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Question of the week
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Question of the week

Q1) I am a C++ programmer. How can I plan my MCSD program? Is MCSD worth the effort? (Various members) 

ANS) MCSD program requires candidates to pass four exams (three cores and one elective). You can take two cores in a language of your choice (VC++ in this case). You can find more details on MCSD exams here:
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/default.asp?PageID=mcp&PageCall=requirements&SubSite=cert/mcsd&AnnMenu=mcsd

According to MCPMag there are 421,327 MCSEs and only 17,757 MCSDs as of April 4, 2001. MCSD has not been as popular as MCSE for various reasons. Microsoft has made drastic and frequent changes in the program format. Withdrawal of key program benefits such as MSDN Library has also been a setback to the program. Many experts have argued that employers look for developers with many more professional skills than just a certified coding ability with a specific development tool. 

MCSD, however, is generally regarded by the industry as a challenging developer program that credibly certifies the competence of programmers working in Windows environment 

Microsoft’s dotnet strategy is likely to force a major revision in MCSD. You can read a related discussion in our archives.
http://www.examsonline.com/Resource/CertAdvisor_02262001.asp

Follow up to last week’s Cert Advisor

Q2) What is Certified SPICE Assessor (CSA) Program? (From Stanely Mill)

ANS) The CSA certification program certifies professionals who have ‘knowledge, skill and experience required to conduct ISO/IEC TR 15504 conformant assessment’.

ISO 15504, SPICE (Software Process Improvement Capability dEtermination) provides a reference model for assessing organizational process capabilities. 

SPICE was developed ‘under the auspices’ of International Standardization of Organization (ISO) to harmonize the key concepts contained in the SEI CMM, BOOTSTRAP, ISO 12207 and TickIT.

CSA certification program requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and skills in following areas: ISO/IEC TR 15504 Assessments Experience, Software Engineering Communications and Human Resources. 

Applicants need to ‘go through various steps’ to earn and maintain CSA status. For more information about them please visit:
http://www.qaiusa.com/certification/csa-prog.html

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Q3) I am working towards my MCSE 2000. So far I have got certifications in 210, 215, 217, 219 and 221. What else do I need to receive my MCSE 2000? Thanks (From Mcewan)

ANS) You need to pass just two more exams to get your MCSE. You need to pass one core exam, 70-216 "Implementing and Administrating a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure". This shouldn't be too difficult, as you have completed exam 70-221, "Designing a Microsoft 2000 Network Infrastructure".

In addition you need to pass one more elective. The list of electives is fairly exhaustive as new exams are being added frequently and many being retired. Please visit the following link to choose an elective that adds to your strength: 
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/default.asp?PageID=mcp&SubSite=cert/mcse&PageCall=nttracks&AnnMenu=mcse&PageExt=.txt#elective

Q4) What is the format for Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam? Who is ACE certification meant for?

ANS) The Adobe Product Proficiency Exams are computer delivered, closed-book tests consisting of 60-90 multiple-choice questions. 

ACE is Adobe's entry-level certification created specifically for ‘graphic designers, Web designers, system integrators, value-added resellers, developers, or business professionals’ seeking recognition for their expertise with Adobe products. Adobe Certified Experts are recognized by employers as highly skilled, expert-level users of Adobe software.

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Jose_Nel requests inputs from other ExamsOnline.com members on his certification training

’I have passed A+ and N+ exams and now trying to choose between i-Net+ and Server+ to continue my certification training. I would like to hear the experiences of your other members on the value of these certificates and how they would help in my career? Thanks.’

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