Microsoft Visual Studio certifications
Earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification for Microsoft Visual Studio — and prove your skills in building Windows 8 apps using your choice of programming approaches, including C# and HTML5 with JavaScript.
Choose a certification below:
The fundamentals of IT
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Associate level
The skills for your professional career
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Expert level
The globally recognised standard for developers
Specialisations
Microsoft Visual Studio certification exams 480 and 483 validate programming skills in a specific language. By passing one of these exams you will earn a Microsoft Specialist certification. In addition, you will complete one of the exam requirements for an MCSD.
| Certification title | Required exam |
|---|---|
| Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 Specialist | Take exam 480 |
| Programming in C# Specialist | Take exam 483 |
Other certifications
The lifespan of a certification varies, based on certification track and certification technology. See lists of withdrawn exams and withdrawn certifications.
Upgrade paths for Visual Studio certification
- Visual Studio 2010 certification to Visual Studio 2012
If you have already earned an MCPD on Visual Studio 2010, you may be eligible to take advantage of a shorter upgrade path to achieve an MCSD certification.
If you have this current certification:
- MCPD: Windows Developer 4
Upgrade to the MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using C# by taking these exams.
Step Title Required exam Certification earned 1 Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using C# Take exam 484 
2 Advanced Windows Store App Development Using C# Take exam 485 There is no upgrade path to earn MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using HTML5.
If you have either of these certifications:
- MCPD: Web Developer 4
- MCPD: Microsoft Azure Developer
Upgrade to the MCSD: Web Applications by taking these exams.
Step Title Required exam Certification earned 1 Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 Take exam 480 
2 Upgrade your MCPD: Web Developer 4 to MCSD: Web Applications Take exam 492
