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[edit section] All About the Microsoft MCTS 70-536 .NET Development Exam

The Microsoft MCST 70-536 .NET Framework 2.0 Application Development Foundation exam is one of many Microsoft MCST track exams designed to establish a candidate’s proficiency in .NET framework and in particular using the framework for application development. It covers most topics related to data structures, programming structures, and the like. It differs from its related certification exam, the 70-526 exam, in that it covers mainly classes and components specifically related to the .NET framework and is thus a somewhat more advanced exam.

[edit section] Difficulty and Scope

The Microsoft MCST 70-536 exam covers .NET development in Windows, meaning that a working knowledge of the .NET framework 2.0 is required to be successful on the exam. The focus of the exam is developing a candidates’ ability to utilize .NET framework features in creating a foundation for application development in Windows, meaning that you will need to able to identify and use specific components as well as see the “big picture.” Some of the specific knowledge you will have to memorize relates to: data management, collections, classes, interfaces, components, services, multithreading, the Windows installer, event logs and performance monitoring, debugging, serialization, and application security. You will need to integrate these seemingly unrelated topics together in order to be successful on this rather difficult exam, which includes many exhibit-based questions. “Real life” experience would be a great asset.

[edit section] When and why to take the MCSE 70-536 exam

Since the MCTS can be achieved by taking many different much easier exams, we do not recommend taking the 70-536 solely to achieve MCTS status. Instead, take the MCTS 70-536 only if you are planning to actually pursue a career in software development or database programming. The difficulty and skill set required to succeed on this exam far outweighs the amount of study time a layperson would have to commit to succeeding on the 70-536, which is why it is an exam for technology specialists. Candidates who should consider the 70-536 include potential application developers, application security specialists, performance auditors, and other careers associated with application development framework specifically within .NET and Microsoft Windows environments.

[edit section] I’m going to take the 70-536! Now what?

First, you will need to determine if it is really feasible for you to take the certification exam. Not everyone has the time to set aside to study for this exam, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that you should have at least 130 hours available to prepare for this exam, although anywhere from 100 to 210 hours would be a reasonable estimate of time required to prepare. For this reason, we would highly suggest that you have at least a month or two available to really prepare for the exam. Next, once you have set the time aside, you should probably schedule a date to take the exam with VUE or Prometric. Finally, use ProProfs resources in addition to your own study materials to prepare for the exam. We wish you the best of luck in your studies!

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