Upgrade News For MCSD .Net

MCSD.Nets can upgrade to all three MCPD (i.e. Web Dev, Windows Dev and Enterprise Apps Dev) using only 3 Upgrade Exams instead of 4... So here is the quick FAQ...

Q: Can exam 554 be taken without 553 having already being taken and passed?
A: YES, 554 CAN BE TAKEN WITHOUT 553 (BUT ONLY MCSDs WILL GET CREDIT FOR 553 OR 554).
Q: If so would that mean that an MCSD.NET can obtain all MCTS and MCPD certs by passing just three exams 551, 552 & 554?
A: YES, AFTER AN MCSD EARNS THE MCPD: WEB AND MCPD: WINDOWS WITH EXAMS 551 AND 552 (AND IN DOING SO, BOTH MCTS WEB AND WINDOWS), HE OR SHE CAN TAKE 554 TO EARN MCPD: ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS (AND MCTS: DISTRIBUTED).

You can also see the rationale behind this on one of my previous posts... Click Here

We will upgrade the microsoft.com pages soon for more updates on this thread check Trika's blog too...

PDC 2007 Announced

Professional Developers Conference (PDC) is announced and is planned to be in Los Angeles from Oct 2-5 2007

Click Here for updates... You can also subscribe to RSS feeds here...

Registrations will open in first half of 2007...

News about Vista, Exchange and Office Exams

With release of Vista, Exchange and Office new certifications associated with them are also announced... Check out few of the press releases for details...

Vista, Office, Exchange Certs on Track

Upcoming releases spur new certification exams

New Exchange exams likely to emphasize roles, security

Microsoft certification program to get a makeover

Also I would encourage interested people to attend the live meeting planned on December 6th 2007... To register Click Here

Microsoft Official Distance Learning (MODL) Announced

A cool new way of learning Microsoft Technologies has been announced recently... I have personally seen the experience and it is pretty exciting... A real world environment is created remotely and a student is tought as if he/she was working on that problem in his/her office...
All of this is done remotely so you do not need to travel far away to learn from the best Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) in the world...

Check out these links

Lutz Ziob's video on MODL

Europe Annoucement

On IT News Online

On Playful's.com

On ManufactingTalk.com

25% Off On VS 2005 Upgrade Exams

To get more info Click Here

VS 2005 Upgrade Questions V1

A Colleague sent a few interesting questions on VS 2005 Upgrades am answering them here for everyone...

Q. Can exam 554 be taken without 553 having already being taken and passed?
A. Yes, it can be… Order of taking the exam is recommended not enforced... Although you will not get the complete credential till you pass all the required exams...

Q. After 551 and 552 an MCAD requries the Distributed TS (529) and the Enterprise PRO certification (549) but these two are obtained when passing 554 are they not?
A.Yes they are covered in 554 but 554 is built considering MCSD curriculum so MCAD will not receive any credit for 554…

Microsoft announces certification for Project 2007

Long awaited certification on "Microsoft Project" is announced... We have heard multiple times from Project Managers using Project as their primary tool that there needs to be a certification on this topic so finally it has been announced...

Check out some of the press releases when you find time...

Microsoft to Unveil New Certification Program for Office Project 2007

Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers


Microsoft to Release New Certification

Introducing Howard Dierking's Blog

Howard Dierking has succeded me as a Technical Product Planner for Database and Developer certifications... He too will be bring Certification News to you along with me... Hope you enjoy his blog too...

Cost of New Generation Exams

The cost of new generation exams is the same as earlier MCP exams... So basically whether you are appearing any of the below categories of exams you should be paying the same amount (ofcouse if you have some promotions then you may be paying a different amount)

MCSD, MCSE or MCDBA exams
Upgrade to New Gen exams
New Gen exams

The DLL Hell Song

Really funny and catchy composition on DLL Hell by Spike Xavier & Dan Wahlin...

Click Here

Keep Checking Certification NewsGroups

If you are preparing for certifications, you should keep an eye on the respective news groups where people have pretty interesting discussions...

Click here to check out Microsoft News Groups for Certifications

Also check out the newsgroup rules and explore many other newsgroups on specific technologies by Clicking Here

Use Outlook Express to browse through the newsgroups with ease... Below are some articles that may help you in getting acquainted with Outlook Express and subscriptions...
Outlook Express newsgroups 101

Got a tough problem? Become a newsgroupie

Mobility Exams - Beta Notification

We recently launched Developer as well as ITPRO Mobility Exams in Beta format... The live exam will be released within the next couple of months but till then you can start preping...:-)

Mobility Exams for ITPROs
Exam 70-500

Mobility Exams for Developers
Exam 70-540

Preparation Guide for Exam 70-536 - UPDATED

Based on MCP feedbacks MS has updated the preparation guides for exams. The pilot updated prep-guide is for 70-536 & can be checked out at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-536.asp

So what's new??
1.) Notice the "Exam Topics Covered" section... This section now tells you how the major areas of the exams are distributed across the exam. It will give you an opportunity to understand the coverage of the exam content and will guide you how to focus while you prepare.

2.) Also notice the "Practice questions" link... This gives you some of the sample questions to warm you up for the exam preparation. You can find more such questions in Microsoft Training Kits for the exam...

Btw, Microsoft Official Training Kit (MSPRESS Book) and E-Learning course on 70-536 will be available soon...

We would love to hear your feedback about the Prep Guide changes that our team has introduced... Do write back if you like it or even if you have any further feedback that we can take and implement... :-)

MSDN Resources for 70-536

Michael composes cool resources for 70-536 exam at the below location. A very useful compilation check it out...

http://www.dotnetfun.com/articles/certifications/Passing70536Certification.aspx

Case Study in SQL 2005 PRO Exams

I would like to get feedback from people who have appeared SQL Server 2005 Case Study Exams...

Case Study exams for SQL Server 2005 PRO level certs were introduced to test a professionals ability to synthesize a given situation and make educated judgment on the correct choice... These kind of PRO Case Study exams may not have a clear choice to make and might seem like having more than one correct answers or probably no correct answers... Although, a person who very carefully reads through will realize that there is infact distinct correct answer to the questions...

Many a times when you find multiple correct answer - take a moment and read through the case study carefully, there will be something in the case study which will drive you to the correct answer. If you find nothing to be correct try to go through again and you might find something that will tell you the correct answer...

Many may argue that such questions are trick questions and more of word mangling than actual problem OR why can't MS people be frank, precise and ask what you want? But folks that is the definition of a Technology Specialist (TS) exam... The exams focusing on How To? areas will have a clear cut answer, they will be to the point, there will be not much confusion over there BUT in case of PRO exams they are suppose to get you closer to the REAL WORLD PROBLEM... In real world you do not resolve bugs by someone telling you what the problem is... You also troubleshoot, there are various different factors that play while you trouble shoot but finally you find the problem and resolve the bug... When you design a solution there is never a clear cut best design, there are trade-offs like performance, maintainability, security, extensibility etc... You would try to design with all these factors in consideration but when you are asked that security is a higher priority over performance then your choices change; that is how PRO exams work...

In PRO exams you have to make those hard choices and those become even more reflective in CASE STUDY EXAMS, hence be prepared for Case Study Exams... I am positive that if you go with this kind of expectation, you will not be confused or frustrated, you will probably look at the exam from the right perspective and perhaps apply your professional experience to the situation and do much better than you may expect...

If you have experiences with SQL Server 2005 Case Study Exams write a comment, let us know what you feel, let me know what can be made better and I will passionately take your advise and work on it...

New Electives for MCAD, MCSD & MCDBA Certs

To encourage candidates to finish their MCADs, MCSDs and MCDBAs Microsoft has now included some of the new MCTS exams to be electives for MCAD, MCSD .Net and MCDBA certs...

Summary
Technology Specialist Exam 70-431 will now be accepted as an elective towards your MCAD or MCSD .Net credential...

