I was curious for when I get good enough to take this exam, how actual employers veiw this exam?

In specific:
   Is this a good way to say I am up to date in my field as evidenced by...
   Do the employers encourage actively or passively by reimbursing a passing grade?
   Are you given more challenging assignments both in and out of VFP by doing this?  
   Are you offered additional training since you show you can do VFP to a certain level?

I want ammo for my own bosses that I can use as business reasons.

Thanks.
  
Otherwise it all comes out of my pocket, and since it benefits both of us I am cheap and they can better afford to pay.

Tom

Go Canucks! (rabid Vancouver Canucks Fan)

Tom, I think the mileage varies considerably depending on the company and how important VFP is to that company.  At all the places I've worked as a VFP-head, not one of them has encouraged me to obtain the certification; it was something I did on my own.

If you are planning to stay with this same company for quite a while, you have to think carefully if the expense and effort are worth it (it does give you a good feeling inside when you pass, though).

If you plan on going job shopping any time soon, though, you'll stand out, because there are very few VFP MCPs.



Robert Bradley
 
http://www.foxdev.com/
 

Tom,

I agree with Robert. IMO, employers tend not to encourage active employees to obtain further certifications. Could be, they fear that employee will use that new certification to obtain a higher paying position with another company.

OTOH, some companies, including the one I work for, will opt to reimburse the employee for the exam cost, provided the employee passes the exam.

If you do forsee yourself in the job pool relatively soon, I would highly recommend obtaining the certification. VFP is a relatively small field when compared to VB,Java,C++,etc...So having the certification, could be the extra incentive the company needs to award you the position over other qualified candidates.

And as Robert said, there are few VFP MCPs. The last I had heard, there was still less than 30 VFP MCSDs.

Jon Hawkins
jonscott8@yahoo.com
 
The World Is Headed For Mutiny,
When All We Want Is Unity. - Creed

Holy cow I had no idea there were so few MCSD's.  I'm in the job market again.  We'll see if my MCP helps any  :p

John Durbin
john@johndurbin.com
MCP Visual FoxPro
ICQ VFP ActiveList #73897253

FWIW, John, I've never personally met another developer who has even taken the VFP exam, let alone passed, let alone become an MCSD with that concentration.  

Robert Bradley
 
http://www.foxdev.com/
 

There's 18, just 18 listed on the wiki

John Durbin
john@johndurbin.com
MCP Visual FoxPro
ICQ VFP ActiveList #73897253

I intend to take my MCP (70-156 exam) on August 26.

I will let you know the result of the exam.

Hopefully it will help me find a company to work for in USA (with an H1b visa).

I am from Romania, Europe.

Sincerely,
Mihail Vrapcea

mvrapcea, good luck

I have MCSD.  MCP VB and 155 in VFP.  do not be surprised to fai the first time.  It s not that the test is hard, it's stupid.  I failed it the first time.  came back, took out my VB study book on distributed applicatons, then passed, barely.  I have over 8 years experiance working with VFP.  they have some valid questons, but there are some tht I think someone thought of while on LSD.

I think what made taking the VB test easier is there is better available for study.  the books available form microsoft press are the best and even give you sample exam questions.  I passed both VB exams the first time, and I have less experance in VB then VFP.

the study guide put out by Hentzenwerke is not worht the money.  the focus in the book is far from the test material and the sample (very few) questions are far form the real thing.  If they sold it for $25 it would be worth it, but ot $55.

If you go after the MCSD, the required 100 exam is not bad.  the study guide from microsoft press is well worth the price.  make sure you study the databases in the study book, they are the key.

Attitude is Everything

As far as is it worth it.  I think so, unless you have no plans on looking for other employment.  as you see there ae very few MCP VFP out there , but plenty of people who claim to be.  when looking for work, I have found the credential gives credabillity to my experance.

Attitude is Everything