If you know anything about Microsoft Visual Studio, you likely know how in-demand the skills associated with it are. In this article, we cover some of the best certifications to consider if you want to improve your Visual Studio skills.
While it is true that many of the buzzwords that surround the IT careers market currently center around e-security, administration, and networking, there is still an equally high demand for creatives and innovative thinkers.
Programming uses a specialized language of codes to shape the very world we live in. From essential machinery such as medical electronics to the fun apps we play, programming could be considered one of the unsung heroes of the modern age.
One of the most popular choices when it comes to code writing programs is Microsoft Visual Studio, and if you’re looking to start a career in computer programming, having a sound knowledge of this platform is a great place to start.
With that in mind, in this article we’ll be taking a closer look at Microsoft Visual Studio to find out what it is, what it is used for, and some of the best certifications to take to improve your programming skills.
Visual Studio Certifications
There are a wide range of certifications for Visual Studio, with some offering a general introduction and others focusing on specific or niche elements of the software. Listed below are some of the best and most popular certification courses available.
MTA: Intro into Programming
Features the Microsoft official courses:
- 40361 Software Development Fundamentals
- 40375 HTML5 App Development Fundamentals
Features the Microsoft Exams:
- 98-361: Software Development Fundamentals
- 98-375: HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
This course is the perfect starting place for building Visual Studio applications. It covers the basics of programming, giving participants a strong foundation to move forward with. In this dual course program, students will learn about and understand core programming, object-oriented programming, general software development, web and desktop applications, and databases.
This allows any Visual Studio beginner to experience the full range of options the software offers, allowing for an informed decision regarding a pathway of interest or specialization.
This certification course also includes the learning of some practical skills such as managing applications lifecycles, building an interface using HTML5, formatting said interface using CSS, and learning to code using Javascript.
MCSD App Builder w/MCSA Web Applications
Features the Microsoft official courses:
- 20480 Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 Course Description
- 20486 Developing ASP.NET MVC 4 Web Applications
- 20532 Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
Features the Microsoft exams:
- 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3
- 70-486: Designing ASP.NET 4.5 MVC Web Applications
- 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
This course packs in a lot of content, and is a fusion between the MCSD and MCSA certifications, making it ideal for entry-level participants with prior programming knowledge who are looking to take the next step in their career, but may not have the highest amount of capital to invest in their qualifications.
The course packs in over 35 different subjects, including working with Microsoft Visual Studio, programming activities, working with databases, and Microsoft Azure and SQL servers among a mass of other important topics ideal for giving you the skills to progress further along your career pathway.
This course is also available in its two separate courses (MSCD and MSCA) for those who want a less intensive learning experience.
MCA Programming in C#
Features the Microsoft official course:
- 20483 Programming in C#
Features the Microsoft exam:
- 70-483: Programming in C#
This course is ideal for those looking to specialize in programming in C#, and because of that this course largely revolves around the practical understanding of the system and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate various tasks such as encrypting and decrypting data, creating classes, and examining metadata. There is also a degree of theoretical learning, mostly around understanding the C# system and its applications.
Is Visual Studio for you?
If you’re looking to start a career in programming, be it looking to design your own apps, or work within a company on innovative software design, then an understanding of Microsoft Visual Studio is essential.
Microsoft Visual Studio gives you the ability to shape the digital world the way you want it, including designing software, apps, and practical solutions that will be an asset to your company or field of expertise. When you understand the fundamentals of coding, limitless opportunities will unfold before you.