Top 11 .NET Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for .NET developers in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to learning and staying up-to-date on the latest technologies. They also provide proof of a certain level of technical proficiency, which potential employers value. Certifications also give .NET developers an edge when competing for jobs, as they can show that the developer has a higher level of competency than those without any certifications. Additionally, some certifications may be required by employers, so having them can help make an applicant more attractive to hiring managers.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for .NET Developers and explain how they can help advance a .NET developer's career.

What are .NET Developer Certifications?

The .NET Developer Certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual's mastery of the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is awarded to those who have demonstrated a deep understanding and proficiency in developing solutions using the .NET Framework. This certification validates a developer’s ability to create and maintain applications with the tools, technologies, and services available within the Microsoft .NET platform.

The .NET Developer Certification can help developers gain recognition for their expertise in the field, as well as open up new job opportunities. This certification also helps demonstrate credibility to employers when applying for jobs or promotions. It can also help developers stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies within the .NET Framework, allowing them to create more advanced applications. Additionally, having this certification can provide access to exclusive resources such as webinars and community forums focused on improving one’s development skills. It is also seen as an important step towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), which is a higher level of certification offered by Microsoft that requires passing several exams related to the .NET Framework.

Pro tip: Before pursuing a .NET developer certification, make sure to have a thorough understanding of the .NET Framework and related technologies. It is also important to gain practical experience in developing applications using .NET before attempting to get certified.

Related: What does a .NET Developer do?

Top 11 .NET Developer Certifications

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

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a certification that validates a professional’s skills in developing applications for the Microsoft platform. It is designed for those who have a deep understanding of the Microsoft development stack and can create solutions that are tailored to meet customer requirements.

To earn the MCSD: App Builder certification, candidates must pass three exams: Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications, and Exam 70-487: Developing Windows Azure and Web Services.

The exams typically take between 2-4 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s knowledge level. The cost of each exam varies by country but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam.

In order to prepare for the exams, Microsoft offers several resources such as self-paced courses, instructor led training, practice tests, study guides, and more. Additionally, there are many third party training providers that offer preparation materials as well.

Once all three exams have been passed successfully, candidates will receive their MCSD: App Builder certification from Microsoft. This certification is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Web Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Web Applications is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge necessary to build and maintain websites, web applications, and services using Microsoft technologies. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing, deploying, and troubleshooting web applications on the Microsoft platform.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for and pass the MCSA: Web Applications exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as designing, developing, and deploying web applications; configuring authentication; managing data access; creating Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services; and more.

To get this certification, individuals must first pass Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3. Once they have passed this exam, they can then take Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications to complete the MCSA: Web Applications certification process.

The cost of the MCSA: Web Applications certification varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification that validates an individual's ability to design, implement, and maintain cloud-based solutions on Microsoft Azure. It demonstrates the skills needed to design, implement, and manage a cloud infrastructure in Microsoft Azure. This certification is intended for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the areas of cloud technologies such as virtualization, networking, storage, identity management, security and disaster recovery.

How long does it take to get it?

The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification requires that you pass two exams: Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. The exams can be taken separately or together as part of a bundle. Depending on your experience level and study habits, it could take anywhere from one to three months to prepare for the exams.

How to get it?

To earn the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification you must pass both Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions with a score of 700 or higher on each exam. You can register for these exams at the Pearson VUE website. You can also find self-study materials such as books, practice tests, online courses etc., which can help you prepare for the exams.

How much does it cost?

The cost of each exam is $165 USD. So if you are taking both exams separately then the total cost would be $330 USD. However there are some discounts available if you purchase them as part of a bundle so please check with Pearson VUE for more details about pricing options.

4. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): Enterprise Application Development

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): Enterprise Application Development is a certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in developing applications using the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is designed for experienced developers who have at least two years of experience building applications using the .NET Framework.

It takes approximately six to nine months to complete the training and certification process. To become MCPD: Enterprise Application Development certified, individuals must pass three exams: Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation; Exam 70-547: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5; and Exam 70-548: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.

The cost of becoming MCPD: Enterprise Application Development certified varies depending on the number of exams taken, as well as any additional training or materials needed to prepare for the exams. The total cost can range from $400-$1,000 USD depending on the individual's circumstances.

5. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): .NET Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program that provides individuals with an introduction to the fundamentals of Microsoft technologies. It is designed for individuals who are new to the technology field or who are looking to validate their skills in a particular technology area. MTA certifications are available for various Microsoft technologies, including .NET Fundamentals.

The .NET Fundamentals certification covers topics such as the .NET Framework, C# programming language, Visual Studio IDE, and web development using ASP.NET and HTML5. The exam focuses on fundamental concepts related to these topics and does not require any prior experience or knowledge of the subject matter.

The .NET Fundamentals certification exam takes approximately 50 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points.

The cost of taking the .NET Fundamentals exam varies depending on your location and whether you take it online or at a testing center. Generally speaking, it costs around $127 USD to take the exam online and around $150 USD to take it at a testing center.

To get started with MTA certifications, you can visit the Microsoft Learning website where you can find more information about available exams, study materials, and registration information.

6. CompTIA A+ Certification for .NET Developers

CompTIA A+ Certification for .NET Developers is a certification program from CompTIA, an IT industry trade association. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of experienced .NET developers in areas such as Windows operating systems, networking, security, troubleshooting, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process. To get CompTIA A+ Certification for .NET Developers, you must first pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). You can purchase the exam vouchers directly from CompTIA or through a third party vendor. The cost of the exam vouchers varies depending on where you purchase them but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD each.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ Certification for .NET Developers certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a recertification exam every three years.

7. Oracle Certified Professional, .NET Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, .NET Developer is a certification program offered by Oracle to validate the skills of developers who use the .NET framework to develop applications. It is designed to measure a developer’s technical knowledge and skills in developing applications using the .NET framework.

