Microsoft Certified Solution Developer

What is a MCSD certification?

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) refers to a program designed for candidates who wish to pursue careers in writing, producing or maintaining software applications. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) exam is created to test the candidate’s ability to code, design and deploy applications using one of several software languages.

The MCSD is considered as today’s high-level certification program that evaluates the candidate’s ability to create and execute innovative solutions across multiple technologies, including both cloud and local applications. This certification is constructed for individuals that have comprehensive experience in writing software applications across a number of platforms. MITS offers separate tracks for individuals seeking to earn MCSD certification. MITS’ certification tracks covers the following:

• Windows Store Apps:  This examination includes certifications using HTML5 (programming using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3 and developing Windows Store applications in HTML5), as well as C# (programming and developing Widows Store applications in C#).
• Web Applications:  This examination includes programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, developing ASP.NET web applications, and developing Azure and web services.
• SharePoint Applications:  This examination includes programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, developing ASP.NET web applications, developing SharePoint server core solutions and developing SharePoint advanced solutions.
• Application Lifecycle Management:  This examination includes administering Visual Studio Team Foundation servers, software testing with Visual Studio, and generating value with Visual Studio application lifecycle management.

Why do you need to certify?

The fundamental purpose of any professional certification program is to offer an independent, dependable assessment of the knowledge and skills comprehension required for having an edge in performing a professional role. This assessment, like any other, is typically accomplished by the successful completion of the given examination.

Microsoft requires certification holders to demonstrate continued ability to maintain their skills through recertifying every two years. Recertifying would ensure individuals that they remain updated on base technology that is often changing due to service packs, revisions, and new product releases.

What benefit(s) can you possibly achieve by earning the MCSD?

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is an advanced certification that validates an individual’s technical competence at designing and creating technology solutions. It requires exceptional skills beyond common platform boundaries and proficiency in potent software applications and enterprise solutions that are used across several devices. These proactive solutions are often incorporated on multiple technologies and languages, as well as a wide array of development tools. There are different kinds of enterprise IT solutions that include payroll systems, company-wide databases for inventory management, and employee information databases required by Human Resources departments.

Benefits on Career Opportunities

Individuals that have successfully completed the certification program will typically qualify for the following career opportunities:

• Software Developer
• IT Programmer

Job Outlook for Software Developers

Employment of software developers is projected to grow 30% from 2010 to 2020, a much faster rate compared to the average growth percentage for all occupations.

In today’s cutthroat market, a MCSD certification can help you stand out from non-certified candidates in an instant. Having a certificate increases your value as a professional as it validates your skills and expertise. Recruiters often look for individuals with MCSD credentials.

What job responsibilities are associated in MCSD?

Certified software developers have several responsibilities in their line of work, which includes designing new software to meet business requirements and end-user needs, creating models and instructions for programmers who code the software, and guiding IT projects through the entire production life cycle.

Overview of the MCSD Certification Exam:

Examinees are given 50 minutes to answer 40 to 60 questions. Test results are available immediately following the exam. To be able to pass the exam and earn a certificate, examinees must obtain a scaled score of 700 or higher. If a candidate does not receive a passing score, they may retake the test in 24 hours. If a passing score is not achieved on the second attempt, the candidate must wait seven days prior to make subsequent attempts. However, after the fifth unsuccessful attempt, the candidate must wait 12 months before starting the exam retake process again.

How does the new MCSD affect my existing Microsoft Certifications?

With the continuous growth in the IT industry, a lot of certifications have been introduced as well. However, the current MCTS and MCPD certifications are currently relevant in the market and will remain valuable until the technology covered in your certification continues to be used.

What is the difference between the new Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications and the old Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certifications?

The new Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification validates your skill to design and build apps. It implements your commitment to remain current on the latest technologies through recertification.

How can I recertify my MCSD?

To any regulatory professional, continuous learning, knowledge improvement and professional development are essential to maintain the integrity of your credentials. To recertify your MCSD, you’ll have to pass a relevant recertification exam every two years.