Ken Robertson's Blog

Ramblings of a .NET developer

Recommendations for MCAD certification

I'm starting to look into getting my MCAD this year, but don't really know which programs are the best.  For starters, I am still torn between doing like a week long seminar and doing it at home at my own pace.  The seminars cost more and would require more time off work, however it is gets it all taken care of.  While the study-at-home programs code less and I could do them in my free time, they also take a lot longer.  I have looked around some and there are dozens of different training courses and at-home study guide, and all of them say they are the best.

So if you have any recommendations for training programs that offer courses in or around Sacramento, CA or the Bay Area, please let me know.  Also, if you know of any good at-home study programs, then please let me know about those as well.

Finally, anyone know when the programs will be updated for .NET 2.0?  I have heard “early 2006,” but that is kind of general.  I will probably wait and take the certification for 2.0, since it would be more relevant moving ahead.

Posted: Jan 11 2006, 09:09 AM by qgyen | with 9 comment(s)
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Comments

Jerry said:

From my experience all of the week long certification programs meerly teach you the test, I would stay away from those unless that is all you are after.

I had a company in PA shut down by MS for doing just that. It cost me over 4 grand and when I saw what the program was about I didnt return to class, I just stayed in my hotel room and studied on my own.

Just my 2 cents.

J.
# January 11, 2006 12:46 PM

Ian Smith said:

I really rate the self-teach books by Kalani published by Que. I used just these for the Web C# and Windows C# exams and got a good pass (over 900). Currently using the Que book for Web Services too. The same author has written the two Exam Cram guides, which are primarily just a condensation of the Que books. The Que books are fat but you learn by doing. If your aim is to just cram for an exam and pass a test go with the cheaper and more digestible Exam Cram books. Otherwise use the Que books. Beware there are some bad training books out there (Microsoft Press are very poor, with the exception of the Security 70-340/70-330 exam apparently) - let Amazon.com averages of all the reviews they have be your guide!
# January 11, 2006 3:38 PM

Michael said:

I agree with Ian. The Kalani books (Que) are excellent, with loads of hands-on for those looking to learn, and excellent questions, reviews, and summaries for those looking to cram. Highly recommended by everyone.

And as always, Transcenders work and MS exam books don't.

And for the ultimate in mindless test-passing, "master dump" is a great word to become familiar with.
# January 11, 2006 4:25 PM

AndrewSeven said:

I've been using Asp.Net, web services and components since the beginning.

When I decided to pass the exams, I used the transcender sample exams to check for gaps in my knowledge. Based on that I spent time on only a couple of things and easily passed 2 exams.

I don't work with more than very basic WinForms apps, so that exam (to complete an MCAD) would require more effort; too much of a "just pass exam" effort.

Even though I used those book a little (existing copies in the office) I think they are pretty poor quality books.
While they might help pass the exam, I would not recommend them for learning.
If they had made even a mediocre impression on me, I would have put some effort into the WinForms books/exam.

I'm sad to hear that they are about the best available; if it is indeed the case, the will at least help with exam-passing techniques.

# January 11, 2006 4:27 PM

AndrewSeven said:

Those books ->> "by Kalani published by Que."
# January 11, 2006 4:28 PM

Timo said:

Another vote for Kalani and his 70-315 book (I'm already waiting for his 2.0 books).

I was about to take my 70-315 this month, but I thought that I rather concentrate to 2.0 stuff instead. It takes three exams to be an MCAD.

I figured that it takes too much time for me to complete these exams. It would delay my 2.0 learning too much and I rather target for MCPD/MCTS instead. And starting out with 2.0 stuff while still studying for MCAD wouldn't be a good idea (at least for me), it would definately confuse me too much.
# January 12, 2006 2:45 AM

limizkid said:

hope you huys answer this,
well, im planning to take MCAD too but the thing is i dont have "any" experience yet with regards to programming at work.. do you think i could pass the exams even if i self study for the exams? or is it impossible?
# January 29, 2006 6:04 PM

manasa said:

Hi all,

I wanna know more abt the mcad certification ..can any bidy say how to prepare...

Thanks in advance..

# January 9, 2008 11:53 PM

weblogs.asp.net said:

435072.. He-he-he :)

# May 13, 2011 11:28 AM
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