Having recently passed the Microsoft 70-480 (Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3) exam I wanted to share my experience and provide some tips to those that are soon planning to sit this exam.
Overview
The 70-480 exam forms part of the MCSD: App Builder certification. The achieve the certification you must pass the following exams.
- 70-357 – Developing Mobile Apps
- 70-486 – Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications
- 70-487 – Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services
The content covered in the 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 exam is as follows. Before attempting to complete the exam you should ensure you have knowledge in these key areas.
Implement and Manipulate Document Structures and Objects (20-25%)
> Create the document structure by using HTML
> Write code that interacts with UI controls
> Apply styling to HTML elements programmatically
> Implement HTML5 APIs
> Establish the scope of objects and variables
> Create and implement objects and methods
Implement Program Flow (25-30%)
> Implement program flow
> Raise and handle an event
> Implement exception handling
> Implement asynchronous programming
> Create a web worker process
Access and Secure Data (25-30%)
> Validate user input by using HTML5 elements
> Validate user input by using JavaScript
> Consume data
> Serialize, deserialize, and transmit data
Use CSS3 in Applications (25-30%)
> Style HTML text properties
> Style HTML box properties
> Create a flexible content layout
> Create an animated and adaptive UI
> Find elements by using CSS selectors and JQuery
> Structure a CSS file by using CSS selectors
My Approach
My exam preparation included:
- Official 70-480 Microsoft Exam Reference Book
- Microsoft Virtual Academy online video training
- Pluralsight online video training
- Mind Mapping
- Official 70-480 Practice Exam
Exam Reference Book
I found the official exam reference book to be invaluable and can’t recommend it enough. It walks through all the key concepts covered in the exam.
As with most Microsoft exams, this exam covered a lot more topics than I originally thought, but luckily I was prepared!
Microsoft Virtual Academy
Similar to Pluralsight, Microsoft also has it’s own online video training platform called Microsoft Virtual Academy.
Check out the exam video series available at Microsoft Virtual Academy. It’s specifically tailored to this exam, and best of all it’s FREE!
UPDATE: Microsoft are replacing Virtual Academy with Microsoft Learn
Pluralsight
For those of you that have a subscription to Pluralsight, check out the PluralSight exam video series which touches on some of the key topics covered in the exam.
I personally didn’t watch the entire thing, just the content that I was interested in learning more about.
I’ve been a subscriber of Pluralsight for a long time now and love it. If you haven’t yet used PluralSight than I suggest you take the FREE trial to pass the exam.
=> CLICK HERE to access a FREE Pluralsight Trial<=
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a great technique for memorisation. If you’re a visual learner like me than I suggest you try create your own mind map using the FREE online tool Coggle.
Your mind map should only cover the key topics for the exam, don’t over-clutter it. You can see my exam reference mind map below.
Official Practice Exam
I also purchased the Official 70-480 Practice Exam (which you can find here). The test exam is composed of randomly generated questions, some of which actually appeared in the actual exam. I sat the test exam multiple times until I was confident.
Although not overly apparent, if you pass the test exam and then fail the real exam, you can get your money back for the test exam.
Final Thoughts
The exam is composed of several multiple choice and drag and drop questions. across a number of different topics so I’d recommend that you take your time and make sure you’re comfortable with all the content.
I hope this exam study guide helps others that plan to sit the 70-480 exam. Feel free to share your comments and experiences of the exam in the comments below. Best of luck!
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30th November 2015 at 4:43 am
Where do I get the Official 70-480 Test Exam. Thanks!
30th November 2015 at 6:43 am
Hi Jim,
You can find links to the official test exam on the main Microsoft exam page – https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/learning/exam-70-486.aspx.
Click the “Practice Test” link in the “Preparation Options” section.
3rd January 2016 at 4:30 am
Thank you so much for posting this Shane! You even posted it on my birthday!
3rd January 2016 at 7:40 pm
Haha, thanks Terry 🙂
13th January 2016 at 7:59 pm
Very well presented ! Motivates one to go for the exam. Thank you
13th January 2016 at 10:27 pm
Thanks 🙂
9th February 2016 at 2:56 am
I am following these steps they really guide me. I wish to pass this exam.
25th March 2016 at 11:45 pm
Hi Shane,
I am new to all this and I am looking for help before I Can start for this exam. I have few questions for this if you could help in this.
1. How much preparation time is usually required before sitting in the real test?
2. Is the test exam free or there is fee for this?
3. How this the test score is evaluated, like are there any passing marks or what? I am not sure about this.
4. Any information about other two exams for MCSD (486 and 487).
5. How much time will it take to become a MCSD?
Thanks in advance for your help.
9th April 2016 at 4:49 pm
@Surinder Singh
Microsoft recommend you have at least 1-2 years of real world experience before sitting this exam.
Yes, there is a cost associated with the exam. See the main Microsoft 480 exam page for more information – https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/learning/exam-70-480.aspx.
After completing the exam, you’ll receive a pass / fail mark along with a score rating. Each exam has a minimum score rating you must meet to pass the exam. Microsoft do not specifically state how the questions are weighted.
With regards to the other exams, please refer to my other previous posts.
70-486 – https://www.shanebart.com/microsoft-70-486-exam/
70-487 – https://www.shanebart.com/microsoft-exam-70-487/
As to how long it will take to achieve the MCSD, that will vary from person to person. For me I spent around 6 months preparing/completing all the exams.
21st April 2016 at 2:37 pm
Really i inspired that , you passed the exam in 6 month its motivating me a lot