Technology Specialist Exam 70-526 OR Exam 70-528 OR Exam 70-529 will now be accepted as an elective towards your MCDBA credential...


References
You can check the updates to MCAD requirements @ MCAD Requirements Page

You can check the updates to MCSD .Net requirements @ MCSD .Net Requirements Page

You can check the updates to MCDBA requirements @... MCDBA Requirements Page

What happens to MCAD, MCSD, MCDBA?

Again this is one of the common queries which I keep getting... Please DO NOT be worried about MCAD, MCSD, MCDBA going away or their exams not being available... They are not going away...

If you are working on .Net 1.X or SQL 2000 you should still plan on pursuing MCAD, MCSD and/or MCDBA... Microsoft does not plan on retiring these certifications anytime soon... I mean to say that the certifications will not only be supported but also be available to take in parallel to MCTS, MCPD and MCITP...

Both these series of certifications will co-exist till .Net 1.X or SQL 2000 product's premium support is retired and as you all know MS will not retire the support for this products for years to come...

Although there is a likely possibility that our industry itself would start demanding more MCTS, MCPD and MCITP in time to come but then if your company works on .Net 1.X and SQL 2000 then MCAD, MCSD and MCDBA is still the right thing for you right!!...

Again boils down to your choice and reasons for taking cert but MS will support, value and keep both the series for now...

MCPD options for MCSD .Net

I was asked by one of our MCTs on what are the options for a MCSD .Net to become MCPD:Web Developer & MCPD:Windows Developer IF he/she has already taken 553 & 554 to get MCPD: Enterprise Application Developer

The answer is:
1.) Either take 551 & 552 to become MCPD in Web and Windows Development respectively
OR
2.)Take 547 & 548 to achieve the same...

551 & 552 will cover TS as well as PRO contents of their respective track, where as 547 & 548 will cover only PRO content...

Which option to select depends upon your choice... Make a choice after looking at the Prep Guides of the exams on Exam Prep Guides

Dynamics of VS 2005 Upgrade Exams - Simplified

My good colleague suggested me to put the Upgrade exams story in simple words rather than my complex math, so if you do not care about all the complexity around the last post here is a simplified version:

MCPD:Web Dev = MCTS:Web + 547 = 551
MCPD:Win Dev = MCTS:Win + 548 = 552
MCPD:EA Dev = MCTS:Web + MCTS:Win + MCTS:DA + 549 = 553 + 554
(subset 1) MCTS: Web + MCTS: Win = 553
(subset 2) 529 + 549 = 554

Dynamics of VS 2005 Upgrade Exams

Upgrade exams for VS 2005 are very useful but may be confusing at times... Check these equations below and that will help you understand the dynamics of VS 2005 Upgrade exams:

Folks who are MCAD can take 551 and/or 552 upgrade exams... MCADs have an opportunity to choose which of the above upgrade exam to take based on their inclination towards Web Dev or Windows Dev... MCADs also have the liberty to take both 551 & 552 incase they are inclined towards both Web and Windows area... Although, do note that MCADs CANNOT take 553 & 554 as they are meant only for MCSDs... Truthfully, nothing stops MCADs from taking 553 & 554 but unfortunately taking these exams will not yeild into any certification for MCADs unless they later complete their MCSD .Net certification...

Folks who have MCSD .Net have got all the options that MCAD folks have plus have an opportunity take 553 & 554 upgrade exams, which are specifically designed for MCSD .Net folks...

First let us quickly take a look at equation of the NON-UPGRADE exams with certifications:
MCTS:Web = 536 + 528
MCTS:Win = 536 + 526
MCTS:DA = 536 + 529
MCPD:Web Dev = MCTS:Web + 547
MCPD:Win Dev = MCTS:Win + 548
MCPD:EA Dev = MCTS:Web + MCTS:Win + MCTS:DA + 549

Now let us look at each upgrade exam to understand what kind of credits do each one of them offer (if you PASS them :-)):
551 = 536 + 528 + 547 = MCTS:Web + MCPD:Web Dev
552 = 536 + 526 + 548 = MCTS:Windows + MCPD:Win Dev
553 = 536 + 526 + 528 = MCTS:Web + MCTS:Windows
554 = 529 + 549 = NO certification by itself

ANALYSIS FOR MCTS

Now here is how the dynamics start coming into play, let us look at what options do MCAD or MCSD folks have to become MCTS... I am intentionally leaving out MCPD right now as we will talk about it after we are done with MCTS...

