The document provides an overview of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications specific to SharePoint, detailing exam topics and competencies required for various certifications. It discusses the relevance of certifications in enhancing marketability and job confidence, while also cautioning about the potential pitfalls of perceived expertise. The document highlights local certification opportunities in the Baltimore area and emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development in SharePoint.

1. SHADEED ELEAZER, MCTS BATLIMORE SHAREPOINT USERS’ GROUP www.baltimoresug.org SharePoint Certifications

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 capability Accessing Office SharePoint Server 2007 Application Platform Services Integrating business data with MOSS 2007 leveraging Business Data Catalog Creating BI solutions utilizing MOSS 2007 Managing enterprise content

6. MCTS- MOSS 2007 - Configuration Deploy Office SharePoint Server 2007 Upgrade MOSS 2007 Configure business forms Manage Business Intelligence Configure Content Management Manage Search Perform administration on MOSS server farms

7. 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

8. 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.

9. SharePoint Certification Impact Greater SharePoint Market Certifications are a plus, and are the exception not the norm or standard SharePoint Practices in MD/DC/VA Starting to push SharePoint professionals to obtain certs as a requirement. Small Workcenters/Team Settings Quickly set yourself apart

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Review Test Prep Questions Review sample questions