The Microsoft® Certified Application Developer (MCAD) for Microsoft .NET credential is for developers who use Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET and the .NET Framework to develop, deploy, and maintain department-level applications and components for Microsoft Windows® and the Web.These developers also build enterprise solutions incorporating data services and XML Web services. The MCAD credential covers job roles that include tasks such as building, testing, and supporting the following:

• Windows and Web applications built on the Microsoft .NET Framework
• .NET-connected applications and services

Individuals working in these job roles typically have at least one to two years of relevant work experience.

Training enhances your skill level and expertise

Training enhances and accelerates your ability to create .NET-connected applications and services using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and the .NET Framework. Microsoft .NET training is created by real-world experts and is structured around essential application developer job roles. Students can learn comprehensive .NET solutions in their area of expertise. Training content is deep, relevant, and vital for building skills and pursuing certification.

MCAD for Microsoft .NET increases opportunities

The MCAD credential was created in response to industry demand for trained and certified developers who demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary skills to successfully implement applications, components, and services built on the Microsoft .NET Framework. Certification validation studies consistently show that certified individuals perform better than non-certified individuals on the job. The MCAD for Microsoft .NET credential demonstrates a developer's ability to use the power of Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services in order to be more productive. Developers with an MCAD for .NET credential have a strong foundation for moving into a lead developer role. The MCAD for .NET certification is proof of technology know-how, and allows developers and businesses alike to market their up-to-date knowledge. In addition, employers can use certification as a standard for promoting and hiring developers.

The value of MCAD certification to developers:

• Earning the MCAD for .NET credential demonstrates up-to-date skills and expertise with Microsoft’s leading development technology.
• The MCAD certification represents a subset of the skills required by the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET certification. The exams required to earn the MCAD credential also count toward the MCSD for .NET credential.
• The MCAD credential enhances professional status with clients and employers.

The value of MCAD certification to hiring managers and organizations:

• The MCAD for .NET credential promotes technical readiness for the adoption of Microsoft .NET.
• MCAD certification provides a reliable benchmark for hiring and promotions.
• The MCAD credential offers a career step for company developers.
• MCAD for .NET certification helps ensure that an organization is built on top-quality technical talent.
• When outsourcing development work, the MCAD credential provides vendor qualification assurance.

Choose a path for .NET training and MCAD certification

Comprehensive training offerings include Official Microsoft courses delivered at a Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions and Self-Paced Training Kits from Microsoft Press®;. Training reflects real-world scenarios and is developed by respected and experienced training experts who work closely with Microsoft product teams. MCAD for .NET candidates will be required to pass two core exams and one elective exam. Choose a .NET language (Visual Basic .NET or Visual C# .NET) to leverage existing skills and to become familiar with the Microsoft .NET Framework. Then, to fulfill the core certification requirements, pass one exam focused on either Web application development or Windows based application development in the language of choice. Demonstrate additional skills by passing one exam on XML Web services and server components. Finally, pass one elective exam to complete the certification.