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Getting C# certification

D

Dougmeister

Senior member
Some will argue it's only a piece of paper, yadda yadda yadda. Yeah, I know, but it's something that certain bosses look for.

I have programming experience in VB, ASP, and some VB.NET. I want to learn C# because that seems to be where the market is going (if I don't want to do Java).

Feel free to disagree with me on this point.

But my main question is: if I want to earn some certifications, where should I start? I learn best by attending a classroom setting, that forces me to attack the subject matter at hand. Next best is interactive tutorials or books w/ lots of hands-on practice exercises, code, etc.

I think that the MCAD would be a good first step, with the eventual goal of MCSD.

Please recommend some good:
* books
* websites
* interactive CD/DVDs
* places to take classes (instructor-led, web-based, etc.

That will adequately prepare me for the MCAD, unless you think there is a better option.

Thanks.
 
if you are goinig for the new .net 2.0 cert, get mcpd training kit

if you are going for mcad -> mcsd (.net 1.0), get mcsd traiining kit

mcad/mcsd.net tests are ending next year, so if you want to get it, you need to hurry

there are 3 tests for mcad

1. win app
2. web app
3. xml / web/win services

then you take 2 more tests to get mcsd

1. elective
2. solution structure


I never attended any classes, just experience+ readiing these books + take practice tests
some questions are quite tricky though. definately not easy.


 
As others have stated, don't waste time on the MCAD/MCSD. I've got both and am currently working on upgrading them to MCPD, I think I read a blog post that mentioned them being expired next year sometime. The tests are hard, the MS training kit books are great, transcenders are even better (but expensive!). As for what type, it all depends on your learning habits, if you learn best by someone teaching you then goto a class, if you can read and do examples on your own then that would be best.
 
MCAD is all about .NET 1.1. MCSD gets into the crux of large scale architecture and presents you with "Given this scneario, that would you do" type of questions.

MCTS is more basic and deals specifically with all things you would do inside Visual Studio and your knowledge of the .NET library. MCPD is similar to MCSD, but has a much better layout and structure - I thought the questions were very well structured compared to the ones I encountered for MCSD.
 
So for MCPD, the Microsoft Training Kit books are generally recommended for actually learning the material?

And Transcenders for practicing?
 
Originally posted by: Dougmeister
So for MCPD, the Microsoft Training Kit books are generally recommended for actually learning the material?

And Transcenders for practicing?
Click to expand...

good choice. If you are starting new, MCPD is definately the better choice. MCSD is still more widely recognized, but its on its way out in about 3 yrs.

70-300 is still very popular amount employers though...

well, most ppl get Microsoft Traiining kit for actually studying/learning, then they get transcender to "pass/learn" the tests....

if you are really looking into learning rather than just passing the tests, there are other books out there to suppliment Microsoft traning kit. But in general, Microsoft training kit is sufficient.

gl
 
This has been discussed before. Visual Studio 2008 is good, but the entire .NET Framework 3.5 is just an extension of .NET 2.0... 3.5 just has extra API's for enhancements, Vista, etc. Comparatively, it is not as big as the .NET 1.1 to .NET 2.0 transition. In short, it will be at least 1.5-2 years more before the new Certifications come out (I read it on an MSDN blog somewhere). Also, get used to upgrading your "credentials" in the Software Industry every 18 months or so 🙂.
 
Might find this useful, Doug:




Dear Microsoft Certified Professional,

We are pleased to inform you about a recent Microsoft Certification policy change that affects your Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential.

In response to customer feedback, Microsoft has eliminated the requirement to recertify, or refresh, your MCITP or MCPD certification every three years. This is good news for you; there is no action required to maintain the certifications you hold today.

Just saw it on MSDN Flash.
 
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