MCPD - Microsoft Certified Professional Developer

The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification validates a comprehensive set of skills that are necessary to develop applications successfully by using Microsoft Visual Studio, the Microsoft .NET Framework, and other development technologies. The MCPD certification is designed to provide hiring managers with a strong indicator of your potential job success. It requires two to three years of relevant experience and a commitment to remaining current in best practices and technologies.

Why get certified?

Earning a Microsoft Certification helps validate your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today's rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you utilize evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.
Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, becoming certified demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

MCPD Certifications

                                     
• MCPD on Microsoft Visual Studio 2010
• MCPD on Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
• MCPD on Microsoft Visual Studio 2005
• MCPD on Windows Phone
• MCPD on Microsoft SharePoint 2010

                                                   
MCPD on Microsoft Visual Studio 2010:

                                         
If you plan to develop applications by using Visual Studio 2010 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0, the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) on Visual Studio 2010 certifications can help you validate your skills and abilities. You should have two to three years of experience using the technologies covered in the exam. The available certification paths include the following:

                           
• Windows Developer 4—for developers who build rich client applications for the Windows Forms platform by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.
• Web Developer 4—for developers who build interactive, data-driven ASP.NET applications by using ASP.NET 4.0 for both intranet and Internet uses.
• Windows Azure Developer—for developers who build cloud-based applications that will be hosted on the Windows Azure platform. Note that candidates who earn the MCPD: Windows Azure Developer certification will be required to show continuing ability to perform in this technology area by completing a recertification exam every two years.
                                            

MCPD on Microsoft Visual Studio 2008:

                                       
If you plan to develop applications by using Visual Studio 2008 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) on Visual Studio 2008 certifications can help you validate your skills and abilities. You should have two to three years of experience using the technologies covered in the exam. The available certification paths include the following:

                                 
• Windows Developer 3.5—for developers who build rich client applications for the Windows Forms platform by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.
• ASP.NET Developer 3.5—for developers who build interactive, data-driven ASP.NET applications by using ASP.NET 3.5 for both intranet and Internet uses.
• Enterprise Application Developer 3.5—for developers who build distributed solutions that focus on ASP.NET and Windows Forms-rich client experiences.

MCPD Upgrade Paths

                                         
Upgrade from MCPD on Visual Studio 2008 to MCPD on Visual Studio 2010:

                        
If you currently hold an MCPD certification on Visual Studio 2008, you can take advantage of one or more of our streamlined upgrade paths to transition your skills and certifications to Visual Studio 2010.

Upgrade from MCPD on Visual Studio 2005 to MCPD on Visual Studio 2008:

                        
If you hold a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) on Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 certification, you can use the following upgrade path to earn your MCPD on Visual Studio 2008.

Upgrade from MCAD or MCSD to MCPD on Visual Studio 2005:

                                        
Upgrade paths from MCAD or MCSD to MCPD on Visual Studio 2005 are no longer available. All exams for these upgrade paths are retired.