ABout Microsoft Certification Exams

Question

Hi,

I have graduated in Dec 2009. I completed Masters Degree in Computer Science. I am at very basic level of .NET programming using C#. I have experience working with ASP.NET and other web technologies for 6 months. Currently I am working on the application developement using .NET framework in C#.

I am planning to give some certification exams from Microsoft so I can get some good knowledge and will build my resumne strong. I am at basic level of programming. Please suggest me, which are the certification exams avaialble from Microsoft and which exams are recommended which will be useful for me.

I have good basic knowledge of Core Java programming and I am aware of SCJP exams which is basic for Java Developer. I am looking for similar certification exams.

Answer 1

It sounds like your goal is to gain knowledge in C# and/or .NET framework.

Consider another approach:

• find a problem to solve, and tackle it with C#. It could be a program you've written or wanted to write previously. It could be a Digg clone, a blog engine, a jukebox, or whatever interests you!
• keep browsing for answers and asking questions. These pain points are what really will kick the learning process.

I'd question the value of certification exams in learning or gaining knowledge. Unfortunately, the materials around the tests only try to prep you for the tests, and likely won't be valuable.

Answer 2

If you are going for knowledge? I would recommend starting general with Visual Studio on the MCTS (.Net 2.0, 3.5, or 4.0). Following that or swap that out in favor of the the MCAD or MCSD.

Microsoft Certifications

As an aside? I agree entirely with the first comment when reading resumes with certifications.

Answer 3

Try re-writing some of your old projects from your Bachelor's degree in C#.

A Masters in Comp Sci and some tangible experience will be of far more value to you than a certification. First level certs in programming act as a checklist for yourself that you know the material. Some employers may see value in them, but many will not.

Quite frankly, I don't think you need to go after the cert, but it wouldn't hurt to look at the things that the exam tests on and learning them yourself.

Answer 4

I always recommend checking out elance.com. Find a project in the subject area you want to learn and complete it. This gives you real world experience with the kind of problems the market is willing to pay for.

You can bid on the project or simply solve it for you own professional development.

As soon as you feel comfortable start bidding on some projects. The money is not important, rather the motivation to complete the project, and the experience is what counts.

These sorts of projects can also look good on a resume.

Good Luck.