Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)

Demonstrate your expertise in developing leading-edge enterprise solutions by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1. The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) credential validates your advanced skill set, demonstrating to customers and employers your ability to support their evolving IT needs.

Level:

Two or more years of experience developing and maintaining IT solutions and applications

Audience:

IT professional or developer

Type:

Microsoft Certification

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET certification proves your ability to design and develop enterprise solutions by using Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and .NET Framework 1.1, as well as Microsoft development tools and technologies. Earning this credential demonstrates that you have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of business solutions with Microsoft products.

Are you a developer who uses Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 or Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2008? Consider earning a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification.

MCSD candidate profile

MCSDs are fully capable of analyzing and designing leading-edge enterprise solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in a lead developer role in which they analyze business and technical requirements, and define solution architecture. Related job titles include: software engineer, software development engineer, software architect, and consultant.

Why get certified?

Earning a Microsoft Certification validates your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today's rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you utilize evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, becoming certified demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

To earn the MCSD credential, you must pass five exams (in any order):

  • One exam on Web applications development

  • One exam on Windows applications development

  • One exam on Web services and server components

  • One exam on solution architecture

  • One elective exam

Note Many of the exams in this certification track are retired. If a required exam is retired and you have not yet passed that exam, you cannot complete the certification track. You must fulfill all listed requirements to earn the certification. If you passed a required exam before it retired, it can be applied toward certification. The credential will not expire.

Exams on Web applications development: Choose one

Exam number

Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-305

Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-315

Exams on Windows applications development: Choose one

Exam number

Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-306

Developing and Implementing Windows-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-316

Exams on Web services and server components: Choose one

Exam number

Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-310

Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual C# and the Microsoft .NET Framework

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-320

Exam on solution architecture: Required

Exam number

Analyzing Requirements and Defining Microsoft .NET Solution Architectures

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-300

Elective exams: Choose one

Exam number

Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-229

Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-230

Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-234

TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server

Exam 70-235

Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-301

Implementing Security for Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-330

Implementing Security for Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET

Note This exam is retired, but if you already passed it, you can apply it toward this certification.

Exam 70-340

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-431

Developing E-Business Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004

Exam 74-135

Upgrade from MCSD to MCTS and MCPD

As an MCSD, you can upgrade your credential to demonstrate your expertise in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 by earning Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certifications.

Note You can take the required exams in any order.

Current certification

Certification goals

Required exam(s)

MCSD

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications

and

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

and

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

and

MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer on Visual Studio 2005

Exam 70-553: Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Applications Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 1

Exam 70-554: Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Applications Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 2

MCSD

MCPD: Web Developer

MCPD: Windows Developer

MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer

Exam 70-554: Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Applications Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 2

 

View all answers

Q.  How is the MCSD for Microsoft .NET certification different from the Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) for Microsoft .NET certification?

A.

An MCSD for Microsoft .NET is a lead developer who designs and develops leading-edge enterprise solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Microsoft .NET Framework. An MCAD for Microsoft .NET uses Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services, or works in a team that develops enterprise applications. The scope of responsibility for an MCSD encompasses and goes beyond that of an MCAD.

Q.  I thought Microsoft .NET development focused on the Microsoft .NET Framework. Why aren't Microsoft .NET Framework exams included in the requirements?

A.

The core exams for both the MCSD for Microsoft .NET and MCAD for Microsoft .NET certifications are based on using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET as the development environment. Because the Microsoft .NET Framework is an integral part of Visual Studio .NET, the core exams cover the framework as it relates to the specific exam objectives.

Q.  How long will my certification be valid?

A.

The MCSD certification will not retire. It will continue to hold its value in the marketplace as long as there is a need for IT professionals with these skills.

Still have questions? Try one of the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) pages:

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