Gerry O' Brien of the Microsoft Learning team explains why they there are no entry level certifications for developers. The reason being is because you'd have to be tested on core programming concepts - which are not really specific to a particular Microsoft developer tool, but in fact apply to several of them. This reiterates the point that Microsoft is working hard to ensure that the certification exams we take actually test you on your knowhow of the Microsoft tool that you're being tested on.
The question I have is this ... does that also mean that passing a MCTS exam automatically mean that you have a good knowledge of core programming concepts. If not, then I think they should and that core programming concepts should be tested indirectly. In other words, having this basic understanding as a prerequisite should be kept in mind when creating the MCTS exams. From what I can see, they are already do.
But then again, I haven't taken an exam for a few years. Furthermore, I decided to wait to take the ASP.NET 3.5 exams, even though I studying with ASP.NET 2.0 materials. My hope is that the new exams will be better in line with Gerry's philosophy of sticking with being tested on the product; if that's the case, then I hope to do very well on the exams. As soon as I can, I'll be taking exam 70-562, followed by 70-536 to complete my MCTS certification for ASP.NET 3.5. Wish me luck!