Case 1: MCAD can become MCTS:Web by using any of the following options:
Option 1.) 536 + 528 (Regular Option)
Option 2.) 551
Option 3.) 552 + 528
Case 2: MCAD can become MCTS:Win by using any of the following options:
Option 1.) 536 + 526 (Regular Option)
Option 2.) 552
Option 3.) 551 + 526
Case 3: MCAD can become MCTS:DA by using any of the following options:
Option 1.) 536 + 529 (Regular Option)
Option 2.) 551 + 529
Option 3.) 552 + 529
Case 4: MCSD can become MCTS:Web by using any of the following options:
Option 1.) Any option that MCAD folks have (plus)
Option 2.) 553
Case 5: MCSD can become MCTS:Win by using any of the following options:
Option 1.) Any option that MCAD folks have (plus)
Option 2.) 553
Case 6: MCSD can become MCTS:DA by using any of the following options:
Option 1.) Any option that MCAD folks have (plus)
Option 2.) 536 + 554
Option 3.) 553 + 554
Option 4.) 553 + 529

ANALYSIS FOR MCPD

Now as we have already talked about MCTS let us talk about MCPD... I am going to list down certain important points and then let you figure out the combinations yourself...

So the First important thing to remember in Upgrade Dynamics for MCPD certs are the equations which we talked about earlier:
MCPD:Web Dev = MCTS:Web + 547
MCPD:Win Dev = MCTS:Win + 548
MCPD:EA Dev = MCTS:Web + MCTS:Win + MCTS:DA + 549

Second important thing to remember is the exam credit equations for upgrade exams which we talked about earlier:
551 = 536 + 528 + 547
552 = 536 + 526 + 548
553 = 536 + 526 + 528
554 = 529 + 549

Third important thing to remember is that MCADs cannot take 553 & 554 but MCSDs can...

Now using the above three important things and also the Analysis for MCTS, MCADs and MCSDs should be able to figure out what exams they need to take to earn their MCPDs...

I hope this dynamics of VS 2005 Upgrade Exams help... Feel free to write back if you have more questions...

Good Morning America - India Rising

Check this video out... Seems to be a good potrayal of India after a long time...

Click Here

All links for SQL 2005 Certs

Due to repeated requests, here is a consolidated list for SQL 2005 Exams...

All Info on New Generation of Certifications...
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/newgen/


All info on MCTS SQL Server 2005
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/
Exams required for MCTS SQL Server 2005
SQL 2005 Technology Exam http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-431.asp


All info on MCITP Database Developer (Requires MCTS SQL Server 2005)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbdev/
Exams required for MCITP Database Developer
DB Design PRO http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-441.asp
DB Data Access PRO http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-442.asp


All info on MCITP Database Administrator (Requires MCTS SQL Server 2005)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbadmin/
Exams required for MCTS DA
Designing DB Infrastructure PRO http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-443.asp
Optimizing and Maintaining DB PRO http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-444.asp


All info on MCITP Business Intelligence Developer (Requires MCTS SQL Server 2005)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/bid/
NOTE: Exams for this credential are under development and any info available will be updated on Microsoft site...


UPGRADES
MCDBA to MCITP Database Administrator http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-447.asp


Disclaimer: Do note that the credentials mentioned here are not official credentials they are just quick reference credentials for the reasons of a quick post..

VS 2005 Certifications: TS Vs PRO

What to expect when you prepare for new Visual Studio 2005 Certifications??

By this time we all know that new certification strategy is divided into two major categories...
1.) Technology Specialization Series (TS)
2.) Professional Series (PRO)

Today I will dive deeper to give you an idea on what to expect in the exams and why such a strategy...

