| The following series of questions and observations is designed to help you figure out how much work you must do to pursue Microsoft certification and what types of resources you might consult on your quest. Two things should be clear from the outset, however: Following are the questions: | 1: | Do you have prior experience with computer programming or with the C# programming language? | | A1: | Any experience with a programming language, even if it's with a different language, will help you in passing exam 70-320. However, if you do not have much experience with programming or, in particular, with the C# programming language, we recommend that you read the following book: C# How to Program, by Harvey M. Deitel, et al (Prentice Hall, 2001) | | 2: | Do you have prior experience with Web development using HTML and JavaScript? | | A2: | The 70-320 exam mostly emphasizes server-side programming. However, knowledge of HTML and JavaScript is still needed for the Web application development, especially when it comes to designing a responsive user interface. If you do not have much experience in using HTML or JavaScript, we recommend that you read the following book: Special Edition Using HTML 4, Sixth Edition, by Molly E. Holzschlag (Que Publishing, 1999) | | 3: | Do you have a general understanding of what the .NET Framework is and what it has to offer you as a developer? | | A3: | The .NET Framework has a lot to offer. Even if you have been developing applications in the .NET Framework for the past few months, you might not have had the opportunity to experiment with all its features. If this is the case, we recommend that you read the following book: Understanding .NET: A Tutorial and Analysis, by David Chappell (Addison Wesley Professional Publishing, 2002) This book gives you a bird's-eye view of Microsoft .NET and how it affects you as a developer. Many questions in Exam 70-320 require you to have a high-level view of the .NET Framework and related technologies. | | 4: | Have you installed, configured, or used Visual Studio .NET and the .NET Framework Software Development Kit (SDK)? | | A4: | Experience is necessary for passing Exam 70-320. If you haven't worked with the .NET Framework SDK and Visual Studio .NET, now is the time. Before you appear for the exam, make sure you spend enough time in programming using both the Microsoft .NET Framework SDK and Visual Studio .NET. The Microsoft .NET Framework is available as a free download from msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/downloads/howtoget.asp. Unlike the .NET Framework, you must buy a license for using Visual Studio .NET. Even if you do not plan to buy a license, you should at least consider ordering a trial version of Visual Studio .NET from msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/productinfo/trial. | | 5: | Have you reviewed the exam objectives? | | A5: | If you have not reviewed the exam objectives lately, look at them when you are determining your exam readiness. The up-to-date exam objectives for Exam 70-320 are available at www.microsoft.com/traincert/exams/70-320.asp. You should review each objective and then ask yourself whether you have used Visual C# .NET and Visual Studio .NET enough to answer questions related to that particular exam objective. If you are not confident, consider studying the related topics in the following resources: msdn.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com MCAD/MCSD Training Guide (70-320): Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft.NET Framework, by Amit Kalani and Priti Kalani (Que Certification, 2003)
| | 6: | Have you taken a few practice exams for Exam 70-320? | | A6: | This book has two practice exams in Chapter 13, "Practice Exam #1," and Chapter 15, "Practice Exam #2." You should attempt these exams to determine how ready you are. If you require additional practice, you can also take practice exams from other test providers. |
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