Where to start Microsoft certification with focus on ASP.Net?

Question

I'm totally new to the microsoft certificate thing. Nevertheless I'd like to collect some certificates about Asp.net programming.

Is there such certificate I can begin with, or do they all have prerequisites and are built on top of each other?

What is the first achievable ASP.Net certificate?

(I hope this question is correctly placed on SO. SU did not seem to fit)

Answer 1

I started a thread for a similar question:

MCTS kit

This thread is about a good start and how to work through that. The MCTS Exam 70-562 is a good start for .NET 3.5.

Answer 2

Check this link

IF you want to focus on ASP.NET certification then the last row in the table is for you.

Answer 3

• TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development

and see this for Getting Started.

Answer 4

Why have Microsoft certification ? Just Study ASP.NET from one of the finest book, and gain some real life experience... beats any certification from a non academic facility.

Here is one good book: ASP.NET Book

Answer 5

I recomment you to start with 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework - Application Development Foundation. It doesn't grant a certification title, but it's a key exam to all other ASP.NET certifications (2.0 and 3.5).

After that, you could to go for:

• 70-562: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development which will grant your a "Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications"
• 70-564: Pro: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and will get a "Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: ASP.NET Developer 3.5"
• Other certifications can be considered, like ADO.NET and WCF related stuff, but only if makes sense in your professional planning/background.

Other Microsoft exams I recommend:

• 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development will give you a "MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development". As developing ASP.NET applications you'll frequently asked to do some database integration, I think that's worth to be considered.
• 70-451: PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 if you take it after 70-433, will give a "MCITP: Database Developer 2008"

As side note, up to June 30, 2010 you can take that free Second Shot offer. You just need to sign for a voucher and, if you fail at your exam, take same exam again for no cost.