Q: How Important is the MSCD? I am considering getting this cert but I am not sure how important this cert is in getting a job. Is this as important as the MSCE in getting your foot in the door.

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Q: How Important is the MCSD? I am considering getting this cert but I am not sure how important this cert is in getting a job. Is this as important as the MSCE in getting your foot in the door. I want to get in software development but I do not the empahsis on this cert. I see more emphasis on actual ability and experience.
What does everyone else feel about this?

An MCSD is not nearly as important as your prospective employer's perception of your coding competence for the enterprise, but it may go far to shore up this perception. Despite the fact that VB is the world's preeminent RAD language, the cert never took off like the MCSE. Ability to do the work is king. Moreover, ability, or the lack thereof, is difficult to hide and developers know this.

Tony

Q: I've been in the IT industry since the mid 80's. I've been programming in VB6 for about 4 years now. I seem to be having trouble finding another programming job. Has an MCSD made the difference for anybody else. It is quite an expense that I really cannot afford waste. Has anybody used it to switch gears and move to another branch, say an MCSE?

I've never seen a company ask for someone with a MCSD before... BUT, if you are looking for a job it adds another line to your resume.

By they way, I think that most people do a MCSD when the are employed i.e. let the employer pay for the materials and tests...

If you are thinking of doing a MCSD, look at microsoft's site because they have released a .Net track for MCSD and a new MCAD (no use in getting certified on an out going version..)

Jamie

IMHO, if you can take the vb exams without a lot of studying and expense, do
it. I'm in the same boat, I am out of a job but don't have the money to put
in to learning a whole new language for .NET, so the current vb exams may be
worth it if you can do it quicker, put that extra line on your resume and
get noticed.

EagleTender

source: alt.certification.mcsd
added: March 2003

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