Microsoft have announced the new developer certification for Visual Studio 2012. Consisting of 3 exams, the certification will test your skills in HTML5, CSS3, ASP .NET 4.5 MVC, Windows Azure and Web Services.
Visual Studio 2012 is probably one of the most popular integrated solution environments that helps developers create modern, interactive web applications using cutting edge technologies such as MVC, HTML5 and Windows Azure.
Possessing an MCSD proves your worthiness in the web development marketplace. It's a highly desirable certification that boosts your employability, whether you want to go solo as a contractor or become a permanent employee for a reputable firm.
Before you consider this certification, you should have a good understanding of web architecture, .NET development (especially model view controller) and also an appreciation of web services and cloud computing.
Exams
The following exams are part of MCSD Web Applications for Visual Studio 2012
- 70-480 – Programming in HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3
- 70-486 – Developing ASP .NET 4.5 – MVC Web Applications
- 70-487 – Developing Windows Azure and Web Services
All of these exams will be available in Beta starting in the summer of 2012.
Upgrading
If you already have the MCPD Web Developer 4 certification then you can take two additional exams to upgrade to the new MCSD Web Applications certification. The two exams you need to pass are:
- 70-480 - Programming in HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3
- 70-492 – Upgrade your MCPS Web Developer 4 to MCSD Web Applications
Not sure why Microsoft require you to take two exams now but anyway you'll need to prove your skills in HTML5 and CSS3 along with the usual upgrade questions to bridge the gap between .NET 4 and .NET 4.5.
Important Notes
The new MCSD certifications require recertification every two years so you'll need to take the next set of upgrade exams when they become available.