Effective Methods to Prepare for Microsoft MCSD 70-480 Exam

There is no doubt that there are numerous benefits that come with earning certifications in different technologies. The credential validates your expertise, as well as stands you out among your peers. If you are interested in advancing your career in the Information Technology industry, you definitely cannot avoid taking some certification exams.

The Microsoft 70-480 certification examination earns you a position as a certified Microsoft specialist in Programming HTML5 with JavaScript & CSS3. The Microsoft 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 exam is intended for professional web developers who use the HTML5, JavaScript, as well as CSS3 in their professional works.

Although, the test is supported by Microsoft as a compliment to the Web Developer certification (MCSD) with ASP.NET, this exam itself does not require Microsoft technologies in any way. This is because it focuses on standard web technologies.

Specific Skills Measured in Microsoft 70-480 Certification Exam

The skills measured are based on the exam objectives of the certification. These objectives can be accessed on the official page of the Microsoft 70-480 Programming in HTML with JavaScript & CSS3 Certification Exam.

It is important to mention that the percentage on each of the objectives is the approximate exam question weight on each of them. What this means is that the level of the percentage determines the level of questions to be expected on each of the objectives.

The breakdown of the exam objectives is detailed as follows:

• Access & Secure Data – 26%
• Implement Program Flow – 25%
• Use CSS3 in Applications – 25%
• Implement & Manipulate Document Structures & Objectives – 24%

Training Resources for Microsoft 70-480 Certification Exam

There are numerous training resources that are available online that you can access for the preparation for your certification exam. The training materials range from video courses, books, blogs to articles. Some of these resources are free and others are paid-for.

Depending on your budget, you can choose the options that best appeal to you. It is important to mention that if you use free resource materials, it doesn’t mean that the quality is inferior to those that are paid for. We have highlighted some resources that will help you in your preparation process.

Video Training Courses

There are a good number of video training courses that are available over the Internet that cover a wide range of topics on the Microsoft 70-480 exam. Some of these videos can only be accessed through a paid subscription on the site offering them, but there are others that are free.

If you are looking for quality free video training courses, one of the best ways to find them is the Microsoft Virtual Academy. It is a Microsoft resource page that offers different course materials to the candidates for free. To access any of the videos on this site, you will be required to sign in with your Microsoft account. In case you do not have an account with Microsoft, you can create one immediately you access the site.

In relation to the Microsoft 70-480 certification exam, you can access the following video training courses on the platform:

• JavaScript Fundamentals for Beginners
• HTML5 and CSS3 Fundamentals for Beginners
• Introduction to J-Query
• Adding Style to CSS
• Developing HTML 5 with JavaScript & CSS3

Resource Books

There are also many resource books available on the 70-480 test. These books cover topics on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Going through all the books available is practically impossible, but it is recommended that you select a couple that covers all the basics that you need to learn in preparation for your exam.

Two of the top resource books you should consider are Programming in HTML5, JavaScript & CSS3 – Exam Ref. 70-480 and Training Guide: Programming HTML, JavaScript & CSS3. These two resources are excellent choices that will be of tremendous help for your exam preparation. The great thing about these books is that they are precise and straight to the point. They are also in line with the exam objectives, giving you a wide coverage of all topics in the training course.

Practice Exams

An integral part of your study plan is the practice exams. You must invest time in taking them to be familiar with the exam pattern and the likely questions that will be set during your actual certification test. The practice exam simulates the real examination scenario that gives you a true picture of what to expect. Apart from getting familiar with exam pattern, practice tests will also help you recognize your weak areas and be able to put more efforts in doing better in such areas.

When it comes to taking the practice exam, there is no limit to the number of times you can take it. Take it as often as you can and continue to review the ones you get wrong with relevant study materials. Continue taking them until you are sure that you have covered the entire topics and have scored 100% in the test questions. PrepAway offers a great platform where you can access an exam simulation. It is important that you do not memorize answers while taking practice questions. You should rather learn and understand the patterns of questions and how to answer them.

Conclusion

To sum up, below are some techniques that will help you in your preparation for the 70-480 exam. They are:

• Ensure you thoroughly go through the exam objectives and understand each of the topics.
• Use practice exam questions and flash cards to help you in learning a topic content.
• Use at least three different resource materials on each of the topics and go through all the materials as many times as you can. Repeating the process will help you retain the content you have studied.
• Get hands-on experience on the areas of focus.
• Set study and exam target. With a target, you know what you are working towards and how hard and fast you need to study. A target also ensures that you do not leave anything to chances since you have to cover all topics before the date of your exam.
• Select the online proctored exam method if it is available in your location. This will save you from the stress of going to a designated location to take your test. You can be well rested and prepared to take the 70-480 examination in the comfort of your home or office.