Technology Series (MCTS)
The Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies, and are generally the first step toward the Professional-level certifications. There are currently 20 MCTS certifications, which can be roughly grouped into the following specializations, each requiring certain examinations to be passed:
Office Specializations
Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
- Exam 70-632: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects
Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
- Exam 70-633: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects
Forefront Client and Server, Configuration
- Exam 70-557: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration
Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration
- Exam 70-630: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring
Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development
- Exam 70-542: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Application Development
.NET Framework Specializations
.NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
- Exam 70-528: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
- Exam 70-526: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-Based Client Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
- Exam 70-529: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Distributed Application Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
SQL Server Specializations
- Exam 70-431: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
- Exam 70-445: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance
Business Intelligence Specializations
- Exam 70-235: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server
Live Communications Server 2005
- Exam 70-262: Office Live Communications Server 2005-Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Configuration
- Exam 70-236: Exchange Server 2007, Configuring
Windows Specializations
Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications
- Exam 70-540: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 – Application Development
Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing
- Exam 70-500: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing
Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Application Development
- Exam 70-541: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development
Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuration
- Exam 70-631: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring
Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration and Management
- Exam 70-501: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuring and Managing
Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and Maintaining
- Exam 70-624: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
- Exam 70-620: Windows Vista, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
- Exam 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
- Exam 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration
- Exam 70-643: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
Professional Series
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
These certifications are designed for .NET software developers and are based around .NET 3.5, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2005/2008.
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
- Exam 70-505: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
- Exam 70-563 (PRO): Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
- Exam 70-562: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
- Exam 70-564 (PRO): Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
Web Developer, Visual Studio 2005
- Exam 70-528: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development
- Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
- Exam 70-547 (PRO): Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Enterprise Applications Developer 3.5
- Exam 70-503: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Application Development
- Exam 70-505: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
- Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation – applicable to both .NET 2.0 and .NET 3.5
- Exam 70-561: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development
- Exam 70-562: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
- Exam 70-565 (PRO): Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
The Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credential is the leading certification for Microsoft. It provides widely recognized, objective validation of your ability to perform critical, current IT job roles by using Microsoft technologies to their best advantage.
These certifications are designed for IT professionals including administrators and support personnel in addition to database specialists (both administrators and developers).
Business Intelligence Developer
- MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
- Exam 70-446 (PRO): Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Consumer Support Technician
- MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration
- Exam 70-623 (PRO): Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians
Database Developer
- MCTS: SQL Server 2005
- Exam 70-441 (PRO): Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Open License 6.0
- Exam 70-442 (PRO): Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Database Administrator
- MCTS: SQL Server 2005
- Exam 70-443 (PRO): Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
- Exam 70-444 (PRO): Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Enterprise Messaging Administrator
- MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 Configuration
- Exam 70-237 (PRO): Designing Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
- Exam 70-238 (PRO): Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
- MCTS: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
- MCTS: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
- Exam 70-634 (PRO): Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects and Programs
Enterprise Support Technician
- MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration
- Exam 70-622 (PRO): Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Microsoft Windows Vista Client for Enterprise Support Technicians
Server Administrator
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
- Exam 70-646 (PRO): Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
Enterprise Administrator
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration OR MCTS: Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and Maintaining
- Exam 70-647 (PRO): Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
Master Series
Architect Series
The Architect Series is completely different from the Technology Specialist and Professional series, composed of a five-week training session, at a cost of $25,000. Candidates are paired with an existing Microsoft Certified Architect for the duration of the program who mentor and provide guidance to complete a series of tasks. At the conclusion the candidate must submit a report and pass a Review Board interview.
The Architect Series is very similar to other industry professional certification programs, such as the Certified Practicing Engineer (CPEng) offered by Engineers Australia.
There are two primary tracks in the Architect Program:
Technology-based Architecture
There are two MCA Certifications in the Technology-based Architecture track:
- Messaging (Microsoft Exchange Server)
- Database (Microsoft SQL Server focused on OLTP
Broad Architecture
This track is designed for professionals that use a variety of Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies to deliver customer solutions. Again there are two primary tracks:
- Infrastructure certifications
- Solutions certifications
uCertify: http://www.ucertify.com
uCertify India: http://www.ucertify.in
uCertify PrepEngine: http://www.prepengine.com
Download link: http://www.ucertify.com/download.html>
With the introduction of the Professional Series your MCTS, MCITP, or MCPD certifications will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology. Typically, mainstream support is discontinued 7 to 10 years after the initial product release. When support ends, your related certification will retire.
