The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET credential is for lead developers who design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) for Microsoft .NET credential is for developers who use Visual Basic .NET and other Microsoft technologies to build and maintain applications, components, back-end data services, Web and desktop clients.

The MCSD job role includes analyzing business and technical requirements, and defining the solution architecture, as well as the tasks typically conducted by MCADs, implementing the requirements and building, deploying, testing and maintaining the solution. The scope of responsibility of Solution Developer encompasses that of Application Developer and also goes beyond it.

The MCSD for .NET credential demonstrates the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful analysis, design, implementation, and administration of enterprise solutions. Achieving the MCAD credential demonstrates the skills necessary to build, test, deploy, and maintain applications, components, Web and desktop clients, as well as database and network services.

Details about the Solution Developer Certification on the Microsoft website		Details about the Application Developer Certification on the Microsoft website