Get the Guidance You Need by Reviewing the Exam Objective Guides for MCTS and MCPD Exams

MCTS exams 70-431, 70-431 and MCPD exam 70-441 were released in early 2006. If you are preparing for these certifications, MCTS training is highly recommended.

Microsoft posted three preparation guides for these exams on their website. These exams count toward Microsoft's next generation of certifications.

For example the 70-431: TS: SQL Server 2005-Implementation and Maintenance exam and the 70-528: TS: .NET Framework 2.0-Web-based Client Development exam count toward earning the basic MCTS certification.

For those seeking MCTS certification as a database administrator, developer or business intelligence developer in SQL Server 2005, exam #70-431is recommended. This exam is also ideal for those who currently have the MCDBA on SQL Server 2000 and would like to upgrade their credential to include SQL Server 2005 skills. Don't worry if you don't upgrade, the MCDBA won't be retired.

After passing exam 70-431, you will also have fulfilled one of the requirements for the MCITP: Database Developer, MCITP: Database Administrator, and MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer certifications.

For those who use Microsoft technologies to develop Web-based projects, exam 70-528: TS: .NET Framework 2.0-Web-based Client Development is the logical step. Candidates for this exam should work in a team-centered, medium or large development environment using either Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, Enterprise Edition or Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. Microsoft also suggests at least one year of experience with developing Web-based applications on .NET Framework (1.0/1.1/2.0) as well as solid expertise working Visual Studio 2005 and ASP.NET 2.0.

Those who pass this exam will earn their MCTS title which counts toward one of the requirements of: MCPD: Web Developer, MCPD: Windows Developer, and MCPD: Enterprise Application Developer certifications.

Exam 70-441: PRO: Designing Database Solutions Using SQL Server 2005 is ideal for professional developers who design and implement database solutions. Candidates should have at least three years of database development, gathering requirements, and troubleshooting experience. Those who pass this exam along with exam 70-431 will have fulfilled two of the three required exams that count toward the MCITP: Database Developer title.

In order to pass any of these exams, MCTS trainingIs a must. Training can take many forms including instructor-led training, e-Learning courses, and Microsoft Press self-study kits.

70-431, TS: SQL Server 2005-Implementation

70-528, TS: .NET Framework 2.0-Web-based Client Development

70-441, PRO: Designing Database Solutions Using SQL Server 2005

These exams are offered worldwide at Pearson Vue and Prometric testing centers. In the U.S., each exam costs $125.