RE: MCTS Exams

Hi Sangee, I don't think that it only 3 years. Microsoft will announce if
your Certification is already invalid or discontinued on their website. There
are certifications which are discontinued by Microsoft but not on a sense
that it will valid for 3 years or so. Additional information for MCTS can be
found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/default.mspx

--
4th Year Bachelor of Technology Major in Information Technology-
Technological University of the Philippines


Software Engineering Technologists


"Sangee" wrote:

> Larry,
>
> Thank you so much for the information.
>
> I have one more question abt the certification exams. I read somewhere that
> MCAD & MCSD certifications have life long validation whereas MCTS is valid
> only for 3 years. Is it true? In that case, is it wise to go with MCAD or
> MCSD and take the upgrade exam?
>
> Thanks again.
>
> "LarryWestMCSD" wrote:
>
> > Sangee:
> > If I were you, I would start off with the 70-528, which will earn you the
> > Microsoft Certified Professional designation, then go with the 70-536 to earn
> > your Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web
> > Applications certification, followed by the 70-547 exam for your Microsoft
> > Certified Professional Developer: Web Developer certification. That should
> > take you at least six months to a year (unless you are well above average)
> > and you can decide your next steps after that. All three exams have the C#
> > language as one of the options.
> >
> > If you are dealing with .NET Framework 1.x, or you don't know how to use
> > MSDN as a study tool and need to rely on study books, only then would I go
> > for the MCAD. Just remember that MCAD and MCSD .NET are based on Visual
> > Studio 2002, so you will have to "unlearn" some of the new ways that are in
> > Visual Studio 2005. Since you say you only work with Visual Studio 2005, I
> > would avoid the hassles of dealing with the differences between 2002 and 2005
> > and avoid the MCAD.
> >
> > Of course, if your goal is to get certified to get your foot in the door for
> > finding a new job, your new employer might still be on .NET 1.x, in which
> > case starting with the 70-315 exam might be your best first step as most
> > employers are not aware of MCTS, judging by the postings on Monster and Dice.
> >
> > But if you do go for the MCAD, you must also pass the XML exam (70-320) and
> > an elective from the list on the MCAD website
> > (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...irements.mspx). If these
> > aren't strong subjects for you, then earning the MCAD may be a lot harder
> > than earning the MCTS or MCPD.
> >
> > Best wishes in whatever you decide is best for you.
> > May you have a blessed New Year as well.
> > --
> > Larry J. West, MCSD, MCPD, MCTS:SQL Server 2005, MOUS, FLMI, ACS
> >
> >
> > "Sangee" wrote:
> >
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > I am a software developer and I am planning on takin exams. Which exams
> > > should I take? I am using Visual Studio 2005 (mainly c# web services & Adobe
> > > flex front end). Should I take MCTS or MCAD? Please provide me the list of
> > > exams I need to take.
> > >
> > > Thank you all in advance and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Willy David Jr

[IT.VP]

I also have a question regarding the MCTS Certification for Visual Studio 2005.
I have an choice to make regarding which exams to take for MCTS Web Developer. I can either take the 70-536 and the 70-528 followed by the 70-547 which means that the VS 2005 Cert may be discontinued soon. I also have a choice of taking the Visual Studio 2008 exams. I heard that the Visual Studio 2010 Beta is out.... This makes me feel as though they might be discontinuing the 2005 exams. I called Microsoft and they gave me no answer at all on it (Big surprise...) The reps are saying nothing about any target time. Have you heard anything through the IT Community or have any personal feelings about when they might discontinue the 2005 exams? I would hate to put all my effort and money into something about to be discontinued? What is your advice?

Thanks - CC (IT.VP)

IT.VP