James Steele

Looks like I got a little trigger happy there. Sorry about the duplicate post.

It doesn't matter to the extent you'd wish it matterred. I have run into awesome folks who are non mcsd. MCSD gives you a 5% edge, ONLY if you are already worth it.

I don't completely agree with Sahil. It actually does matter more than a lot of people think. I'm not sure that it's a *requirement* per se (at least not across the board it's not), but I do know that within MSFT it's *strongly* encouraged to have your certifications up-to-date. I was reading one of their job listings yesterday that required an MCSE, with the option that you could take the job contingent upon obtaining your MCSE within the first six months of the job. My best friend works in premium support just spent last week knockin' out the first four of the five required tests to update his MCSD for .NET. He'll finish the last test this week or next. The time he spent studying for the tests was considered work time for him, and it was encouraged by his manager. MSFT takes that seriously. It's definitely a good thing to have.

Thanks for the comment Yex.

I couldn't give you a percentage figure, but it's definitely something that's encouraged. Some groups put a greater emphasis on it than others - I don't think many of the development teams are particularly fussed whether you've got an MCP exam in VB WinForms, for example :-)

Like any other company, we don't look at certification in isolation, but treat it as a positive credential. Holding an MCSD .NET credential suggests to a prospective employer that you care about your personal development enough to invest in it with time and/or money, and is a demonstration of a certain set of technical skills: that should make it worthwhile alone. But it doesn't demonstrate eloquence in public speaking, technical communication skills, team awareness, time management, or many other important aspects. So it's just one piece of the jigsaw at Microsoft, just like anywhere else.

Personally, I say who cares (not to detract from your accomplishment, of course ;)). I look at the certifications a lot like degrees, in that they don't equate to a real world knowledge of what's going on in. I've also met a lot of certified people that are complete social retards that I'd never want working for me.

I'm sure it's also a regional thing. Here in the Cleveland area, if you know C# and have actual experience using it, you'll get a job (save for the aforementioned lack of social skills).

been an MCSD.Net since May I think it was last year and apart from getting the free software from Microsoft UK (visual studio net 2002) I dont think anyone really cares which is a shame as I put a fair amount of work into it so I could pass quickly.

Just a followup on my comment from earlier today...I got it confirmed that, at least for the premier support division at MSFT, a current either MCSE or MCSD is *required*. For premier support, I would venture a guess that experience to go with that certification is <sarcasm>highly regarded</sarcasm> as well.

I achieved my MCSD.Net in December, and I think it was worth it. I am a C# developer, and it gave me some more insight into the .Net platform and architecture. I'm not sure how employers feel, but getting the cert is a good way to force oneself to learn a lot of new skills.

John

MCSD Value???

I got pass MCSD.Net exam in 1998, and again i was passed in the 2007. Regarding the value of the MCSD.NET is worthy becuase i am programmer working in (ZFPIT) reputate company in Saudi Arabia and my company is GOLD Partner of Microsoft, and my company needs MCSD certified programmer only.

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