Microsoft Certified

Regardless of how much time I actually make to post on this page I've actually been wide open educating myself and gaining experience on the Microsoft .NET platform. I've made a job change to a station where I do nothing but Microsoft .NET based client development and I've continued to pursue certifications.

Most recently I passed the .NET Framework Web based applications test to gain my MCTS. I had a second shot voucher and actually had to use it to get past this exam. If you're relatively new to Microsoft based programming and don't have a couple of years of experience under your belt you're going to need more than the Microsoft press "Training kit" book. The lack of content on many of the things they asked on the exam was what made it difficult for me to pass.

Specifically you're going to need more information on mobile applications, application deployment and authorization/authentication especially. I used a WROX programmer to programmer reference I'd picked up early last year as a suppliment and it was enough.

I noticed that after my first attempt all of my additional studying was in the areas in the second half of the Microsoft press book. Precisely I never read the first three chapters again and I scored 100% on the "programming a web application" column.

Overall I'm really happy with my journey to this certification. As an experienced non-Microsoft developer it's helped me bridge the gap between platforms and ease the transition. I plan on completing three other Microsoft developer certifications but just with the two I have at the moment I feel comfortable developing at my postion.