The term "cutting-edge" is tossed about like so much technological candy these days. But if it truly applies to a distinguishing, significant, and new benchmark certification for IT professionals these days, it is the latest series of Microsoft .NET certifications. The certification -- for a technology that is just barely two years old -- confers expert prestige on its holders. There are actually two designations in the Microsoft .NET certification arena: one for Microsoft Certified Application Developers, and the other for Microsoft Certified Solutions Developers. The application developer certification attests to your reaching the benchmark for applications and components for web or desktop client environments. The solutions certification is for advanced developers who create enterprise solutions.

Each certification requires passage of four core exams along with an elective test in your preferred specialty. You can expect to be tested on knowledge in Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Programming with Microsoft ADO.NET. The solution developer exams can also include core testing in Developing with ASP.NET, Developing XML Web Services, or Deploying and Managing MS Commerce Servers. How do you get there? Many professionals enroll is dedicated Microsoft .NET Certification preparation courses. These programs are available at campus-based as well as online technical and computing business institutes, trade schools, and colleges. Online training may be the best overall solution for busy working professionals. Microsoft .NET Certification also entitles recipients to skills resources and networking at Microsoft as well as trade publications, conference invitations, training sessions and product information.