We always had enough technical weightage in the exams but there were still complains that certifications do not take care of everything needed to do a job... So we went further to understand what was missing in developer certifications... We got lot of intersting feedbacks...

The first result of those feedbacks was division of the certifications into TS and PRO... So what exactly does that division mean??... Here is the answer -
We tried to break our MS Technology Developer's skills into two major chunks; the first being pure technical skills and second being skills gathered from in job experiences...
So how are those different? The concept is easy to understand if you observe carefully... Technical knowledge about a particular technology can be gained by multiple ways, one of the ways can be experience in a job but that is not the only way... A person might know a lot about .Net Framework by reading books, MSDN, articles, taking e-Learning course, writing sample apps, technical presentations etc etc... These are some of the ways to learn more and start getting expertise in a technology... But many a times technical knowledge gained outside of practical experience may not have yet resulted into production code... Anyone who has written production code knows the difference between reading an article, writing sample code and writing actual production code... We also wanted to test that aspect of developers...

That is when we divided TS & PRO aspects of developers and finally MCTS and MCPD came into being... Well I am sure you got some idea but still I feel the concept can be made clearer so let us understand some more...
When you go to take TS exams, you should note that they will be based on a technology; When you go to take a PRO exam it will be based on a job role...
e.g. 70-528 .Net 2.0 web applications is a TS exam which focuses on ASP.Net 2.0 technologies whereas 70-547 Web Developer exam focuses on the industry job role of Web Developer...
A TS exam focues on "HOW TO?" do stuff with a technology where as a PRO exam tries to probe into "WHY? WHEN? and WHERE?" to do stuff with technology/s... Let's take an example to clarify:
"How to implement IDisposable interface in your class?" - This would be a TS question... but on the other hand "Why to implement or When to implement IDisposable interface in your type?" will be a PRO level question?

Now if you think about it you will realize that you can very easily read from a book how to implement IDisposable and probably follow and remember the steps to do so, but when it comes to finding out why your class really needs that implementation or are you going to break older versions by implementing IDisposable etc are the things that would be covered in the PRO exams...

So basically Why?, When? and Where? kind of scenarios whose answers are learnt from experience will be covered in PRO level developer exams... When you appear PRO exams you will probably see longer questions, you will probably have to synthesize like the way you would do while writing production worthy code, you might proably see lots of conditions and comapany policy rules which exist in real world, at times you might feel there are multiple correct answers (but read the question once more), you might find that the questions are tricky (but they probably would not be) etc etc... When you appear a TS exams things will be clear and simple, there will be definitive answers which you can predict and this is because of the very nature of these exams...

With this let us talk about how would you prepare for the TS and PRO Exams.. Before you go to appear TS exams you should know the technologies covered in the Exam in and out, there will be lot of prep material available for these exams... Before you go to appear PRO Exams you should have experience in developing applications with those technologies... There might not be a lot of prep material for these exams but then from the very nature of them there doesn't need to be a lot of material... You are expected to gain that knowledge with your expeirence and you proabably do not need to prepare that hard...

So do not get frustrated with the differences, understand them and go in prepared... In PRO exams you might have to understand all the moving parts of the scenario and only then you should answer a question... In TS you need to understand the technology well enough to answer...

Well, anyways I think this post is becoming too long and it is getting too late... We will talk about the rest later... In the meantime you can share your experiences of appearing PRO/TS exams here...

Wiki Books on MCPD Certs

Help Create Wiki Books on MCPD Certifications

There has been a noble effort started to create Wiki Books for MCPD Certifications... Click Here to go to the site...

While you study for the new MCPD certifications, help create online resources for the same too and help other professionals prepare for the new exams...

Do write back here if you see the Wiki Books being mis-used...

