This article is a follow-up to [Learning content for MCSDs: Web Applications and Windows Store Apps using HTML5](xref:learning-content-for-mcsds-web-applications-and-windows-store-apps-using-html5 "Learning content for MCSDs: Web Applications and Windows Store Apps using HTML5") and I am going to focus a bit on learning material for the second exam [70-481 Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript](https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?id=70-481 "70-481 Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript"). ## Step by step towards MCSD The general motivation is there, first exam [70-480 has been passed successfully](xref:passed-exam-70-480-programming-in-html5-with-javascript-and-css3), and there is more the queue during the upcoming weeks. Compared to exam 70-480 the second one doesn't offer so much credits but let's have a quick look at them: ### Credit Toward Certification Exam 70-481: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript: counts as credit toward the following certification(s): - MCSD: Windows Store Apps using HTML5 As you can see, nothing special just consequent continuation. ## Preparation and learning material this time Frankly speaking, there isn't much to add in this case and the already referenced resources are still your best bet and bang for money (read: as good as free). I'll give you condensed summary of the ones I'm currently using: - [Developing Windows Store Apps with HTML5 Jump Start](https://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Developing-Windows-Store-Apps-with-HTML5-Jump-Start-01a-Designing-a-Windows-8-App-Part-1 "Developing Windows Store Apps with HTML5 Jump Start") - An accelerated preparation video course on Windows 8 Apps. There are six modules with two video sessions each which will catapult you to your exam. This is also related to preps for exam 70-481. - [Windows 8 Design handbook](https://www.windows8designhandbook.com/ "Windows 8 Design handbook") - It is actually not an official resource by Microsoft but still it explains the major details in a very appealing and informative way. - [Programming Windows 8 Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript](https://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/10/29/free-ebook-programming-windows-8-apps-with-html-css-and-javascript.aspx "Programming Windows 8 Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript") - Kraig Brockschmidt delves into the ups and downs of Windows 8 App development over 800+ pages. Great eBook to read, study, and to practice the samples - best of all, it's for free. Read [my review on this title](xref:programming-windows-8-apps-with-html-css-and-javascript). - [codeSHOW()](https://codeshow.codeplex.com/ "codeSHOW()") - This is a Windows 8 HTML/JS project with the express goal of demonstrating simple development concepts for the Windows 8 platform. Code, code and more code... absolutely great stuff to study and practice. - [Microsoft Virtual Academy](https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/ "Microsoft Virtual Academy") - I already wrote about the [MVA in a previous article](xref:microsoft-virtual-academy "MVA in a previous article"). Well, if you haven't registered yourself yet, now is the time. - [Pluralsight](https://www.pluralsight.com/ "Pluralsight") online learning - [Windows 8 Store Apps Hands-on in 20 Lessons](https://pluralsight.com/training/Courses/TableOfContents/windows8-hands-on "Windows 8 Store Apps Hands-on in 20 Lessons") - [Testable Windows 8 Applications](https://pluralsight.com/training/Courses/TableOfContents/testable-windows-8 "Testable Windows 8 Applications") - [Windows 8 Background Processing and Lifecycle Management](https://pluralsight.com/training/Courses/TableOfContents/win8-bgproc "Windows 8 Background Processing and Lifecycle Management") - [Building Windows 8 Applications with JavaScript and HTML](https://pluralsight.com/training/Courses/TableOfContents/win8apps-javascript-html "Building Windows 8 Applications with JavaScript and HTML") The videos are actually great resources to get you up to speed, and on of the best options while you commute between home and work. Then intensify and deepen your knowledge with Kraig's book, and analyse and practice with the samples from codeShow(). This can't be wrong... ## Don't be a lonely wolf: Start/join a learning group Sorry but I repeat myself here... The way you learn new things or intensify your knowledge in a certain technology is completely up to your personal preference. Back in my days at the university, we used to meet once or twice a week in a small quiet room to exchange our progress, questions and problems we ran into. In general, I recommend to any software craftsman to lift your butt and get out to exchange with other developers. Personally, I like this approach, as it gives you new points of view and an insight into others' own experience with certain techniques and how they managed to solve tricky issues. Just keep it relaxed and not too formal after all, and you might a have a good time away from your dull office desk. Give your machine a break, too. ## Additional benefits for your employer or company Just in case that either your employer or your own company is registered as [Microsoft Partner](https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/uk/Pages/Membership/overview.aspx "Microsoft Partner") I would like to mention that by passing the exams of this MSCD certification you are eligible for various competencies. Only by passing the exam 70-480 successfully my company [IOS Indian Ocean Software Ltd.](https://www.ios.mu/ "IOS Indian Ocean Software Ltd.") engaged to complete the following [Silver competencies](https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/uk/pages/membership/competencies.aspx "competencies"): - [Application Development](https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/uk/pages/membership/application-development-competency.aspx "Silver Application Development") - [Digital Marketing](https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/uk/pages/membership/digital-marketing-competency.aspx "Silver Digital Marketing") - [Mobility](https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/uk/pages/membership/mobility-competency.aspx "Silver Mobility") By achieving at least one Silver Competency your business or employer is eligible to upgrade to Microsoft Silver Partner which enables you to use their prestigious logos on your website and gives you access to exclusive member resources.