Top 11 Biztalk Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for a BizTalk developer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in the BizTalk software platform. A certification can help to gain the trust of employers by showing that the applicant has met the necessary qualifications, and it can provide an edge over competition when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can often lead to better pay and more frequent promotions. They are also helpful for staying up-to-date on changes and best practices in the industry.

This article reviews the best certifications for Biztalk Developers and explains how they can help enhance a developer's career.

What are Biztalk Developer Certifications?

BizTalk Developer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency and expertise in developing, deploying, managing, and troubleshooting applications with Microsoft BizTalk Server. It is designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who have experience with BizTalk development, integration, and deployment.

Having a BizTalk Developer Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and give you an edge in the competitive IT job market. It also shows employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced with working on BizTalk projects. Being certified also showcases your commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest technologies. Furthermore, having this certification may open up more opportunities for career advancement as well as increased salary potential.

Pro Tip: When preparing for a BizTalk Developer Certification exam, be sure to brush up on the fundamentals of BizTalk Server, including its architecture and components. Also, make sure to have hands-on experience with developing BizTalk applications and troubleshooting common development issues. Finally, practice the sample questions provided by Microsoft or other resources to get familiar with the types of questions that may be asked during the exam.

Related: What does a Biztalk Developer do?

Top 11 Biztalk Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Biztalk Developers today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a certification program designed for professionals who develop applications for the Microsoft platform. It is a comprehensive, industry-recognized credential that validates an individual’s skills and expertise in developing Windows Store apps, Windows Phone apps, and web applications using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3.

To get the MCSD: App Builder certification, an individual must pass three exams: Exam 70-480 (Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3), Exam 70-481 (Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 and JavaScript), and Exam 70-482 (Advanced Windows Store App Development Using HTML5 and JavaScript). Each exam costs $150 USD. The total cost for all three exams is $450 USD.

The amount of time it takes to get the MCSD: App Builder certification depends on the individual's experience level and study habits. In general, it can take anywhere from four to six months to prepare for all three exams. This includes studying course materials such as online tutorials, books, videos, practice tests, etc., as well as hands-on experience with development tools such as Visual Studio or other IDEs.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Messaging

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Messaging is a certification program designed to validate an individual's ability to design, deploy, and manage messaging solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server. It includes the ability to plan, configure, and manage the messaging infrastructure; implement high availability and disaster recovery solutions; support clients and mobile devices; secure messaging infrastructure; and monitor and troubleshoot messaging infrastructure.

To become MCSE: Messaging certified, you must pass one of two exams: Exam 70-345 Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 or Exam 70-339 Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2016. Both exams are offered by Pearson VUE.

The cost of each exam is $165 USD. It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the exam depending on your experience level. To get started, you should review the official training materials provided by Microsoft such as their courses on edX or instructor-led courses offered by Microsoft Learning Partners. You can also find study guides and practice tests online to help you prepare for the exam.

3. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): BizTalk Server 2010

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): BizTalk Server 2010 is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in developing and deploying solutions using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010. This certification proves that the individual has the ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain business processes with the help of BizTalk Server.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the MCTS: BizTalk Server 2010 exam. To get certified, an individual must pass one or more exams that measure their understanding of core topics such as architecture, development, deployment, and maintenance of BizTalk solutions.

To get certified as an MCTS: BizTalk Server 2010 specialist, you must first register for the exam through Microsoft's website. Once registered, you will be given access to practice tests and study materials that can help you prepare for the exam. You can also take advantage of online courses or attend instructor-led classes offered by Microsoft Learning Partners.

The cost of taking the MCTS: BizTalk Server 2010 exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $125-$150 USD per exam.

4. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): BizTalk Server 2010

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) BizTalk Server 2010 is a certification program for professionals who develop and maintain applications using Microsoft BizTalk Server. It is designed to demonstrate the professional’s expertise in designing, developing, deploying, and managing solutions based on BizTalk Server.

The MCPD certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-595: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions by Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010 and Exam 70-596: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4.

It typically takes about three months of preparation to pass both exams. Candidates should have experience with developing distributed applications using the .NET Framework, XML Web services, Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), BizTalk Server Administration Console, Enterprise Single Sign-On (SSO), Business Rules Engine (BRE), Business Activity Monitoring (BAM), and other related technologies.

To obtain the MCPD certification, candidates must register for each exam separately through Prometric or VUE testing centers. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in; however, it typically costs around $150 USD per exam.

5. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator for BizTalk Server 2010

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator for BizTalk Server 2010 is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s technical skills and knowledge in the deployment, management, and maintenance of Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010. This certification provides an individual with the skills necessary to design, deploy, manage, monitor, and troubleshoot BizTalk Server solutions.

To obtain this certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-595: TS: Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010, Administration and Exam 70-596: PRO: Designing and Developing Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010 Solutions. Both exams are available through Prometric or VUE testing centers worldwide.

The time it takes to get this certification depends on your experience level and study habits. It is recommended that you have at least one year of experience working with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010 before attempting the exams. You should also plan to spend several weeks studying for each exam.

The cost of the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator for BizTalk Server 2010 certification depends on where you take the exams. The cost of each exam varies by country but typically ranges from $125-$150 USD per exam.

