Certification can be a bit stressful in varying ways. Though for some it can be a light breeze, for others sweaty palms and heart palpitations are just a part of the territory. However, the key to preparing is long term learning and not the cramming sessions. Though, cramming session may seldom give you high-grade results. Still, there is no denying that its a risky and stressful strategy. So, to make it a light breeze for you as well, we’re going to provide you with an elaborate preparation guide. So, stay with us till the end, and we’re sure it will be worth it. And, before you get all pumped up to have a look at all the learning resources. Let’s first get your mind a little warmed with all the details about the 70-480 exam.
About the 70-480 Exam:
Exploring every part of preparing for a certification exam would need more than just one article. This topic could easily fill a small book, though not a very exciting one. Still, there are important truths and things you must do. Every candidate should know about these when getting ready for a certification exam.
Therefore, in this article, we are going to take you to step by step. So, first, stop we’re going to make you familiar with the exam details and what all the exam is all about.
70-480 Exam Overview:
Passing the 70-480 exam, which covers Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, is one of the two exams required to earn your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Web Applications Certification.
The 70–480 is a great exam for demonstrating your knowledge with constructing web applications. Studying for the 70-480 exam will also help all the candidates with more experience probe deeper into JS and CSS. It will exhibit those with little experience to the whole front end web stack.
Now, that you are a bit familiar with the exam, it’s time to look at the exam details for the same.
Must-know Exam Details
Before you begin with your exam preparation, one must have a look at the basic exam details, so that there are no surprises in the examination hall. To begin, the examination comprises of around 40-60 questions. The candidate needs to finish the examination within 120 minutes. As far as the language is concerned. The exam is available in seven different languages, which is a good prospect for all the candidates around the globe. In the same light, these include-
- English,
- Chinese (Simplified),
- Chinese (Traditional),
- French,
- German,
- Japanese,
- Portuguese (Brazil)
In addition to this, the examination fee for the same is USD 165. Lastly, the passing score, one has to achieve 700 or more to pass the exam.
Target Audience
This exam is meant for developers who have been working with HTML for at least a year using an object-based, event-driven programming approach. Additionally, they should have previous experience in coding important business logic for different application types, as well as using JavaScript on various hardware and software platforms.
Candidates should also have a thorough understanding of the following:
- Managing program flow and events
- Asynchronous programming
- Data validation and working with data collections including JQuery
- Handling errors and exceptions
- Arrays and collections
- Working with variables, operators, and expressions
- Working with prototypes and methods
- Decision and iteration statements
Question Format
The most important part of any exam is the question format. So, for your convenience, we are providing you with a list of types of questions. These include-
- Build list
- Case studies
- Drag and drop
- Hot area
- Multiple choice
- Repeated answer choices
- Short answer
And, this is all you need to understand about the 70-480 exam. After this, we are going to list the course outline. Since course outline forms the most important part of any examination, so make sure not to skip this part.
Course Outline: 70-480 Exam
Course Outline makes sure that you have a clear vision about the course for the examination. Not to mention, it will help you prepare well for the examination. The course outline has different sections, and each of those has smaller topics inside. Microsoft also gives a percentage for each section, showing how much of the exam it covers. This helps you know which part is really important. You can then focus more on the sections with higher percentages. Now, let’s check out the outline.
For the 70-480 examination, Microsoft has four main modules. Here is a list of the following-
- Implement and Manipulate Document Structures and Objects (20-25%)
- Implement Program Flow (25-30%)
- Access and Secure Data (25-30%)
- Use CSS3 in Applications (25-30%)
However, one must also view the subtopics of all the modules mentioned above. Therefore, now we’re going to provide you with a descriptive module list.
1. Implement and Manipulate Document Structures and Objects (20-25%)
- Creating the document structure by using HTML
- Writing code that interacts with UI controls
- Applying styling to HTML elements programmatically
- Implementing HTML5 APIs
- Establishing the scope of objects and variables
- Creating and implementing objects and methods
2. Implement Program Flow (25-30%)
- Implementing program flow
- Raising and handling an event
- Implementing exception handling
- Implementing asynchronous programming
- Creating a web worker process
3. Access and Secure Data (25-30%)
- Validating user input by using HTML5 elements
- Validating user input by using JavaScript
- Consuming data
- Serializing, deserializing, and transmitting data
4. Use CSS3 in Applications (25-30%)
- Styling HTML text properties
- Styling HTML box properties
- Creating a flexible content layout
- Creating an animated and adaptive UI
- Finding elements by using CSS selectors and JQuery
- Structuring a CSS file by using CSS selectors
This sums up the course outline. Don’t be intimidated because we’re going to provide you with a step by step preparatory guide to qualify the examination.
