Top Certification Exams Recommended for SharePoint Developers

Introduction

If you aspire to become a SharePoint developer, choosing the right certification exams is crucial to flatten your journey towards excellence. SharePoint is a versatile platform that manages, searches, and shares different types of information from a wide variety of sources. Understanding the current certification landscape for SharePoint developers can help streamline your learning and career progression.

Current Certification Landscape for SharePoint Developers

SharePoint, a cloud-based and on-premise collaboration platform, has evolved significantly over the years. The current certifications offered by Microsoft are highly recommended for aspiring developers looking to gain in-depth knowledge and industry recognition.

Exam 70-488: SharePoint 2019

Exam 70-488: Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Administration is a go-to certification for developers who want to master the core functionalities of SharePoint. This exam delves into essential aspects such as site columns and list columns, content types, web parts, workflows, and authentication/authorization.

Core Topics Covered in Exam 70-488

Site Columns and List Columns: These are essential components for creating and configuring lists and sites in SharePoint. Understanding these will help you personalize your application interface and enhance the user experience. Content Types: Content types in SharePoint help manage different types of data and enable consistent management practices. Learning about content types will help you streamline data administration and reduce complexity for users. Web Parts, Wiki Pages: Web parts and wiki pages are key elements in creating dynamic and interactive SharePoint sites. Mastering these components is crucial for building user-friendly interfaces. Out-of-Box Workflows: Workflows automatically perform tasks based on pre-defined rules. Understanding how to use out-of-box workflows is instrumental in automating business processes and enhancing productivity. Securing SharePoint Artifacts: Protected by various permission levels, ensuring that your SharePoint artifacts are secured is a must. Creating and assigning permission levels appropriately will help maintain an efficient and secure environment. User Profile Services and Other Service Applications: These services help maintain user information and streamline communication and collaboration within teams.

Completing Exam 70-488 not only validates your knowledge but also opens doors to higher-level certifications and job opportunities.

Transition to MCSD App Builder

As the SharePoint certification landscape evolves, it's important to note that the App Builder MCSD is currently offered by Microsoft to recognize SharePoint application developers.

Required Exams for MCSD: App Builder

Exam 70-480: Microsoft 365 Developer Foundation: This exam is a prerequisite for the MCSD: App Builder certification pathway. It provides a fundamental understanding of app development in Microsoft 365. Exam 70-486: Microsoft 365 Developer Extension for JavaScript, Node.js, and Blazor: This exam helps you gain hands-on experience with web and client-side development technologies, which are essential for building modern SharePoint applications. Exam 70-488: Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Administration (as mentioned earlier): This exam validates your expertise in managing and administering SharePoint.

By successfully completing these exams, you will be recognized as an App Builder, signifying your expertise in developing and deploying applications in Microsoft 365, including SharePoint.

Why JavaScript and REST API?

Most SharePoint APIs now start to use or rely on JavaScript and REST. Focusing on these technologies not only provides an edge over other developers but also aligns with the evolving demands of the industry. JavaScript and REST offer flexibility, scalability, and efficient data handling, making them ideal for modern SharePoint applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right certification exams is key to your journey as a SharePoint developer. Start with Exam 70-488: Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Administration to gain a solid foundation. Progress to the MCSD: App Builder pathway by completing the required exams. Embrace the power of JavaScript and REST to stay ahead in the game. Best of luck on your SharePoint development journey!