Microsoft Certified Applications Developers (MCAD) have been on the top tier of the Windows custom software business for many years. Individuals with MCAD certification have typically worked in three major roles in the information technology industry: in-house developer, freelance coder, and third-party developer. In fact, it was professionals with MCAD certification that utilized their knowledge of the original .NET framework in order to develop and launch the first wave of interactive web services.
MCAD Certification Skills
Microsoft developed the MCAD certification process to facilitate the adoption of .NET framework specifications. Developers who achieved MCAD status could then move on to achieving the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer designation.
However, once Microsoft launched .NET 2.0, the company came up with a newer certification process. The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications were now the preferred training routes. MCAD exams gradually phased out. Some employers still use MCAD certification guidelines to evaluate job candidates if legacy systems are still used, but the certification will likely become extinct as use of these systems continue to decline.
Employment Opportunities for MCAD Certification Holders
The certification may be deprecated, but MCAD remains popular with major employers who have invested a great deal in custom Web and Windows applications. .NET development remains one of the highest paying IT specialties.
Since coders with .NET framework experience are rare, recruiters demand that applications developers have the capability of bringing existing systems into compliance with all the latest networking and security protocols. Coders who can understand the differences between the versions of .NET framework are highly sought after.
MCAD Certification Substitutes
Microsoft no longer offers MCAD certification, but many third-party testing companies have tests that can measure a student's proficiencies in the subject areas previously covered by the exam. Many of these companies do provide MCAD certification courses, or similar levels of instruction to assist students in achieveing knowledge of this subject matter. Additionally, the MCPD and MCTS certification programs offered by Microsoft do cover many of the same skills. While MCAD certification courses are in short supply, the knowledge and skills attained through this area of specialty are still useful in many IT positions.
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