The certification requires that you have at least two years of experience developing applications with the .NET framework. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as .NET architecture, web services, security, debugging, and data access.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam and get certified. To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses or attend instructor-led classes. You can also read books about .NET development and practice with sample questions from previous exams.

The cost of getting Oracle Certified Professional, .NET Developer certification varies depending on where you take your training course or buy your books from. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with taking the exam.

8. CIW Advanced .NET Programming Certification

CIW Advanced .NET Programming Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of the advanced concepts and techniques used in the development of applications using the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is designed to validate a candidate’s ability to create, deploy, and maintain enterprise-level applications using the .NET Framework.

The CIW Advanced .NET Programming Certification requires passing one exam, 1D0-520: CIW Advanced .NET Programming. This exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data access technologies, web services, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), and Windows Workflow Foundation (WF). The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and includes multiple-choice questions.

To get certified for CIW Advanced .NET Programming Certification, you must first pass the 1D0-520 exam. You can prepare for this exam by taking an authorized training course or studying independently from available resources. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from CIW.

The cost of taking the 1D0-520 exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

9. Brainbench .NET Framework Certification

Brainbench .NET Framework Certification is a professional certification program that verifies a candidate’s knowledge and skills in the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is designed to assess the ability of an individual to develop, deploy, and manage applications using the .NET platform. The certification covers topics such as C# language fundamentals, object-oriented programming concepts, Windows Forms development, ASP.NET web application development, ADO.NET data access technology, XML web services, and more.

The Brainbench .NET Framework Certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 60 minutes. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam to earn their certification.

To get Brainbench .NET Framework Certification, you must first register for an account at Brainbench.com and purchase the certification exam for $99 USD. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your exam online. After you have successfully completed the exam and achieved a passing score of 70%, you will receive your official Brainbench .NET Framework Certification certificate via email within 24 hours.

10. Zend PHP 5 Certification

Zend PHP 5 Certification is a professional certification program developed by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open-source scripting language PHP. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in developing secure, reliable and maintainable web applications using the latest version of PHP (PHP 5).

The certification consists of two exams: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests knowledge of core PHP concepts such as variables, functions, classes, objects and databases. The practical exam requires the candidate to complete a series of tasks using their own code.

The certification process typically takes around 3 months to complete. Candidates must first register for the exams on the Zend website and pay the associated fees. Once registered, candidates must study for the exams and prepare their own code for the practical exam. After this preparation period, candidates can take both exams at any authorized testing center around the world.

The cost of obtaining Zend PHP 5 Certification varies depending on where you take the exams and what type of training materials you purchase. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD to become certified in Zend PHP 5.

11. Sun Java 2 Programmer Certification

The Sun Java 2 Programmer Certification is a professional certification program offered by Oracle. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Java programmers in developing applications using the Java programming language. The certification requires passing an exam, which covers topics such as language fundamentals, object-oriented programming, GUI development, database connectivity and web services.

The certification typically takes a few months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and dedication to studying for the exam. To get certified, you must first register with Oracle and pay the associated fee. Once registered, you can access study materials, practice tests, and other resources to help prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining Sun Java 2 Programmer Certification varies depending on your country of residence but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive an official certificate confirming your achievement.

Do You Really Need a .NET Developer Certificate?

No, you do not need a .NET Developer Certificate to be successful as a software developer. While having the certificate may give you an edge in certain situations, there are many other factors that are more important for success.

First and foremost, having knowledge and experience with the .NET framework is essential for any .NET developer. A certificate is no substitute for this practical knowledge, which can only be gained through working on actual projects and developing real-world applications. Furthermore, even if you have a .NET Developer Certificate, employers will still want to know that you have the necessary skills and experience to perform your job duties effectively.

In addition to technical knowledge, soft skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork and leadership are also essential for success in any programming field. Employers look for developers who can think creatively and work collaboratively with others to solve problems. These skills cannot be acquired through a certificate program; they must be developed over time through practice and experience.

Finally, having an online presence or portfolio of past work can be very beneficial when applying for jobs in the software development field. This portfolio should include your best projects as well as any awards or recognition that you have received for your work. Having a strong portfolio may even outweigh having a .NET Developer Certificate in some cases.

In conclusion, while having a .NET Developer Certificate may give you an advantage in some circumstances, it is not necessary for success as a software developer. Technical knowledge of the .NET framework combined with good soft skills and an impressive portfolio of past work will go much further than any certificate when it comes to finding employment opportunities or advancing your career in this field.

Related: .NET Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About .NET Developer Certifications

1. What is the difference between a .NET Developer Certification and a C# Programming Certification?

Answer: A .NET Developer Certification is focused on the .NET framework and includes topics such as ASP.NET, Windows Forms, ADO.NET, XML and Web Services. A C# Programming Certification is focused on the C# programming language and includes topics such as syntax, classes, objects, inheritance, interfaces and more.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a .NET Developer?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a .NET developer will depend on your prior knowledge of the subject matter and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the certification exam.

3. Do I need any special training or courses in order to take the certification exam?

Answer: While taking courses or attending specialized training sessions can be helpful when preparing for a certification exam, they are not required in order to take the exam. Many candidates prefer to study on their own using resources such as books or online tutorials.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

Answer: No, there are no prerequisites for taking the certification exam; however it is recommended that you have some prior knowledge of .NET development before taking the test.

5. What type of questions will be asked on the certification exam?

Answer: The types of questions you will encounter on the certification exam will vary depending on which specific certification you are taking; however in general it will include multiple choice questions that assess your understanding of concepts related to .NET development including language syntax, coding techniques and best practices related to building applications using the .NET framework.