SHADEED ELEAZER, MCTS

BATLIMORE SHAREPOINT USERS’ GROUP

www.baltimoresug.org

SharePoint Certifications

Overview

Overview of Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist pipeline

Feedback from taking and passing SharePoint-centric exams

Impact of having certifications within assigned workcenters

Discussion: Will Certs Increase My Marketability

The Double-Edged Sword: Why SharePoint "Paper Certifications" will spell quick dismissal from any company

Review of test prep questions

Identifying local areas in Baltimore market to take certifications

MCTS Overview

Acronym for Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist.

Designed to display know-how in a specific technology.

MCTS are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology.

Certifications are now rolled out in alignment with new product releases.

Certifications is “retired” when Microsoft discontinues support

SharePoint Certifications

70-63o - TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

70-631 - TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring

70-541 - TS: Microsoft WSS 3.0 Application Development

70-542- TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – App Development

MCTS – MOSS 2007 Application Development

Core competencies for exam include: Customizing functionality by using profiles Targeting content based on audience membership Searching data utilizing Enterprise Search capabilityAccessing Office SharePoint Server 2007 Application Platform ServicesIntegrating business data with MOSS 2007 leveraging Business Data CatalogCreating BI solutions utilizing MOSS 2007Managing enterprise content

MCTS- MOSS 2007 - Configuration

Deploy Office SharePoint Server 2007Upgrade MOSS 2007Configure business forms Manage Business Intelligence Configure Content Management Manage Search Perform administration on MOSS server

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MCTS – WSS 3.0 Application Development

Creating site and feature provisioning components

Creating Metadata and workflow provisioning components

Developing WSS 3.0 components leveraging the .NET framework

Using the API to manipulate site content and configuration

Exam Feedback

MOSS configuration exam requires that you know a broad range of topics relating to MOSS 2007 that test takers may not work with on a daily basis.

WSS 3.0 exam configuration exam has a greater degree of difficulty due to exam’s focus on Windows Server platform as it relates to WSS.

SharePoint Certification Impact

Greater SharePoint Market Certifications are a plus, and are the

exception not the norm or standardSharePoint Practices in MD/DC/VAStarting to push SharePoint professionals to

obtain certs as a requirement. Small Workcenters/Team SettingsQuickly set yourself apart

Will SharePoint Certs Increase Marketability

Higher end consultants can enjoy a potentially higher salary based on several factors.

SharePoint certs will display your initiative and drive towards becoming a top-notch professional.

In the consulting world, clients feel greater confidence in a consultant’s skillset if certifications are achieved

The Double Edged Sword

Companies are looking for SharePoint “Experts” to perform tasks and manage SharePoint environments.

Certifications are a surefire way to prove your knowledge.

If you enter a position with the perception of an expert, and you don’t live up to that perceptions, “difficulties” may arise in that position.

Review Test Prep Questions

Review sample questions