Which .NET certification is right for you

It depends on which direction you want to go, but it would be best to start with an MCTS.

Microsoft Visual Studio

• 2008 (Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5)
  
  
  1. MCTS: Three options for developers who want to demonstrate their technical expertise in using the .NET Framework 3.5; six specialty areas are available: Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, Windows Forms, ASP.NET, and ADO.NET
  
  
  2. MCPD: Builds on an MCTS prerequisite(s) and is designed for developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in using Visual Studio 2008 for one of three specific job roles: Windows Developer, ASP.NET Developer, or Enterprise Application Developer


• 2005 (Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0)
  
  
  1. MCTS: For developers who want to demonstrate their technical expertise using the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0; three specialty areas are available:
     
     
     1. Web Applications
     2. Windows Applications
     3. Distributed Applications
  
  
  2. MCPD: For developers who want to demonstrate their advanced skills in one or more of three job-role tracks:
     
     
     1. Web Developer
     2. Windows Developer
     3. Enterprise Applications Developer


• Microsoft .NET Framework
  
  
  1. Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD): For developers who want to demonstrate their technical expertise using Microsoft Visual Studio, the Microsoft .NET Framework, and Web services
  
  
  2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): For developers who want to demonstrate their advanced skills designing enterprise solutions by using Microsoft development tools and technologies, including the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Note: Please be aware that the MCSD.NET and MCAD are now retired certifications (the requisite exams are not available anymore).

We would suggest you to start with exam 70-536, which forms the base for all certifications on .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5.