How to get started with MCSD .NET

[borgkling2003]

Hi.

I am new to the .Net and hence thinking of preparting for the 1st unit of the MCSD .net.

I will be doing the Developing Web Application with .NET.

I was wondering whether those of you who have completed the Cert can tell me what materials I need to get things going. I find the official Microsoft book long winded. Do I really need the official book to know stuff to do the exam?

Any other advice...is welcome.

 

[jjonesal]

Which test are you going to take first? Are you experienced with VB or C#? That will definitely affect which prep materials you select.

Also, you'll want to get a good practice test such as Transcender or Self Test.

 

[MCSnappyD]

I'm currently pursuing my MCSD.NET, going the VB.NET route.

I'm also taking 70-305 exam first (in a couple of hours), as I was 'strongly encouraged' to do by my instructor. I have found that using Transcender is the way to go, although it's quite expensive for a young person like myself. I have used the QUE books as well, so you may have some luck with those. Just search amazon, I think they're about $35.00 US or so.

 

[borgkling2003]

I will be doing the C#.
Havent done C# before. Mainly small cut and paste job. But have no good command of the .NET techonology. Yeah I know the transcender are good but I need somewhere to start to get proper and correct info.

Yeah, Ive seen the QUE book. I find the MICROSOFT hard to understand and long. SO MCSnappyD, would you reckon QUE books and transcenders will be sufficient???

 

[MCSnappyD]

Well, it all depends on your learning style. For me, I supplemented the MOC with the QUE books. It just seemed a better fit for me, as I made an 829 on my exam yesterday!

You'll never really know how you'll like a particular study tool until you give it a shot (at least in my opinion).

I always point everyone I know to the Microsoft Official Courseware first, as you can't go wrong with it. It is a bit dry, and sometimes hard to follow, but it's what the exams are based off of, so you should know it.

Use all of the above and take a ton of different practice exams. They'll give you a summary of where your weak spots are, and where you are strongest. The training center I go to offers free ones through Microsoft, so I'm not sure of the cost of a practice exam.