This summer I had been having fun working on a Windows 8 RT C# application. I decided to take the momentum of learning a new language and platform and apply that to getting certified. To earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Develop for Windows Store Apps Using C# you need to pass three tests of increasing specialization, 70-483, 70-484, and 70-485.
Exam 70-483: Programming in C#
The first of three exams was 70-483 on programming in C# which I felt pretty good about already. A few other developers had written a few Microsoft 70-483 exam preparation guides and more than one suggestion to read Pro C# 5.0 and the .NET 4.5 Framework which was a intimidating tome to start with. This was easily the most difficult test to prepare for because C# is an enormous language when you start looking under the covers and getting into the details. After reading the book cover to cover and going back through a few times I felt pretty confident about passing the test. Needless to say I was really disappointed to fail it the first time out. They don’t leave you blind and told me the general areas I needed to brush up on. I spent another two weeks going back over everything an hour or two each night before psyching myself up to take another stab at the exam. It was quite a relief to pass the first of three exams. I didn’t realize it before taking the test but passing also gave me my first certification step. In three months of work over the summer I became a Microsoft Specialist in Programming using C# complete with a logo I can use.
Exam 70-484: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using C#
I took a well deserved break for a week before starting my studies for the next exam, 70-484 on the Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using C#. Here it started to get a lot more interesting as this is what I had already been working on for the last few months. It was at this time I found the Microsoft Virtual Academy and my study methods changed drastically. I did continue reading on the bus and picked up Exam Ref 70-484: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using C#, but I also started watching Jerry Nixon and Daren May present the video training Windows Store App Development Essentials with C#. As an aside, the MVA is an incredible resource, and I really enjoyed watching and learning from both Jerry and Daren over many hours of video. After finishing up both the book and video I went on to pass this exam on my first try. The sum of knowledge I was building up was obviously cumulative. Understanding what to expect, the exam conditions, familiarity with the facility I think all helped to make this happen in just a couple of months.
Exam 70-485: Advanced Windows Store App Development Using C#
Feeling like I was on a roll at this point I dove right in to prepare for the final test, 70-485 on Advanced Windows Store App Development Using C#. I started reading on the recommended book Exam Ref 70-485: Advanced Windows Store App Development Using C# and MVA video training Advanced Windows Store App Development Using C# immediately. There was a sense of urgency at this point because the reading material and videos (at the time I was watching them) were about to be out of date! Microsoft was updating the series for the new Windows 8.1 release and additional features. Before I was done with any of the study material I signed myself up for a November 30th test date. It was going to be all or nothing because if I didn’t pass then it would set me back another month to go over new material. I spent all my free time studying to cram it all in before the test and my effort was well rewarded. I passed that morning, and I was elated that I had completed my personal challenge to become a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer. I’m excited to share with you my new certification logo as well, so shiny.
MCSD and the Future
No certification process covers every piece of possible material, and I am not coming out the other side of this experience knowing all the answers in Windows Store app development. I would do the process again for sure, and I’m probably going to get re-certified in two years. This was a long standing dream of mine that I was able to seize this year and I’m now I’ve got to make my next step. Thanks MVA, Daren May, and Jerry Nixon for putting together the videos and my wife for giving up so much free time.
Awesome job, man! I just recently became an MCSD as well, so I certainly know the struggles. Hope you get some mental AND monetary sense of success with apps in the Store. And MVA does have great videos for sure!
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing. What’s really new for me and what I haven’t mentioned in my blog post in early 2013 is MVA (Microsoft Virtual Academy). Microsoft has started a great service. I’ll take a look at the courses you’ve mentioned when I prepare myself for the next two exams.
Thanks Josh, it was quite a neat thing to hear from another MCSD so soon. I am really looking forward to applying everything I learned in my next project.
The MVA site, with it’s badges and points, was a real easy way to stay focused and moving through the content. I can’t wait to hear about your next exam success Claudio!
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I am also preparing for the same. Can you please tell me how the questions are asked in 70484 and 70485 and any preparation strategy. which area is mostly covered?.
I will be really thankful to you.