5 Reasons Why Your Developers Should be Microsoft .Net Certified

Earlier this year, Microsoft updated the requirements for their Solution Developer certification (MCSD) to align the desired skill set with the .Net development toolkit. This certification requires developers to pass five exams. Three focus on the .Net core competencies, Windows Forms, Web Pages and Web Services. The remaining exams include one on general architecture and another chosen from a list of product-based electives. Collectively, they provide a Microsoft-recognized level of development achievement.
Much has been written recently on the professional advantages of technical certification. Primarily, it offers a degree of differentiation within the developer community. However, given the required time and effort necessary to prepare for and pass these exams, why would an organization ask its employees to participate in such a rigorous process? Here are five reasons why companies should encourage developers to become Microsoft .Net certified.

1. Confirmation of Development Skills

First and foremost, certification confirms a high level of technical expertise. It is often difficult for a manager, especially one that is non-technical, to assess the programming aptitude of a developer. While it cannot test whether someone will meet an expected software deliverable, certification does reinforce the notion that a developer understands how to best use the tools.

2. Exposure to New Technology

The best way to learn new technology is to build something with it. However, this can pose problems when project deadlines don’t account for training. Certification can help mitigate the risk by offering a structured exposure to the full range of .Net concepts. Including certification in a training cycle offers more focus and a tangible conclusion. It can proactively prepare the development staff for the challenges of the next new thing.

3. Reinforcement of Development Structure

There is a heavy emphasis, across all certification exams, on good programming practices. Certified developers are expected to understand and appreciate the value of solid architecture, reusable software and version control. These are all tested categories. Organizations with certified .Net developers typically have better software infrastructure.

4. Preparing for the Future of Microsoft Tools

The next two years should prove very interesting for Microsoft developers. In that time, every product will have had one new generation. Each will be more closely tied to the .Net framework. As an example, BizTalk 2004, the third generation of the product, has all new development tools in .Net. Organizations that leverage Microsoft technologies will soon find .Net-capable developers a requirement.

5. Return on Investment

Organizations require the very best from their development staffs. Today, more than ever, IT groups are being held accountable for the successful execution of business plans. Certification offers a tangible means of quality measurement. Simply stated, the bottom line is the “bottom line”. Corporations that include Microsoft .Net certification as part of their corporate standards recognize a higher level of technology output.