Larry,


>>There are books, yes, but there isn't much material geared specifically to what the exam covers.
>
>I believe that's actually by design. One of the criticisms that MCSE, MCSD and MCPs were getting was that there was enough study material around so that the person didn't really have to know the subject. They could go to a class or read a book and pass the test. This doesn't help the credibility of the certification program.
>
>When the VFP 6 tests were created, real developers submitted questions to MS for consideration. They reflected real world problems that needed to be solved. The goal was to get away from rote memorization of the documentation and get into being able to apply sound application/database design principals using VFP.
>
>IMO, I think it worked.


I completely agree to both statements. It makes you wonder, then, if the programming community gives the FoxPro MCP the respect it deserves, as it is apparently harder to pass this exam due to it's more difficult design and lack of study materials. - I would hope so.


>>
>>Does anyone know how long someone should be programming in FoxPro6 before taking the MCP exam if they expect to pass it?
>>
>
>It depends on what you currently do with VFP 6. If you only maintain someone else's system, it may be a long time (year+). If you have been working with it only a few months but you have designed a new system and started implementing it, then I would say you are ready now.
>
>It all depends on the level of immersion you have had.
>
>HTH.

This helps tremendously - I started working with someone else's system a little over a year ago - and started trying to take the exam after the first 6 months. In any event - it's nice to know that taking over a year in this scenario to pass the test is not unrealistic. (One can beat themselves up pretty badly when they are having trouble passing a test)

Thanks for your help again!

Tina