www.e-skillsnto.org.uk/qualify guide for individuals 

MCSD vs Developing IT Systems Level Three

These two qualifications relate to people working in software development. The Microsoft Certified System Developer proves you have knowledge of Visual Basic 6 and SQL server 7 platforms. The Developing IT Systems Level Three S/NVQ proves that you have worked successfully as a programmer, analyst, system developer or database developer. Together these two qualifications will show that you have successfully worked in an environment employing these Microsoft languages.

They overlap in the area of technical knowledge. If you already have the Microsoft qualification then this will count against some of the knowledge requirements of the SVQ or NVQ.

In summary:

• MCSD proves a candidate has current and extensive knowledge of the MSF Process Model for Application Development and particular Microsoft software development environments.
• S/NVQ provides evidence of competent performance in a range of real world situations covering wider aspects of software development possibly using a range of development environments
• A combination of the two will prove competent real world performance underpinned by extensive specific Microsoft product knowledge.

Both qualifications serve useful purposes but together they provide a uniquely effective method of measuring a candidate's performance and potential.

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