MCPD Certifications
Microsoft retired its MCPD certification in 2016. These were replaced by the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification class which you can explore here.
MCPD Certifications prove mastery of Microsoft Visual Studio and .NET Framework.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification validates the software development skills to successfully deploy, build, optimize, and operate applications using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework. The MCPD certificate provides hiring managers with an unbiased indicator of your capabilities as an application developer and your willingness to upgrade your credential to support new releases as business needs evolve. Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer typically requires two or more years of relevant experience.
There are 3 MCPD Certification Paths in Visual Studio 2010
1Windows Developer 4 is for developers who build rich client applications for the Windows Forms platform in the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.
You must pass four (4) exams to become a Windows Developer:
- MCTS: Windows Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-511
- MCTS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-513
- MCTS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-516
- MCPD: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-518
2Web Developer 4 is for developers who build interactive, data-driven ASP.NET applications in ASP.NET 4.0 for use on both the intranet and Internet.
You must pass four (4) exams to become a Web Developer:
- MCTS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-515
- MCTS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-513
- MCTS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-516
- MCPD: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-519
3Microsoft Azure Developer is for developers who build cloud-based applications that will be hosted on the Windows Azure platform. The MCPD Azure credential requires recertification every two years to stay current with rapidly evolving cloud technology.
You must pass three (3) exams to become an Azure Developer:
- MCTS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-513
- MCTS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 | Exam 70-516
- MCPD: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications | Exam 70-583
MCPD certifications validate the skills and expertise to succeed in Microsoft development job roles.
MCPD Salary
Mean annual wage for Microsoft Certified Professional Developers and related Microsoft certification holders:
- MOS: Microsoft Office Specialist: $53,000
- MTA: Microsoft Technology Associate: $55,000
- MCDST: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician: $57,000
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: $59,000
- MCSA: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: $73,000
- MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer: $80,000
- MCTS: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: $81,000
- MCITP: Microsoft Certified IT Professional: $90,000
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: $91,000
- MCPD: Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: $94,000
- MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator: $96,000
- MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer: $97,000
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: $97,000
- MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: $100,000
- MCA: Microsoft Certified Architect: $113,000
Average Salary by Microsoft Certification Class.
Source: Payscale.com
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About the Author
Daniel Greenspan is the founder and Editor-in-chief of ITCareerFinder. Working closely with IT professionals, world-class trainers, and hiring managers since 2005 has given him unique insight into the information technology job market and the skills and credentials IT pros need to succeed.