.Net Framework 2.0 Certifications - Beta Offer

Visual Studio 2005/.Net Framework 2.0 Certifications - Beta Offer

You can be a step closer to becoming “Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)” with specialization in any of the below three tracks by taking a FREE Beta Exam…

MCPD Web Developer
MCPD Windows Developer
MCPD Enterprise Application Developer

And Also Win a Mobile Smartphone or a Wireless Keyboard!!
Help us create great Microsoft Certification exams. Take the Beta version of Exams 70-547, 70-548, and/or 70-549 and you’ll be automatically entered to win* one of two Windows Mobile Smartphones and one of 10 Microsoft Laser Desktop 6000 Keyboards.

Only one entry per Beta exam, but if you take 2 different Betas you’ll be entered 2 times, and if you take all 3 Betas you’ll be entered 3 times. Microsoft employees and customers are eligible with a few restrictions – see below for all of the contest rules and regulations. Like the Beta Exams, this offer is not available in China, India, or Pakistan.

And Also Earn a Free Exam Voucher
In addition, everyone who takes and achieves passing score in the beta exam will receive a free exam voucher** for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated. This offer is also not available in China, India, or Pakistan.

Exams Available Early
Take the Betas starting February 21, 2006 at Pearson VUE locations, and starting February 27, 2006 at Thomson Prometric testing centers.

Schedule your Beta exams today
To register for this exam or for information about testing centers in your area, please visit the following Web sites for registration information:

Thomson Prometric: http://securereg3.prometric.com/
Pearson VUE: http://www.vue.com/ms/

In the U.S./Canada you may also call to register for this exam or to find information about testing centers in your area:

Thomson Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
Pearson VUE: 800 TEST Registration (800-837-8734)

Use the following promotional codes to register:
71-547 PRO: Designing and Developing Web-based Applications by Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework. Promo Code: PRO547
71-548 PRO: Designing and Developing Windows®-based Applications by Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework. Promo Code: BTA548
71-549 PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework. Promo Code: 549BTA

* This sweepstakes invitation is for the Microsoft customers and employees, with some restrictions (see Official Rules below). Please forward to your colleagues, partners, and customers.

** Free exam voucher offer good only for people who pre-register for, and pass, Exams 71-547, 71-548, and 71-549. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on March 12 2006, or when registration closes for this Beta exam. Beta exam registration has limited availability. This offer is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Any gift returned as non-deliverable will not be re-sent.

PS: We are looking for more and more technical feedback on the exams so feel free to reach out to your user groups and communities and let developers know of this opportunity. Although do note that each exam caps at 750 Beta participants so there is an official upper limit…

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Microsoft Certification Beta Exam Sweepstakes

Official Rules
Please Note: It is your sole responsibility to review and understand your employer’s policies regarding your eligibility to participate in trade promotions such as this one. If you are participating in violation of your employer’s policies, you may be disqualified from entering this sweepstakes or receiving prizes. Microsoft disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for disputes arising between an employee and their employer related to this matter, and prizes will only be awarded in compliance with the employer’s policies.

Government Customer: This campaign is available to Public Sector customers (government and education customers), however, any prize won by a public sector employee will be awarded in the form of Microsoft certification exam vouchers. Microsoft intends that use of this training voucher offered as part of this promotion comply with applicable federal, state, and local government gift and ethics rules. If you are a government employee (including an employee of a public education institution), this voucher may be used solely for the benefit of your agency/institution, and not for the personal use or benefit of any individual. You should consult with your agency/institution counsel or ethics officer prior to use or acceptance of this voucher.

1. Eligibility / Entry Period:
Open only to persons employed in the field of software development who have agreed to participate in the Microsoft beta exam program.

This offer is not transferable and is not open to the general public. This offer is void in the following regions: Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. This offer is not available in China, Pakistan and India. Employees of Microsoft, their affiliates, subsidiaries, and anyone working on this product, project, or promotion, and the advertising and promotional agencies and the immediate family members of each are not eligible. The sweepstakes opens at 12:01 AM PT on February 21, 2006 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on March 12, 2006. Void where prohibited by law.

