What is a MCSD?

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) is the recommended qualification for developers. It is an internationally recognised qualification which is proven to benefit both the developer themselves and the employer.

Please note that some of MCSD exams were withdrawn in June 2004. Customers should instead consider qualifying via the MCSD.NET route.  

The MCSD program is designed for employers and developers who are committed to developing solutions using Microsoft Windows Technologies.

F1 have incorporated their own project focused workshops the Visual Basic courses which means that MCSD training is reduced by 2 days with a resulting price cut by of £380.

The following independent reports examine these benefits in detail: 'The Value of Certification for Solution Developers'  & Financial Benefits to Supporters of Microsoft Professional Certification.

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The Value of MCSD Certification to Developers

• Qualification means that the developer has demonstrated a complete and through knowledge of at least two Microsoft development languages and has a proven understanding of the Microsoft Windows technologies around which current and future development will be based.
• A developer with the MCSD qualification has achieved an internationally recognised standard which in turn means a higher remuneration package and better career development.
• An MCSD developer can demonstrate professional credibility that employers will increasingly demand for the future contracts.
• The developer receives a package of benefits from Microsoft including beta evaluation, Developer Network Library, access to a secured area of the MCP Web site.

There are a number of supporting documents relating to the above benefits including: MCP Corporate Program backgrounder, various case studies and an independent survey by the Applied Experimental Psychology Group of Southern Illinois University. Copies of these documents are available on request from F1 or Microsoft.

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The Value of MCSD Certification to Employers

• Increased job competence and productivity due to the developers having better analysis, design, development, debugging, coding, project management, testing & distribution skills.
• A complete and thorough knowledge of the Microsoft development languages and Microsoft Windows technologies means that developers will produce better quality systems which are easier to maintain and enhance.
• The employer will find lower staff turnover due to increased job and technology satisfaction amongst employees.
• The employer is likely to benefit from easier staff recruitment due to employees appreciating the commitment by the employer to an internationally approved education program. 
• See independent reports on The Value of Certification for Solution Developers'  & Financial Benefits to Supporters of Microsoft Professional Certification.

In independent studies significant improvements in all areas of developers tasks are found in MCSD qualified developers compared to non-qualified developers. 

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The Benefits of Using F1 to Certify

F1 Computing is one of the leading development companies in its field and uses this expertise to ensure that its training clients have both the theoretical knowledge supplied by Microsoft curriculum and the practical knowledge that only a development company can give.

• Save over 31% on the cost of courses when you book F1's Path to MCSD Accreditation package.  Call 0800 169 1890 for a detailed quotation customised to your specific requirements.

• F1 knows that sometimes some of the material on a course is difficult to get to grips with. To help delegates pass MCP exams, F1 allows MCSD package delegates to re-sit any course if they feel it will help them pass their MCP. Call for more details. 

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MCSD Examination Requirements

MCSD’s are required to pass three core technology exams and one elective exam that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. Exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organisations throughout the world.

To get more information about how to prepare for each exam, please visit the Microsoft web section for a list of links to suggested courses, preparation guides, exam study guides and practice exams.

The MCSD requirements are outlined in the table below.

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F1 Routes to MCSD Certification and Prices

The routes outlined below are examples only.  If you require a quote for an alternative route, please call for details.

NB. All prices are subject to VAT, if applicable.

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