>>I agree with you there. If you are inclined to take the current exams - you should do so. At the same time, one should keep the future in mind by asking these sorts of questions..
>

Thanks for agreeing. Then again, that wasn't my point. I think it was Jims< bg >


>How long would you expect a certification to last? IMO, the remaining 2-3 years is just fine, and wouldn't deter me at all from taking the exams. Anything beyond 2-3 years, in this industry, is speculation. Yes, we should be aware that the current MCSD could expire and be replaced with something new, but isn't that kind of a given in an industry that changes completely every five years?
>

I agree with you here. I think in the case of VFP however, my feeling is that it (VFP) will not qualify a developer for future certifications. Even if there is a VFP 7 cert - it is so different than .Net. I recall the uproar that occurred when MS omitted VFP 6 from the MCSD certification track. That was an unjustified move on MS's part given that VFP was consistient with the rest of VS. With .Net however, I think MS will be justifed in omitting VFP from the .Net certification track. Therefore, if one wants to remain certified, you will likely have to pick another language. For the VB community, it is about going onto the next version. For the VFP community, it is about finding a new language.

I really don't have a stake in the issue because I don't think much of MS certification. FWIW, I did take and pass the 3.0 exam. I don't think there would be much of an issue with taking and passing both VFP 6 exams. So lest it be said this is not an issue with sour grapes.

With all the discussions that have occurred with respect to VFP, where it is going, how it fits with .Net, I see this as an obvious issue that is not being discussed. For sure, when the new tracks get announced and VFP is not there, you know what will happen. All fo the bitching, moaning, and crying about why VFP is not on the list.

I advocate folks that may be impacted by this to address the issue NOW not later.

FWIW, I am surprised the issue has not been discussed yet...


PS - I enjoyed your book!! Nice work!!

< JVP >