22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Boring book, but what else are you going to get?, October 5, 2007
This review is from: MCPD Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-536, 70-528, 70-547): Microsoft .NET Framework Web Developer Core Requirements (Paperback)
Unfortunately, there really isn't much material out there that covers the MCPD certifications. In fact, based on my brief search, this was the only book that covered it. So it was either get this book or just go off the list of material posted on the Microsoft website. The book does provide three 15% off vouchers and a program of test questions. And for that, it gets the +2 stars.
After that, the material is pretty weak. It's written as-is (kinda ben stein-ish) and the code is confusing to read. I often times have to look at the MSDN equivalent material to get a better understanding of what the author was really trying to say and/or code. But again, what are you going to do? The list that microsoft presents on their certifications page is too vague, you need direction.
You're going to definately need more material to look through outside of what's in the book, but it's a good place to build from. So far I have just taken 1 out of the 3 tests, but I passed on my first time. If you were to use the book as a guide, shouldn't be a problem to do the same.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All you need to pass the MCPD Web Developer, June 21, 2008
This review is from: MCPD Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-536, 70-528, 70-547): Microsoft .NET Framework Web Developer Core Requirements (Paperback)
I am an experienced developer, and used this set to pass the MCPD Web. It should be all anyone really needs.
Everyone is different, by my recommendation is to use the books only for reference. Take the tests on the disk. Then for the questions you get wrong or find yourself guessing - look up the topic. Study for your weaknesses, otherwise anyone with experience working with this stuff is going to be rehashing everything they already know.
I read people complain about how the books don't cover everything, and am at a loss to know what they could be talking about. If you know everything contained in the books or even possess about 85% of that knowledge, then there really is no way you can fail the tests.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Accomplishes Its Goal, May 23, 2009
This review is from: MCPD Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-536, 70-528, 70-547): Microsoft .NET Framework Web Developer Core Requirements (Paperback)
Let me first say I have given this book a 5 star review because, in spite of its slightly detractive reception, it does what its meant to do and that is prepare you for the 3 exams that lead to an MCPD Web Developer designation.
If you are buying this book to prepare for, and pass, the MCPD exams (3) for web development, then you will not be let down. I have just completed the first of the three exams and passed with no problems at all.
How it helped me as a new developer:
Being a relatively new developer (2 years), I found the 70-536 book to be a great resource as I stumbled through my first .NET applications. When faced with challenges before I had read the book I would google around for answers not knowing what exactly I was looking for. After I had read through the entire book just once my searching was significantly shortened as I would recall reading about x or y in the book and would pull up the ebook and browse my way to the topic I needed. I could then use the code samples as a 'framework' for how to structure my code to accomplish what I wanted.
How I used this material to pass the first exam:
I read the book once and then began taking the practice exams until I was consistently scoring 80 - 90%. At that point, make note of which questions you're still getting wrong and review that section in the book or print out just the answers to those questions and study them. Then, go back and take the practice tests and see how your score improves.
Summary:
If you're not an expert in .NET development already, you stand to learn plenty from this book set. You also have all the material you need to take and pass the exams so long as you study hard and take the practice tests.
The book does have its faults. Typos and such. But, the books are designed to prepare you to pass the exams, not make your spell checker happy.
Besides, I felt a little proud on more than one occasion when I looked at something that was incorrect in a code segment and knew immediately that it was wrong (and how to correct it). When you make those sort of observations, you're making progress.
Anyway, aside from the above mentioned draw back, the material is pretty solid and gets the job done. The typos and such certainly do not take away from the books ability to deliver. You'll see other reviewers who've left poor ratings say the same.
I highly recommend this set for anyone looking to progress in their career, take and pass the exams addressed by this set, and learn more about the .NET Framework along the way.
There are other materials available out there if you prefer it. Just look for study materials for the individual exams, not the full MCPD collection.
Regardless of how you proceed, good luck.
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