Microsoft’s initial communications about the Professional Series certifications was announced that a “refresh” or recertification of the MCITP and MCPD credentials would be required within three years. This policy has changed. To address the needs of the worldwide customer base, the updated policy is to retire a certification when mainstream support for the related technology retires. There is no action required from you if you earned a Professional Series certification before the policy change; the updated policy applies to your certification, which will be valid until mainstream support for the related technology retires.
Technology Specialist Series (MCTS) Upgrades
There are no upgrade paths that lead only to an MCTS certification. All prior certification paths lead to either an MCPD or MCITS certification, which will indirectly confer the relevant prerequisite MCTS certification on the successful candidate.
Professional Developer (MCPD) Upgrades
The upgrade paths for the Professional Developer series require that candidates have a minimum existing Microsoft Certified Application Developer certification, although since this is a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer series, this also qualifies. Generally candidates who specialized in Windows Forms development in the MCAD would upgrade to the MCPD: Windows Developer, Web developers would take the MCPD: Web Developer path, and MCSD holders would upgrade to the MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer. However, there is no actual restriction enforced and a candidate holding any variant of the MCAD three MCAD to MCPD paths, and an MCSD can take any of the four MCSD to MCAD paths.
MCAD/MCSD to MCPD: Web Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
- Exam 70-551: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCAD/MCSD to MCPD: Windows Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
- Exam 70-552: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCAD to MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
- Exam 70-551: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
- Exam 70-552: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCSD to MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer
This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
- Exam 70-553: UPGRADE: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 1
- Exam 70-554: UPGRADE: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 2
IT Professional (MCITP) Upgrades
MCDST to MCITP: Enterprise Support
This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
- Exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise Support
MCDBA to MCITP: Database Administrator This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
- Prerequisite: MCTS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
- Exam 70-447: UPGRADE: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
MCSA and MCSE Transitions
MCSA and MCSE certifications will not be retired. Microsoft has introduced a transition path to allow MCSA/MCSE holders to obtain MCITP certification. Both certifications require a common transitional exam (70-649), as well as two additional exams for MCITP: Server Administrator and three additional exams for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.
Microsoft Certification Resources
There are several courses, boot camps and practice tests from different vendors offering preparation material for Microsoft certification exams. Boot camps normally provide residential program that includes food and lodging. These courses are meant for busy professionals who do not have enough time for self preparation or wish to get trained by professional trainers. Microsoft Press provides several books towards Microsoft certification exams preparation. Books are normally the first place to explore Microsoft certification options, and preparation. Apart from Microsoft Press books, there are other reputed publishers like Sybex, and others. In addition to books, Microsoft Learning also offers courses for each of the exams.
Apart from books, there are several practice tests vendors that offer pre-certification exams. These mock exams almost mimic actual exams, and normally priced much less than the actual exam. Several user forums are available for certification preparation where most questions are answered by other forum users.
Experts and past candidates recommend not only reading more than one book, but spending a good amount of time practicing the concepts on computers on a test environment. After practicing and reading, it’s also recommended to take sample exams before taking the Microsoft exam.
uCertify: http://www.ucertify.com
uCertify India: http://www.ucertify.in
uCertify PrepEngine: http://www.prepengine.com
Download link: http://www.ucertify.com/download.html>
Although studying at your own speed and taking the exam “when your ready” has its merits, it doesn’t work sound for millions of people who tend to postpone, or whose busy lives are filled with distractions. When you begin your studies, set a real schedule for yourself including how much you will read every day, when you will start with studying review questions, lab time, etc., depending on the amount of study time you have available and your level of experience.
Pick a training method that works for you
Not everyone learns the same approach. Formal classroom training has its advantages, but it’s not an option for many people because of price, availability, and scheduling conflicts. Self-studying with books is cheaper and more flexible, but it can be monotonous and very boring. So what’s left? uCertify offers an excellent computer based training curriculum that is well below the cost of classroom training. uCertify offers an excellent and reasonable software prep kit-training program that is very similar to classroom instruction. You will get a combination of theory and practical instruction as you progress through the lessons.
Be prepared for the new test format
To discourage memorization of answers, use of “Brain dumps”, and to make the exams a little more significant to real world environments Microsoft has redesigned the test format for all the exams. Expect of lots of troubleshooting questions, complex scenarios, and interactive questions that require you to execute a specific task on a simulated control panel.
