New MCP beta exams
Microsoft has launched a brand new set of certification programs. They include such credentials as Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) for both database professionals and developers. The follow-on for database pros is Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP); and for developers, the follow on cert is Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD). In fact, the new program is now in swing: One exam has already had its beta period, while two others will be in beta until Dec. 5.
Bellow is the list of new exams, including links to exam objectives where available. Both Pearson VUE and Thomson Prometric will offer beta exams.
MCTS Exams
- 70-235 - Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using BizTalk Server 2006 1
- 70-431 - SQL Server 2005 Implementation & Maintenance
- 70-526 - Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Windows-based Client Development 1
- 70-528 - Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Web -based Client Development
- 70-529 - Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Application Development
- 70-536 - Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Application Development Foundation 1
MCITP Exams
- 70-441 - Designing Database Solutions Using SQL Server 2005
- 70-442 - Designing and Optimizing Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2006 1
- 70-443 - Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
- 70-444 - Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
- 70-445 - Designing Business Intelligence Solutions by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services
- 70-446 - Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
- 70-447 - Upgrade: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 1
MCPD Exams
- 70-547 - Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 2
- 70-548 - Designing and Developing Windows Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 2
- 70-549 - Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 2
- 70-551 - Upgrade: MCAD skills to MCPD: Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 2
- 70-552 - Upgrade: MCAD skills to MCPD: Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 2
- 70-553 - Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET skills to MCPD: Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework Part 1 3
- 70-554 - Upgrade: MCSD Microsoft .NET skills to MCPD: Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework Part 2 3
Prospective candidates must be invited by Microsoft to participate and have an exam code included in that invitation in order to register for a beta. Thus, if you're not invited, there's not much point in trying to get in on a beta. This is really just an indication of program status and the speed of Microsoft's ramp up for new offerings, for those not invited .
You can expect another wave of beta exams in December or January, with more to come in late April or May. It looks like the first wave of new cert-holders will probably hit the streets sometime in the summer of 2006 - for those folks lucky enough to participate in some or all of the relevant beta invitations.