Become a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
Showcase your Windows XP Embedded and Windows Embedded Standard development skills—earn the new Microsoft Certification Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification for Windows Embedded Standard 2009. While the certification is titled “Windows Embedded Standard”, Windows XP Embedded skills and experience will directly apply.
Exam 70-577 validates the skills and experience of seasoned Windows Embedded Standard developers, and is available now at Prometric Testing Centers worldwide.
Certification Exam #70-577: TS: Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Development
Available languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese
Candidates for this exam have one to two years of experience working with Windows XP Embedded. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the internal workings of Windows XP Embedded and the registry. They should also have functional knowledge of how to configure and build the operating system (runtime image). Candidates should also have experience using Windows internals, deploying to a variety of hardware platforms, and troubleshooting device driver installations.
In addition, candidates for this exam should have experience with the following:
- Windows security
- componentization
- the role of packages, groups, and repository sets
- application-level development on Windows XP and Windows XP Embedded
- deployment options and methodologies
- Embedded enabling features (EEFs)
- working at the hardware level
- Database Manager
- Get a full overview of the topics covered by the exam.
See below for answers to frequently asked questions about Certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get certified?
An MCP certification is an excellent proof point of your Windows Embedded Standard skills when competing for consulting opportunities, jobs, or advancement. This certification counts towards MSPP certification requirements, and will be integrated into the Windows Embedded Partner Program (WEPP) in the coming months.
What’s a Certification Exam?
An MCP exam is a validation of existing skills using a specific Microsoft technology. The exam lasts on average two hours. Questions focus both on the “how” and the “why” of each technology, testing familiarity with the tools, the tradeoffs, and the reasoning an experience developer or IT professional uses on a day to day basis.
How many exams do I need to take?
You must pass one exam in order to achieve the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Embedded Standard, 2009 certification. That exam is number 70-577, TS: Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2009 Development.
Where do I take it?
At Prometric testing centers worldwide. You can’t take an MCP certification exam at your desk – you must go to an official testing center, where secure workstations control the integrity of the exam data. You will want to register before coming to take the exam – each testing center has a fixed number of testing stations, and they are often booked up in advance. You will want to allow 3-4 hours out of the office to take the exam, depending on your proximity to the Prometric testing center nearest to you.
Find your local Prometric testing center today.
About the Microsoft Certification Program
The Microsoft Certification Program is over 17 years old, and has certified over 4 million IT professionals and developers (including over 24,000 Microsoft employees) on technologies including Windows NT, Exchange, .NET Development, SQL Server, Windows XP, Vista, and more.
A 2008 study1 conducted by IDC showed that Microsoft Certification helped organizations improve performance:
For each new team member certified, team performance increases. Every time. Team skill is directly responsible for organizational performance in several key IT functional areas.
Increasing the concentration of Microsoft certified team members on a team directly impacts team performance.
The teams at the top tier of performance have between 40% and 55% of their teams certified on relevant Microsoft technologies and processes.
75% of managers believe that certifications are important to team performance
66% of managers believe that certifications improve the level of service and support offered to IT end users/customers
1 “Impact of Training: Functional Excellence Leads to Operational Productivity,” IDC, Doc# 215762, Dec. 2008.
Learn more about the Microsoft Certification Program (MCP)
Redeeming Your Voucher
If you have received a discount voucher for a Microsoft Certification Program (MCP) exam, review the following instructions. Each voucher number can only be redeemed once. Once the voucher has been redeemed, it cannot be used again. The voucher can only be used at Thomson Prometric Testing Centers. The exam must be scheduled and completed before the voucher expiration date.
Thomson Prometric - Registration
- Go to the following website: http://www.register.prometric.com/Menu.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1
- Select “Schedule An Appointment”
- Select your Country and State (if applicable)
- Next to Client, select Microsoft
- Next to Program select Microsoft (070, 071, 074, 075, 076)
- Click Next
- Please read the page titled "Microsoft Certified Exam Provider."
- Next Select the exam number and the exam language for the exam you would like to take.
- Select the test center location where you would like to take the exam by clicking on Schedule an Appointment next to the location that is nearest you.
- When the next page appears, you have the option of either logging in, if you have been to the site before, or you can register as a new user.
- NOTE if you are a new user – PLEASE enter a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS.
All information for the Microsoft Certification Program will be sent via email, and without a valid email address, you will not receive access to the MCP Secure site or be able to order your Welcome Kit when you achieve your certification.
- Once you are logged in, you will then be able to select a date and time for your appointment, select a date and time
- Under Payment Information in the box that states Promotion Code or Voucher click Yes
- Next to Discount Type select Voucher Number
- Next to Voucher Number / Promotion Code – enter the voucher number you have been provided
- Click Validate – if the voucher has not been used you will be automatically directed back to the Payment Information Page
- Validate your email address and click on the radio button I agree as long as you agree to the terms of the privacy notice
- Click Commit Registration
- A Confirmation Page will appear. Please print this page for your records and ensure you have noted the date and time for your exam.
If you encounter any other problems during registration, please contact Prometric at the appropriate contact center listed on this website: http://www.prometric.com/ContactUs/TestTakers/default.htm