6. Microsoft Specialist: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using BizTalk Server 2013

Microsoft Specialist: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using BizTalk Server 2013 is a certification program designed to certify individuals in the development of business process and integration solutions using Microsoft’s BizTalk Server 2013. This certification validates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, deploy, monitor, and manage solutions using BizTalk Server 2013.

The exam for this certification is Exam 70-595: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2013. The exam consists of 40-60 questions that must be completed within 120 minutes. It costs $165 USD to take the exam.

To get certified as a Microsoft Specialist: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using BizTalk Server 2013, you must pass Exam 70-595 with a score of 700 or higher. There is no set time frame for completing the certification; however, it typically takes several weeks or months to study for the exam and prepare for taking it.

7. Exam 70-595: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions by Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010

Exam 70-595: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions by Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010 is an exam designed to assess the skills of IT professionals who want to develop business process and integration solutions using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010. It tests a candidate’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and manage solutions that integrate applications and services across multiple platforms.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It consists of 40-60 questions in multiple-choice format. The cost of the exam is $165 USD.

In order to take this exam, you must first register on the Microsoft website. Once your registration is complete, you will be able to schedule an appointment at a local testing center. You can also take the exam online through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

8. Exam 70-590: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

Exam 70-590 is a Microsoft certification exam that tests your knowledge and skills in developing applications for SharePoint 2010. It is a part of the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification program. The exam covers topics such as developing data-driven applications, working with web parts, customizing user interfaces, creating workflows, and deploying solutions.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of 40-60 questions. To get the certification you must pass this exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 1000.

To get the Exam 70-590: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development certification, you must first register for the exam through the Microsoft Learning website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically costs around $150 USD.

9. Exam 70-599: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications

Exam 70-599: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications is a Microsoft certification exam that tests the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in designing, developing, and deploying applications on the Windows Azure platform. This exam covers topics such as creating and managing cloud services, developing applications for Windows Azure, deploying applications to Windows Azure, configuring storage for Windows Azure applications, and monitoring and troubleshooting applications.

The Exam 70-599: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications is available in English only. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the exam. The cost of the exam is $165 USD. To take this exam you must have an active Microsoft Certification ID (MCID). You can obtain an MCID by registering with Pearson VUE or Prometric.

10. Exam 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

Exam 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development is a certification exam designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who develop applications using the Microsoft SharePoint 2010 platform. The exam covers topics such as developing applications with SharePoint Designer, customizing web parts, working with data sources, managing content types and lists, developing workflows, creating features and solutions, deploying and debugging applications, and troubleshooting issues.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete. It consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in order to pass.

In order to take Exam 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development you must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric. You will need your Microsoft ID number in order to register for the exam.

The cost of Exam 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking it costs around $150 USD.

11. Exam 70-576: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications

Exam 70-576: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications is a Microsoft certification exam that tests one’s knowledge and skills in designing and developing applications for the Windows Azure platform. This exam is intended for professional developers who design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain applications on the Windows Azure platform.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and contains between 40-60 questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $165 USD.

To get Exam 70-576: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications, you must register at Microsoft's website or through a partner testing center. Once registered, you will be able to schedule your exam date at a time that is convenient for you. You can also use online resources such as practice tests to prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Biztalk Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual situation. If you are a Biztalk developer who is looking for a job, then having a certification may be beneficial in helping you land the job. Having a certificate can show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the role.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working with Biztalk, then it may not be necessary to get certified. Employers will likely take into consideration your previous experience and accomplishments when considering hiring you for a position. Additionally, many companies offer on-the-job training programs that can help you gain more knowledge and experience with the technology.

Ultimately, getting certified can be beneficial but it is not always necessary. It really depends on your particular situation and goals. If you feel like certification would give you an edge in the job market or help further your career, then it may be worth investing in obtaining one.

Related: Biztalk Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Biztalk Developer Certifications

Q1. What is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): BizTalk Server certification?

A1. MCSE: BizTalk Server is a Microsoft professional certification that validates an individual’s skills in developing, deploying, and managing integration solutions using Microsoft BizTalk Server.

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining the MCSE: BizTalk Server certification?

A2. To obtain this certification you must pass Exam 70-595: Designing Business Process and Integration Solutions with Microsoft® BizTalk® Server 2010, and Exam 70-596: Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft® BizTalk® Server 2010.

Q3. What type of jobs can I apply for after earning the MCSE: BizTalk Server certification?

A3. After earning this certification you can pursue jobs such as integration architect, systems engineer or developer, data analyst, system administrator or consultant specializing in enterprise application integration and messaging solutions using Microsoft BizTalk server.

Q4. How long does it take to earn the MCSE: BizTalk Server certification?

A4. It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the exams and complete them successfully if you have prior experience with development tools such as Visual Studio, XML/XSLT, C# or VB .NET programming languages, SOAP/WCF services, SQL databases etc., which are used in designing and implementing solutions with Microsoft Biztalk server.

Q5. Are there any other certifications related to the MCSE: Biztalk Server?

A5. Yes, there are several other certifications related to this one such as MCSD: App Builder – which certifies your expertise in building scalable applications on Windows Azure; MCTS: Windows Azure Platform Configuration; MCTS: Windows Azure Platform Development; and MCTS: Windows Azure Platform Application Development – all of which provide additional knowledge in developing cloud-based applications on Windows Azure platform using Visual Studio 2013/2015/.NET 4+ Framework technologies.