Updated: April 7, 2008
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
When you earn the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential, you demonstrate your ability to use Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework to excel in a specific, real-world job role. An MCPD credential validates a comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job, and gives hiring managers and potential customers a reliable indicator of your job performance. This credential offers a simple, targeted framework that makes the certification paths easier to understand and allows you to stand out from the crowd.
MCPD: Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
If you plan to develop applications by using Visual Studio 2008 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, you can earn an MCPD on Visual Studio 2008 to validate your skills and abilities on those platforms. There are three MCPD certification paths. Choose the path that is right for you:
If you hold an MCPD credential on Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, you can follow a simple path to upgrade your skills to Visual Studio 2008.
MCPD: Microsoft Visual Studio 2005
If you develop applications by using Visual Studio 2005 and the.NET Framework 2.0, you can earn an MCPD on Visual Studio 2005 to validate your skills and abilities on those platforms. There are three MCPD certification paths. Choose the path that is right for you:
After you earn your MCPD on Visual Studio 2005, you can follow a simple path to upgrade your skills to Visual Studio 2008.
Visual Studio .NET Credentials
The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET credential is the top-level certification for advanced developers who use the .NET Framework 1.1. These developers design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions by using Microsoft development tools and technologies in addition to the Microsoft .NET Framework.
Note The exams that support the MCAD and MCSD certification paths will retire on March 31, 2009. If you are already on your way to achieving an MCAD or MCSD certification, you should plan to finish before the exams retire. If you are just starting out on your certification path, consider switching to either the Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008 path.
Certifications will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology.
