MCAD or MCTS

[dotNET]

Hi

I'm trying to decide whether to study for MCAD or MCTS.

My reason for wanting to undertake certification is to move into a .NET position (I'm currently a COBOL developer).

I see that MCAD is for .NET 1.0 while MCTS is for .NET 2.0.

-Does anyone know which version of dot Net is more widely used in industry?

-Should I be going for the MCTS as it will be slightly better for future proofing?

-There are only 2 exams for MCTS whereas there are 3 for the MCAD. Does this mean that MCTS doesn't cover as much material/not as useful to me?

-Is MCAD basically the same stuff as MCTS (except for a different versin of .Net)?

-Do you know if MCTS is as well known by employers as MCAD?

Thanks.

[wagnerk]

Originally Posted by dotNET

Does anyone know which version of dot Net is more widely used in industry?

In my opinion they are currently about the same, however the longer you leave it and more .Net 2 will be used. However this does differ from company to company.

Originally Posted by dotNET

Should I be going for the MCTS as it will be slightly better for future proofing?

I would go for the MCTS as even though this cred is for .net 2, .Net 3 is just round the corner, so I'm not sure how much future proofing this will be, you will always have to upgrade your skills when new technology gets released. However this is dependant on whether you have the experience and knowledge in that area.

Originally Posted by dotNET

There are only 2 exams for MCTS whereas there are 3 for the MCAD. Does this mean that MCTS doesn't cover as much material/not as useful to me?

No, with the new generation of MS certs they have re-structured their certification to be more geared up towards either the technology (MCTS) or job role (MCITP/MCPD)

Originally Posted by dotNET

Is MCAD basically the same stuff as MCTS (except for a different versin of .Net)?

Yes and No, in the old series of exams you had the MCAD and the MCSD. The new series of exams you have the MCTS and the MCPD.

The Technology Series certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in the broad range of specialized technologies. Microsoft Technology Specialists are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology. - MS

Professional Series credentials validate a comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job. These skills include design, project management, operations management, and planning, and they are contextual to the job role. By validating a more comprehensive set of skills, these credentials give candidates and their hiring managers a reliable indicator of on-the-job performance. - MS

You're tested on the newer technology but in a different way.

Originally Posted by dotNET

Do you know if MCTS is as well known by employers as MCAD?

The MCTS/MCPD are relatively new creds from MS and may not be as well known as the MCSD/MCAD, but they are getting more well known day by day. The biggest hurdle are the HR depts who have very little IT knowledge and yet they are they ones (for the most part) that look thru the CV's to short-list for job vancancy's.

These are just my opinions, other's will also give their 2 cents

-ken

[asterias]

Could some please tell me if its a 'must' to do MCAD before doing MCTS ? Provided that I can do anyone of them, which one is tougher ? I would be concentration on C# rather than VB

[JonnyMX]

Originally Posted by asterias

Could some please tell me if its a 'must' to do MCAD before doing MCTS ? Provided that I can do anyone of them, which one is tougher ? I would be concentration on C# rather than VB

MCAD and MCTS are not related in any way.

Other than that, basically what Ken said...

[dmarsh]

Well you can take either track currently, I think most people agree the new MCTS track is harder and that was Microsofts intent I believe. There are however less exams depending on how you look at it so you could say its easier on one level.

MCAD is the old track, it can be used as a prerequisite for MCSD or MCPD, it is in no way related to MCTS. Check the Microsoft site for details or look at the MCTS traning packs in a bookshop, the back page shows the relevant tracks.

MCPD can be taken in VB, C# or C++, I think MCAD can be taken in a variety of langauges also but I'd check on this.

Oh and theres also COBOL .NET, just say NOOOOOOO !!!

While there are less exams I'd still say the MCTS/MCPD stuff is pretty comprehensive, in some ways it covers more stuff than the old track. The only thing I'd say is that the plain MCPD cert possibly covers less ground than the old MCSD and that if you are concered about this you should take the MCPD Ent track which includes 5 exams.

[Sandhya]

Hi,
i am sandhya,i am new to this site and i want to take the microsoft certification in .net.

But i am bit confusing which exam to write.MCAD is retire in march 2009 it seems,so am in confusion.

And another thing is,the microsoft site is saying that candidate should have atleast one year or 2 years of experience to take these exams but i am a fresher.Can i write microsoft certification exam as a fresher?

If i can,then can any one suggest me which exam is the best and helpful for a job.

Thanks
Sandhya

[JonnyMX]

Well, the 2005 certs will be around for a while and the 2008 certs are making an appearance.

Depending on your experience, I'd go for 2005 simply because you will find more help and resources out there.
You can always upgrade later if you need to.