Always read 2 books on every exam topic
This guidance has served me sound. Always read a certified study guide and a real world guide during your studies. This will give you the information you need to pass the exam. Begin by reading the real world version without highlighting or taking reams of noted. The suggestion is to get an essential understanding of the topic and a general idea of how everything works. When you are finished, start up with the certified study guide of your choice. Go through the review questions and lab scenarios in each chapter taking notes as you go.
Use the best study matter you can afford
Your choice of study guides will depend on how you study, and your rank of experience. In our opinion the best Prepkit is of uCertify, which is developed by highly qualified employees. Although the Microsoft certified syllabus is a favorite of trainers, we found the writing technique too dry for self-study and the books do not include the number and quality of review questions offered by the other series.
What to focus on
You obviously cannot remember the entire book when preparing for the exam, so what do you focus on? Microsoft publishes an instruction for each exam that lists the topics they expect you to know, and this is a good suggestion of what you will be tested on. But that still leaves a lot to chance. Fortunately, most of the books do a honest job of creating review questions that covers the exam topics very well. They also offer callouts of “exam tips” or “Alerts” for trick questions. Test prep software can also be useful, and there are also a number of ‘Certification Prep” books available that focus on review questions and their justification.
Staying motivated
Procrastination is a huge setback for many people, so if you are having a stiff time staying motivated to study, you are not alone. You can fight this tendency by getting a study partner, and or starting a friendly contest of who can pass their exams first (or with the highest score). You should be careful to pick and choose your partners, and if possible get a group of 5-7 people collectively as a study crowd. Meet on a regular basis, and talk about exam topics and review questions.
Take plenty of Test simulators
Some people are very brilliant, but just terrible at taking tests. And some of the test questions can be complicated and catch you off guard. By taking some of the prep tests available, you will be well prepared for the actual exam and more probable to pass. If you have the finances, we suggest the uCertify Exams. There are also plenty of free practice exams available on the web.
Schedule the exam for your peak time
Give yourself the leading edge possible by scheduling the exam at your peak time. For most people, this is between 10am – 2pm. If you are more of an evening person, try scheduling after 7pm. clearly weekdays will be less crowded then Saturdays. This will give you less of a distraction during the exam. Try to give yourself a small number of hours of free time before the actual exam to run through your review questions and study sheets just before you take the test.
Get a good nights sleep
Fatigue will kill you on the tougher exams. Study as much as you like in the week before the exam, but staying up late the night before your test can corrupt your performance. Also, do not eat a big breakfast or lunch that may make you sleepy during the test. Have a healthy drink to increase your blood glucose levels, and reward yourself with a good food after you pass the exam.
Come prepared
Be about 15 minutes early, bring 2 forms of photo ID, and an additional pen if you need one. Take the spare time to clear your head in the testing hub. Some people arrange a “study sheet” of important exam concepts and review in the parking lot just before they take the exam. Printing out test questions and reviewing them just before the exam can be helpful as well.
Before you start…
The test does not start until you start on the computer. Take blank sheets of paper and note down any tables or additional information you believe you may “draw a blank on” throughout the test. If you have not at all taken a Microsoft test before, there is a trial test available that does not count towards your score or your time. It features the different types of questions you will come across, as well as the new interactive and drag and drop questions. Be calm before you start. When you are ready to start the real exam, take a deep breath, and calm down before you begin. It is simply a test.
Test Taking Strategy
When looking at a multiple choice questions, keep in mind to read the entire group of answers before just clicking on the first right one you come across. Microsoft is looking for the “most correct” answer, and there may be 2 near correct answers. If you are confused on a question, try to eliminate the obviously wrong answers first. This will improve your probability of selecting the right answer from the remaining options.
If you fail, retake the test within 2 weeks
It is important to get back on the horse if you failed by a slight margin. Observe the test as a learning experience. As soon as you go away from the testing center, mark the questions that confused you while they are still new in your head. Study some more, and retake the test as soon as you feel comfortable. If you outright “bombed” the test, then you have a lot more studying to do.
Tell us about your experience
If you can take a small number of minutes to let us know about your testing experience, it will help to provide good study aides and help others all along the way. What areas confused or amazed you? What study guides helped? Which one’s did not? Did you think was hard or easy? How long did you study? Send your comments to support@ucertify.com
uCertify: http://www.ucertify.com
uCertify India: http://www.ucertify.in
uCertify PrepEngine: http://www.prepengine.com
Download link: http://www.ucertify.com/download.html>