The Microsoft Certification framework can be very complicated. That’s why certification maps are so important. The Microsoft Certification Exam Map is an Excel spreadsheet that has a list of all the certifications and their associated exams. You can download a copy of it here.
The Certification Exam Map is separated into four tabs. The first tab contains the Table of Contents, along with an explanation for how the map is laid out. The next three tabs list the entire universe of Microsoft Certification materials indexed by Exam, by Certification, and by Competency.
By Exam Mapping
In the “By Exam Mapping” tab, the sheet lists all of the exams, the name of those exams, the product/technology it governs, along with the associated credential and the associated partner competency. For example, this is what it lists for 70-562 – TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development:
- Exam #: 70-562
- Exam Name: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
- Product/Technology: Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
- Associated Credential: MCTS
- Associated Partner Competency: Competency – Custom Development Solutions, Specialization – Web Development; Competency – SBSC, Specialization – Networking
By Certification Mapping
The “By Certification Mapping” tab is the one that is probably going to be the most useful for you, as it lists all the exams necessary to obtain a particular certification. The Exams list is linked to the web, so that it may be kept up to day. The listing shows the Credential Series, the Certification by technology, followed by required exams.
By Competency Mapping
The competency mapping is likely the least valuable tabs, at least initially, because most students approach certification from the credential. If you are trying to find out what Microsoft certifications could apply to your area of expertise, this tab is perfect. This tab shows each competency, followed by a specialty, and then the credentials that are best suited for your needs.
For example, if you want the Advanced Infrastructure Soluionts Competency, Active Directory Specialty, then you will want to pursue: “MCSE, MCSD, or MCDBA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or MCITP: Database Administrator or MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.
Plus at least one of:
Exam 70-294; Exam 70-297
Exam 70-640
Exam 70-647
Exam 70-648
Exam 70-649
The importance of the Microsoft Certification Exam Map can’t be overstated, it’s an important first step in finding out which certifications are right for you. The map is very valuable because it can save you a tremendous amount of time trying to figure out which credentials you should pursue. Once you’ve obtained a credential, the map can explain where the “low hanging fruit” are so you can start putting more credentials on your CV.
(Photo: cameronparkins)
