How do I Become a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer?

To confirm and demonstrate his skills with not only deploying and operating Microsoft technologies-based applications, but also building and optimizing them, an individual can become a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer. A person who wants to become a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer must first obtain Microsoft certification. A person must take and pass a series of exams in order to do so.

The official Microsoft website may be one of the best resources for someone who wants to become a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer. This website contains a wealth of information about the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer exam, including study tips, exam costs, and testing locations. It also contains information for those who are unsure whether or not they are on the right certification track. Furthermore, Microsoft retires some of its exams from time to time, so a certification candidate would be wise to check its website on a regular basis.

A person with two to three years of experience with Visual Studio and the.Net framework is usually required to earn the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification. However, this level of experience isn’t a hard and fast rule. Microsoft does not require any prior education, training, or work experience to take this exam series. Even so, if an individual gains this level of hands-on experience, he is much more likely to pass the required exams.

To earn the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification, a person must pass several tests. The Windows Developer 3.5, ASP.NET Developer 3.5, and Enterprise Application Developer 3.5 certification paths are available to those who want to earn this credential using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. Passing three exams is required for the Windows Developer 3.5 and ASP.NET certification paths. The Enterprise Application Developer 3.5 certification path necessitates passing six exams.

There are three options for obtaining the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification in Visual Studio 2005. The Windows Developer path in Visual Studio 2005, as well as the Web Developer path in Visual Studio 2005, both require the passing of three exams. Candidates for the Enterprise Application Developer on Visual Studio 2005 certification must pass five exams.

A person can enroll in a training program, either in a classroom or online, to prepare for the required certification exams. Individuals can also use the Microsoft preparation guides available on the company’s website. Taking practice tests and joining study groups can also help some people.