Just in time for me to complete the MCAD track, I have a whole new year to look forward to of studying and taking tests.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcpd/
Instead of making a “upgrade” path for the MCAD, they have created two new titles we can append to our names: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD). From what I've gathered, the way it works is this.
- The MCTS exams are focused on Windows, Web, or Distributed computing and take two exams each. One exam is on the area of focus, the other is on the .NET 2.0 framework.
- The MCPD track is a little more complicated. There are three areas, Windows, Web, and Enterprise Applications. However, to get Enterprise Applications you must take everything that is covered in Windows and Web. For any of these, you will need a MCTS in an area (or all), as well as take tests on the Application Development Foundation of the 2.0 framework, and what appears to be a general “designing and building“ software exam.
What is not clear is for the MCPD exam you need to take a single “upgrade“ exam from MCAD, and what this means for developers who are entering their certification tracks at this moment.
All of these exams are slated for an early to mid 2006 launch. Since the titles have changes, it does not appear that that your MCAD or MCSD will “expire” as similar credentials have in the past.
Personally, I would have preferred them to upgrade the existing tracks and not create a new system just for the 2.0 framework. There are more exams, which is good to get people the information and training they need to be competent developers, but it is going to confuse the heck out of folks in trying to determine your credentials. Hi, I'm Fred, MCAD, MCSD, MCTS3, MCPD2.
And now a plea: Amit Kalani, please start writing!!!!!