Please read a brief description of the certification programs below.   Microsoft Requirements Page Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) Avg. Salary: 62,500 Microsoft Certified Application Developers are qualified to develop, test, deploy, and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or database and network services using Microsoft tools and technologies.    To become a Microsoft Certified Application Developer candidates must pass three exams.  All three exams apply towards the MCSD for Microsoft .NET certification.  In addition, two of the exams apply towards the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator certification.  Microsoft Certified Solution Developer for the Microsoft .NET Framework (MCSD .NET) Avg. Salary: 78,200  Microsoft Certified Solution Developers are qualified to design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions with Microsoft developer tools, technologies, platforms, and the Microsoft .NET Framework.  Professionals holding the premier MCSD for Microsoft .NET credential demonstrate that they have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation and administration of business solutions with Microsoft products.  These solutions include national/international Web, Business-to-Business and/or Windows applications that support large organizations.  To become a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer candidates must pass five exams, three of which count towards the Microsoft Certified Application Developer certification.  Two of the exams also apply towards the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator certification.    Microsoft Certified Database Administrator  (MCDBA) The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 credential is the premier certification for professionals who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. The certification is appropriate for individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure SQL Server. The MCDBA on SQL Server 2000 Certification Is Appropriate For Database administrators Database analysts Database developers By earning the premier MCDBA on SQL Server 2000 credential, individuals are demonstrating that they have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of SQL Server databases. Source:  Microsoft MCDBA website   Microsoft Certified System Engineer 2000  (MCSE) For network professionals, Microsoft offers the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2000 (MCSE) credential. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers are qualified to effectively plan, implement, maintain and support information systems with Microsoft Windows 2000 and the Microsoft BackOffice integrated family of server software. To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, you must pass a series of rigorous certification exams that measure your technical proficiency and expertise. These exams are developed with input from industry professionals and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world.