A step by step guide to Qualify the 70-480 Exam 
In this preparatory guide, we’re going to take you through a step by step guide. First of all, keep in mind the following list of Dont’s while preparing for the examination.
- Certification exams follow the same format as the exams you’ve taken during your education. So, don’t be deceived by their appearance and treat them seriously. These tests aren’t something you can cram for in one night; they need dedicated study sessions.
- Preparing for a test without having learned the material through education or hands-on practice is not real studying; it’s cramming. Cramming means you’re trying to stuff your mind with facts just to remember them for the exam, but they won’t stick around for long afterward.
- Some people prefer to review the material right before the exam quickly. However, this happens after the regular learning and studying phases. If you spend class time on your phone and then rush to cram information the night before and morning of the exam, it’s a tough way to succeed.
Now, that you are aware of all the DONT’S, it’s time for you to begin with the first step fo the preparation guide.
1. Download the Exam Objectives
Microsoft, the owners, want you to pass their exams. They encourage IT professionals to hold their certifications. Certification is like a cycle: getting certified makes you more valuable, and certified professionals make certifications more important. To assist candidates, most certification providers offer a detailed list of the topics that will be on the exam. This is the same as the course outline we mentioned earlier. This list shows how much of the exam covers each topic. Always, always, always get the course outline and focus your studies based on it.
2. Use Microsoft Preparation Learning Resources for 70-480 exam
Since all certification vendors want every candidate to qualify for the exam. Therefore, they provide you with various options as learning resources to choose from. So, in this section, we’re going to various learning resources.
3. Instructor-led Training: The Gold Standard
Microsoft provides with a Course 20480B: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS (5 Days)
This course offers an introduction to HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Also, this course aids the candidate to attain basic HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript programming skills. This course is a starting point into both the Web application and Windows Store apps training paths. The course concentrates on utilising HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript to utilize programming logic, define and use variables, perform looping and branching, develop user interfaces, capture and validate user input, store data, and create well-structured application.
4. Study the traditional way with BOOKS
Books are a great way to learn and gain knowledge. Plus, Microsoft has its own store for books. Don’t hold back on learning. That’s why we recommend checking out the following books:
- Exam Ref 70-480 Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3
- Training Guide Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3
- Unravelling HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript (2nd): The Ultimate Beginners Guide with over 170 Samples
- Beginning HTML5 and CSS3: The Web Evolved
5. Join the Community
Using online forums and study groups can be really helpful when getting ready for the 70-480 exam. You can connect with fellow candidates through these forums or groups to ask questions about topics you find tricky. But remember, it’s not mandatory to join these groups—it’s a personal choice. These online groups also let you stay connected with others on the same journey as you. Additionally, they provide a chance to ask questions about topics you’re struggling with.
6. Practice Sets for 70-480 Exam
Lastly, let’s talk about practicing. Trust us, self-assessment is the final key. The more you practice, the better it is. Practice not only helps you see where you need improvement, but it also helps you build up your skills. So, go through lots of practice tests whenever you can. FOR MORE PRACTICE TEST, CLICK HERE!
7. Use More than one strategy
This must-do is related to the three classic learning modalities, or the ways in which we learn. These include the following-
- Visual (reading, pictures)
- Kinesthetic (physically doing something)
- Auditory (listening to lectures)
Many of us prefer one way of learning more than others, but studies show better results when using at least two methods. While a few candidates can study for an exam by reading a textbook, most need more. Video study material provides visuals and sounds, making it more interesting than just reading. If video isn’t available or is too costly, you can listen to audio study products on your computer or a portable device.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can even make your own audio study material. Record yourself reading important concepts or practice questions from your study materials. This has an extra advantage: speaking out loud helps many people remember information better.
8. Get a Study-buddy
Mix up your personal exam prep with studying together with someone else, or consider joining a study group. This approach uses different ways of learning and breaks the routine of studying alone, leading to longer and more useful study sessions. If you’re more of an introvert and feel unsure about joining a study group, you can just study with a single partner. This could be a partner, roommate, family member, or even an online friend who can quiz you with practice questions in a fun way through messaging.
9. Use Good Study Habits
Getting ready for a standardized exam is something we’ve all done in the past. The same effective study habits from high school and college apply to preparing for certification exams. Here are some quick tips to remember:
- Study when you’re most awake, according to your body clock.
- Create a study plan and try to stick to it.
- Have a positive attitude while studying.
- Stay hydrated and have snacks during study time.
- Put your phone on silent or away.
- Really, turn off your phone.
- Having a bit of caffeine is okay; getting jittery is not.
- Reward yourself with something small after each study session.
And that concludes the preparation guide. We hope the list of learning resources we mentioned will be useful. Remember, nothing is impossible. So, study diligently and aim to pass the 70-480 exam on your first try.
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