2. How To Enter:
No purchase Necessary. Enter by completing the free beta exams 71-547, 71-548, and 71-549 at a participating testing center and opt-in to enter this sweepstakes. To be eligible for the prize drawing, exams must be completed by 11:59 PM PT on March 12, 2006. A passing score is not required to receive a sweepstakes entry; however the beta exam must be completed in full to be eligible for the drawing.

Limit one (1) entry per person per beta exam, for a total of 3 possible entries. Subsequent entries from the same individual will be automatically disqualified. No responsibility is assumed by Microsoft for lost, late, misdirected, illegible, postage due or mutilated entries or any computer, online telephone, or technical malfunctions that may occur. All entries become the property of Microsoft and will not be returned.

3. Winner Selection/Deadline Dates:
On or around April 15, 2006, 12 winners will be chosen in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received to win one of the following prizes:

Two winners: One (1) Windows Mobile Smartphone device. Estimated Retail Value US$500.
Ten winners: One (1) Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 keyboard. Estimated Retail Value US$65.

Actual retail value will vary based on the region where the winner resides, and any difference between estimated and actual value will not be awarded. Any prize won by a public sector employee will be awarded to their agency/institution in the form of Microsoft certification exam vouchers; the value not to exceed the estimated retail value of the alternate prizes. Random drawing will be conducted under the supervision of Microsoft, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. All other expenses relating to the acceptance of the prize, which are not explicitly listed, are the responsibility of the winner. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. No substitution, transfer, or assignment of prize permitted, except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value in the event an offered prize is unavailable. Taxes on the prizes are solely the responsibility of the winner.

5. General Conditions:
Sweepstakes entrants agree to abide by the terms of these official rules and by the decisions of Microsoft which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Sweepstakes. This sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the State of Washington in the United States of America, and participants in the Sweepstakes hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of Washington courts (state and federal) for any causes or controversies arising out of the Sweepstakes.

Winner will be notified within seven (7) days after the drawing date. Winner will be required to execute an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within seven (7) days following the date of attempted notification. Non compliance within this time period may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Return of any prize/ prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Entrants further grant to Microsoft the right to use and publish their proper name and state online and in print in any other media in connection with the Sweepstakes. Acceptance of a prize constitutes permission for Microsoft to use winner's names and likenesses for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation unless prohibited by law. By entering, participants release and hold harmless Microsoft, their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all liability or any injuries, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with this Sweepstakes or any prize won.

6. Winners List:
The names of the winners will be available after April 15, 2006, by sending email to mcphelp@microsoft.com.

8. Sponsor:
This Sweepstakes is sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052.

All Links for VS 2005 Certs

I have been asked many of these questions repeatedly again and so I am creating a consolidated post for the links required for current VS 2005 Certifications...

All Info on New Generation of Certifications...
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/newgen/


All info on MCTS Web
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/webapps/
Exams required for MCTS Web
Foundation http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-536.asp
Web TS http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-528.asp


All info on MCTS Windows
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/winapps/
Exams required for MCTS Windows
Foundation http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-536.asp
Windows TS http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-526.asp


All info on MCTS Distributed Apps
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/distapps/
Exams required for MCTS DA
Foundation http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-536.asp
DA TS http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-529.asp


All info on MCPD Web Developer (Requires MCTS in Web)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcpd/webdev/
Exam required for MCPD Web Dev
PRO Web http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-547.asp


All info on MCPD Windows Developer (Requires MCTS in Windows)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcpd/windev/
Exam required for MCPD Windows Dev
PRO Windows http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-548.asp


All info on MCPD Enterprise App Developer (Requires MCTS in Web, Windows and DA)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcpd/entapp/
Exam required for MCPD EA Dev
PRO Web http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-549.asp


UPGRADES
MCAD to MCPD Web http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-551.asp
MCAD to MCPD Windows http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-552.asp
MCSD .Net to MCPD EA – Exam 1 http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-553.asp
MCSD .Net to MCPD EA – Exam 2 http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-554.asp


Disclaimer: Do note that the credentials mentioned here are not official credentials they are just quick reference credentials for the reasons of a quick post..