
  • Process modeling, data modeling, component design, and user interface design.
  • Developing, and implementing a client/server solution.
  • Integrating new systems and applications into legacy environments.
  • Developing Windows- and Web-based applications.

You'll receive several benefits by virtue of becoming an MCAD:

  • Industry recognition of your expertise.
  • The right to use the MCAD 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 TechMentor conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
  • 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 MCAD requirements call for passing three tests—1 Web Application Development or Windows Application Development exam, 1 Web Services and Server Component exam, and 1 elective:

The MCAD.NET track requires four core and one elective:

Requirement Exam

1 Web Application Development

or

Windows Application Development

70-305, Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Visual Basic .NET and Visual Studio .NET
or
70-315, Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Visual C# .NET and Visual Studio .NET
or
70-306—Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications with Visual Basic .NET and Visual Studio .NET
or
70-316—Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications with Visual C# .NET and Visual Studio .NET

1 Web Services and Server Components

70-310—Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Visual Basic .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework
or
70-320—Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Visual C# and the Microsoft .NET Framework

1 Elective

Choose from the following:

  • Any exam above (70-305, 70-306, 70-310, 70-315, 70-316, 70-320) not that isn't used to satisfy a core exam requirement.
  • 70-229, Designing and Implementing Databases with SQL Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
  • 70-230, Designing and Implementing Solutions with BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
  • 70-234, Designing and Implementing Solutions with Commerce Server 2000

The MCAD core exams are all available as of Sept. 19, 2002. More information on each exam can be found by clicking in the drop-down list below.

All tests must be taken in person at Prometric or VUE testing centers.

Microsoft's official MCAD requirements guide is at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcad/default.asp.