Exam 70-504:

TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 - Workflow

Published:April 14, 2008
Language(s):English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified)
Audience(s):Developers
Technology:Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
Type:Proctored Exam

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Preparing for an Exam
This exam is scheduled to retire July 31, 2013.
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We recommend that you review this preparation guide in its entirety and familiarize yourself with the FAQs and resources on the Microsoft Certification website before you schedule your exam.
Exam Topics Covered
Questions that contain code will be presented in either VB or C#. Candidates can select one of these languages when they start the exam.
Audience Profile
Candidates for Exam 70-504 use Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 to build applications that automate workflow. Candidates should have a minimum of one year of experience developing either Windows-based or Web-based applications by using the .NET Framework and should be able to demonstrate the following by using Windows Workflow Foundation (WF).
  • A solid understanding of WF in the context of the .NET Framework 3.5 solution stack
  • Experience creating both sequential and state machine workflows
  • Experience using various workflow activities
  • Experience creating custom activities
  • Experience maintaining state in a workflow
  • Experience managing transactions and handling errors in a workflow
Credit Toward CertificationExam 70-504: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 - Workflow: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam.

The information after “This objective may include but is not limited to” is intended to further define or scope the objective by describing the types of skills and topics that may be tested for the objective. However, it is not an exhaustive list of skills and topics that could be included on the exam for a given skill area. You may be tested on other skills and topics related to the objective that are not explicitly listed here.
Creating and Hosting Workflows (14 percent)
  • Create state machine workflows.
  • Create sequential workflows.
  • Select workflow authoring mode.
  • Host a workflow and designer in an application.
  • Initialize and manage the workflow life cycle.
  • Modify a workflow at runtime.
Communicating with Workflows (23 percent)
  • Handle events from the host.
  • Call methods on the host.
  • Consume services from a workflow.
  • Expose workflow as a service.
Creating and Configuring Custom Activities (25 percent)
  • Create custom activities.
  • Create custom composite activities.
  • Define custom activity layout.
  • Add dependency properties.
  • Communicate with the host from a custom activity.
  • Customize activity serialization.
Applying Rules and Conditions (13 percent)
  • Write rule sets.
  • Define rule chaining, priority, and property dependency.
  • Change rules at runtime.
  • Execute rule sets.
  • Implement conditional branching logic.
Managing Transactions and Compensations (13 percent)
  • Create and manage transactional workflows.
  • Create and handle compensations.
  • Enlist batch process in a transaction.
  • Perform exception handling.
  • Handle cancellations.
Creating and Managing Runtime Services (12 percent)
  • Create a runtime service.
  • Hydrate and dehydrate workflows.
  • Track workflows.
  • Monitor workflows.
Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Learning Plans and Classroom Training
Microsoft E-Learning
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests
Microsoft Online Resources
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 – Learning Portal: Find special offers and information on training and certification.
  • Product information: Visit the Windows Workflow Foundation Web site for detailed technology information.
  • Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.
  • TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.
  • MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers: For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
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