The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist credential enables professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. Developers who hold the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications (MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications) certification have demonstrated breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of Windows Forms technology, in addition to expertise in data access in Microsoft Windows applications. Technology Specialists typically pursue careers as Web developers, Windows developers, or enterprise software developers. They may also be developers and system administrators who do not work with the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 daily but who want to show their breadth of technology experience. Microsoft Skills Assessments for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 will help you focus your exam preparation training, and they can help you find the learning resources that you need to upgrade from Visual Studio .NET and ASP.NET 1.0 and ASP.NET 1.1.

How to earn your MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

Candidates for this certification must pass two exams: one focuses on .NET Framework 2.0 foundational skills and the other focuses on Windows-based client development. The following table provides a complete list of exams and related training resources. For exam dates and specific areas of focus, see individual Exam Preparation Guides as the exams become available. If you plan to upgrade from an MCAD or MCSD on .NET certification to a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification, you do not need to obtain an MCTS certification first. You will earn the applicable MCTS certifications when you pass the upgrade exam(s) for MCPD: Windows Applications Developer, MCPD: Web Applications Developer, or MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer.