In-Depth
MCAD
For programmers, developers of component, application using Microsoft technology.
According to Microsoft, a candidate for
the Microsoft Certified Application Developer for Microsoft .NET, or MCAD.NET,
has demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining department-level
applications, components, Web or desktop clients or back-end data services
using Microsoft .NET technologies. Microsoft says it created this title
based on results of a job skills survey, which showed that the certification
program itself neglected a segment of developers who wanted a way to prove
capabilities in writing code and developing programs at the departmental
or component level.
The MCAD distinguishes itself from the MCSD in that the job description for an MCAD typically excludes designing or defining
solutions, creating specifications for customers, and designing the system software
architecture. (Likewise, 70-300, Analyzing Requirements and Defining .NET
Solutions Architecture is not part of the MCAD track.) Rather, the
MCAD is often tasked with writing code for specific functions or components of an application.
The primary candidate for an MCAD.NET has a job title such as application developer,
programmer, software developer, software engineer, software applications engineer,
or technical consultant.
Microsoft suggests that you have substantial knowledge of both Microsoft
Office and Microsoft BackOffice applications, as well as at least two
years of experience in the following areas:
- Application or component creation based on an existing customer needs
analysis and specification.
- Process modeling, data modeling, component design, and user interface
design.
- Developing, and implementing a client/server solution.
- Integrating new systems and applications into legacy environments.
- Developing Windows- and Web-based applications.
You'll receive several benefits by virtue of becoming an MCAD:
- Industry recognition of your expertise.
- The right to use the MCAD logo on business collateral.
- A certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify
you as an MCP to colleagues and clients.
- Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft
through a private MCP Web site.
- Discounts on products and services (such as Microsoft Developer Network).
- Invitations to Microsoft and MCP TechMentor conferences, technical
training sessions, and special events.
- Potential college credit for your certification through Excelsior
College, a private, independently chartered institution providing means
for working adults to demonstrate college-level competencies and to
earn accredited college degrees.
The MCAD requirements call for passing three tests—1 Web Application Development
or Windows Application Development exam, 1 Web Services and Server Component
exam, and 1 elective:
The MCAD.NET track requires four core and one elective:
| Requirement |
Exam |
|
1 Web Application Development
or
Windows Application Development
|
70-305, Developing and Implementing Web Applications with
Visual Basic .NET and Visual Studio .NET
or
70-315, Developing and Implementing Web Applications with
Visual C# .NET and Visual Studio .NET
or
70-306—Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications
with Visual Basic .NET and Visual Studio .NET
or
70-316—Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications
with Visual C# .NET and Visual Studio .NET
|
| 1 Web Services and Server Components |
70-310—Developing XML Web Services and Server Components
with Visual Basic .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework
or
70-320—Developing XML Web Services and Server Components
with Visual C# and the Microsoft .NET Framework
|
| 1 Elective |
Choose from the following:
- Any exam above (70-305, 70-306, 70-310, 70-315, 70-316,
70-320) not that isn't used to satisfy a core exam requirement.
- 70-229, Designing and Implementing Databases with SQL
Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
- 70-230, Designing and Implementing Solutions with BizTalk
Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
- 70-234, Designing and Implementing Solutions with Commerce
Server 2000
|
|
The MCAD core exams are all available as of Sept. 19, 2002. More information
on each exam can be found by clicking in the drop-down list below.
All tests must be taken in person at Prometric or VUE testing centers.
Microsoft's official MCAD requirements guide is at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcad/default.asp.