Take the confusion out of MCTS/MCPD Certification planning

3/23/2011 1:26:47 PM

Every day clients discuss their interest in attaining a Visual Studio certification in what they already know or what they are interested in learning. The steps on how to go about this varies, depending on your background. I make it a point to go over several steps that are the same, no matter what, with all clients I speak with about this process. Some benefits to consider on certification include:

By: Lisa Seery
Education Advisor − Developer Technologies Specialist at Benchmark Learning

Every day clients discuss their interest in attaining a Visual Studio certification in what they already know or what they are interested in learning. The steps on how to go about this varies, depending on your background. I make it a point to go over several steps that are the same, no matter what, with all clients I speak with about this process. Some benefits to consider on certification include:

• showing your employer you are willing to continue your education and improve your IT career by getting Microsoft certification
• to help bolster your resume and get you into better-paid positions
• proving to yourself that you do know what you specialize in at work each and every day
• and the list goes on

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) designation can put you in the top-tier of candidates for jobs in the programming world. Get the certification you need by following these steps.

1. Choose the certification exam(s) you would like to take based on the knowledge and skills you already have or are learning (Visual Studio version and specialty area – such as Visual Studio 2008 ASP.NET focus). Microsoft offers several designations giving you a wide range of options. The path to MCPD is a combination of 1 or several MCTS’s, allowing you to get a base certification now and expand it later. View all path options here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-vstudio.aspx

2. Once you’ve chosen your path, work with me on identifying your strengths and gaps via our CareerBooster assessment process. This assessment lets you know where you are in terms of your knowledge of the .NET Framework and area of specialty that you will be tested on. Use this information to help determine the best path for your MCTS designation and any education or self-study you will need to focus on prior to heading to the test center. http://cb.benchmarklearning.com/common/CB_Intro.aspx?sid=1

3. Based on your assessment scores, you and I will determine what makes sense for next steps, which may include a plan of self-study materials, instructor led training and practice test preparation. Microsoft offers self-paced training kits, including book, CD’s with labs and practice exams, though several of my clients see a lot of value in the structure of a classroom for areas where their knowledge may be a little light.

4. You and I will discuss a timeline for the completion of your desired certification. This deadline may coincide with graduating from college, changing jobs or it may be a deadline you create to help yourself along. This timeline should include time to study, take practice exams and prepare for the real thing. I then put together a customized plan just for you taking all factors into consideration.

5. Once you are ready, we move forward with your plan of action and of course we stay connected to ensure you are accomplishing your goals based on your timeline and/or adjusting your plan as needed along the way.

6. Another important strategy I mention to candidates I work with on certification is the difference between learning and testing. It’s important to separate these tasks in two as follows: when learning/educating yourself on a topic, immerse yourself into the learning aspect of it via self-study, classroom, whitepapers, forums, etc. Learn as much about all areas that you will be tested on eventually when ready. When you are ready to prepare for testing, it’s important to incorporate practice testing and examining the scores by category and then working your way backwards to the education tools where needed. Once you are getting an overall score on your practice test of 85-95%, you are ready for the real deal.

Now that you have all these steps in front of you, the only thing left is to give me a call so we can get started on YOUR personalized plan of action!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Lisa Seery, Developer Technology Specialist
p: 952.896.6869 | e: lseery@benchmarklearning.com

Lisa Seery

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