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Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) FAQ

1. Why did Microsoft create an updated Microsoft Certified Solution Developer certification?
2. It looks like some core exams in the new MCSD track are also available as electives. I'm confused - which exams are core exams and which are electives?
3. Can a single exam count as both an elective and a core in the new MCSD track?
4. What are the benefits of earning the MCSD credential?

Microsoft has developed the newer MCSD track to keep pace with developers' needs based on changing technology, products and job roles. The new certification was created using the results of a recent job-task analysis conducted with the help of more than 2,000 professional developers. The new track includes certification exams test users' ability to build Web-based, distributed, and commerce applications by using Microsoft's products, such as Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Transaction Server.

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In the new MCSD track, passing Exam 70-100: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures is required as a core exam for all candidates. Candidates must choose two exams among the desktop applications development exams and the distributed applications development exams to satisfy the other core requirements. The desktop applications development exams and the distributed applications development exams are also available as electives. The same electives are available for both the original MCSD track and the new MCSD track. Please note that some elective exams are scheduled for retirement; see the exam retirement plan for more information.

Here are examples of how candidates may fulfill the new MCSD core and elective requirements by passing the following exams:

Example 1

Core exams:

• Exam 70-100: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures
• Exam 70-175: Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0
• Exam 70-176: Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0

Elective exam:

• Exam 70-016: Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft® Visual C++® 6.0

Example 2

Core exams:

• Exam 70-100: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures
• Exam 70-176: Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0
• Exam 70-015: Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft® Visual C++® 6.0

Elective exam:

• Exam 70-152: Designing and Implementing Web Solutions with Microsoft® Visual InterDev™ 6.0

Example 3

Core exams:

• Exam 70-100: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures
• Exam 70-175: Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0
• Exam 70-176: Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0

Elective exam:

• Exam 70-165: Developing Applications with Microsoft® Visual Basic® 5.0

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No; you receive credit for an exam only once - either as a core or as an elective - within one certification track.

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Individuals who earn the new MCSD certification receive the same benefits as original MCSDs:

• Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.
• A one-year Microsoft Developer Network subscription.
• A one-year subscription to the Microsoft Beta Evaluation program.
• Access to technical and product information directly from Microsoft through a secured area of the MCP Web site.
• MCSD logos to enable you to identify your Microsoft Certified Professional status to colleagues or clients.
• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
• An MCSD certificate.
• A free subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine.

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