InstantForum.NET v2.9.0SQLServerCentralhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/notifications@sqlservercentral.comSat, 18 May 2013 10:19:49 GMT20http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxStudy hard and this test is not terrible. I passed it on the second attempt.I created a list of every topic that MS says can be on the test. I then used books and googling to find examples, and to do these things myself (very important). I passed at 85%.Good luck to me on 70-462 (which is not so nearly as natural to me as TSQL).sSat, 11 May 2013 11:58:18 GMTScott_4http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxDo check following site for the preparation of 70-461 exam: [url=http://sqlwithmanoj.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/passed-70-461-exam-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/]http://sqlwithmanoj.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/passed-70-461-exam-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/[/url]Tue, 07 May 2013 12:14:34 GMTmanub22http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHiWe now have two [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/70-461-exam-practice-tests]70-461 Practice Tests[/url] available for free* (use voucher code N70461 which is time limited).I would appreciate your comments on how well do you think this test prepares for the exams and if there is anything that can be improved.Take careEmilTue, 09 Apr 2013 03:50:53 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThanks for the info.. I am now subscribed to your newsletters..I will wait for monday...Can you please explain or answer the 1st question in your sample test create database objects... I couldn't figure it out.. I have been trying to solve it since yesterdayWed, 03 Apr 2013 12:53:47 GMTprathibha_aviatorhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHiI'm glad to hear you liked the Webinar and the Ranking test.If your are part of our Email Newsletter you will get a voucher next week (Monday 1-2pm GMT/UTC +0) that will allow you to take the first tests we developed (10£ Voucher will be limited to the first several people who use it)p.s. Thanks for pointing out the broken links.. I have added this to my routine tasks and will check entire website for broken links over the weekend... I fixed modify data for now.Take careEmilWed, 03 Apr 2013 04:37:11 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspx[quote][b]KatieAndEmil (3/31/2013)[/b][hr]HiFor those avoiding brain dumps (I hope everyone! ;) and looking for practice tests which can help you get used to style of Microsoft Exams so you can prepare better I have very good news.We have decided to create a test has similar style to Microsoft questions. The differences are:1) It has similar style questions to Microsoft + those that Microsoft doesn't have yet (or have on different exams)2) Similar level but slightly more difficult as we provide answer in a way that guessing is minimized so normally you will get 10-20% less comparing to exam where educated guesses are possible.3) We support answers with our tutorials + videos (+ Microsoft links)... this feature is coming soon.Unfortunately test is paid but affordable... cheaper than Measure up (30£ per 3 full tests with 150 questions) and you can buy "weak points" or min-test from 2£ per 10 questions.I believe there is demand for this kind of tests (those avoiding brain dumps who just want some practice)So far we just have 1 test with 10 questions but over the next 2-3 weeks we will have 3 full tests (150 questions)... here is the link [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/70-461-exam-practice-tests]70-461 Exam Practice Test[/url]Hope that helpsTake careEmil[/quote]I have watched your final webinar which is kinda cool... i took the ten questions test from your website too.. Hope you would get us the full version of questions soon...Some of your links in the website are not working.. I wonder if you have to still upload information on those aspects... Look at the Modify data section... Some of your links need to be updated. Good LuckTue, 02 Apr 2013 15:08:56 GMTprathibha_aviatorhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxI used "Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 by Itzik Ben-gan; Dejan Sarka; Ron Talmage". It's pretty compreshensive, has exercises, a cd with practice tests and exam simulation etc. I would say the test was significantly more difficult than the practice tests. Of coure T-SQL is a very broad language so each presentation of the test could be completely different. In my case, there were plenty of questions about xml. You should know xml raw vs auto vs path very well. Seems like MS is very proud of this functionality and push it in testing. Lot's of questions on Views with Schemabinding for some reason. Plenty of questions about Ranking...rank vs dense rank vs row_number. Know how to write these for sure. Merge into also made an appearance or two on the test. There are 14 new functions in 2012 so I would definitely become familiar with all of them.Again, I was surprised how heavily xml, views with schemabinding and rank/row_number functions were represented in the test, but your experience could be nothing like mine so get a good handle on every concept you can before taking it.A good thing about using a training kit like the one I listed above is that by taking the self tests you can see where you weak and go explore other resources to build your knowledge.Don't be nervous, just do your best and everything will be OK.Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:16:19 GMTCary Davishttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHiFor those avoiding brain dumps (I hope everyone! ;) and looking for practice tests which can help you get used to style of Microsoft Exams so you can prepare better I have very good news.We have decided to create a test has similar style to Microsoft questions. The differences are:1) It has similar style questions to Microsoft + those that Microsoft doesn't have yet (or have on different exams)2) Similar level but slightly more difficult as we provide answer in a way that guessing is minimized so normally you will get 10-20% less comparing to exam where educated guesses are possible.3) We support answers with our tutorials + videos (+ Microsoft links)... this feature is coming soon.Unfortunately test is paid but affordable... cheaper than Measure up (30£ per 3 full tests with 150 questions) and you can buy "weak points" or min-test from 2£ per 10 questions.I believe there is demand for this kind of tests (those avoiding brain dumps who just want some practice)So far we just have 1 test with 10 questions but over the next 2-3 weeks we will have 3 full tests (150 questions)... here is the link [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/70-461-exam-practice-tests]70-461 Exam Practice Test[/url]Hope that helpsTake careEmilSun, 31 Mar 2013 03:00:31 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspx[quote][b]GilaMonster (3/30/2013)[/b][hr]Answering here rather than privately, because then more people can benefit...You're not going to find a list of what material uses what question types. It's not even consistent, that can and will change as MS adds new questions and new question types to their exams. Plus any discussion of exam contents is in violation of the NDA. Best thing is to know the material well.With the 'build up an answer' type. When you get those, ignore the answers. Take the scratch paper/board that the exam centre provided and write out a solution to the question. Once you've written out a piece of code that will do what is asked, then look at the snippets given and arrange them to match what you've already got.[/quote]I usually take another approach. I study the possible answers and immediately throw away all the ones that are garbage (you can normally spot a few).With less possible answers, it's easier to construct the correct order.Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:47:26 GMTKoen Verbeeckhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxAnswering here rather than privately, because then more people can benefit...You're not going to find a list of what material uses what question types. It's not even consistent, that can and will change as MS adds new questions and new question types to their exams. Plus any discussion of exam contents is in violation of the NDA. Best thing is to know the material well.With the 'build up an answer' type. When you get those, ignore the answers. Take the scratch paper/board that the exam centre provided and write out a solution to the question. Once you've written out a piece of code that will do what is asked, then look at the snippets given and arrange them to match what you've already got.Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:43:34 GMTGilaMonsterhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxGood Evening (at least where I am),I have a specific question about Certification Exam 70-461. I had studied the MS 70-461 Self Study book religiously - and did very well on the provided self test.Unfortunately I found the actual Certification Exam to not be much at all like the Self Test from the MS Book! This very much surprised me as I bought Microsoft's book - and figured that the provided self test would be somewhat like the real thing. Not at all though.The one type of question that I really had issues with were "Build List". I am *not* looking for specific answers here - but I *am* looking for what folks recall in regards to what type of questions were asked in this "Build List" format (it is the one where you have to slid code snippets from a list, and put them in the proper order).There was one specific question that threw me for a loop - and unfortunately I cannot recall much about it (stress does that to you ;) ). Hopefully just asking what type of questions are asked using the "Build List" format is not a violation at all in regards to Microsoft's policies. I have no desire to use "brain dumps", etc. - just need a little help with what type of question was asked in this format.Any help here at all is *very* much appreciated.Thank you.ScottTucson, AZFri, 29 Mar 2013 22:40:05 GMTScott_4http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThanks for recommending our [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/70-461-exam-guide-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012]exam guide[/url].We are actually doing our FINAL Webinar which covers part of 70-461.... Ranking Functions which from my experience and other people experience are rather challenging on the exam and just knowing about them is not sufficient to score well with these questions.Here is [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/70-461-ranking-functions-post-webinar-test]Ranking Functions Test[/url] It is not the same as actual exam questions but most likely similar difficulty. You can [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/sql-webinar-70-461-exam-preparation-ranking-functions]Register for free webinar[/url] which is on 20th of March (last one).Take careEmilThu, 14 Mar 2013 02:00:13 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxI am planning to take this exam too.. Katie and Emil's website is giving me pretty good approach.. ThanksWed, 13 Mar 2013 22:08:26 GMTprathibha_aviatorhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxSorry for that it was not my intention.Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:51:10 GMTDiegoPeñahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspx[quote][b]DiegoPeña (3/13/2013)[/b][hr]If you dont have the coin:[/quote]Encouraging copyright violation there are we.... I hope you're not also telling people to steal books that I've written, I get little enough royalties as it is.Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:24:39 GMTGilaMonsterhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxFor anyone looking for the official Microsoft training materials for the following 3 modules to achieve MCSA: SQL Server Solutions Associate qualification are now available on Amazon. I have just purchased all 3 at a discount rate of £103.65 :-)[url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Querying-Microsoft-Server-Training-Package/dp/0735666059#reader_B00AA36TL6]Querying Microsoft Server Training Package 70-461[/url][url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Training-Kit-Exam-70-462-Administering/dp/0735666075/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z]Training Kit Exam 70-462-Administering[/url][url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Training-Kit-Exam-70-463-Implementing/dp/0735666091/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y]Training Kit Exam 70-463-Implementing[/url]Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:36:37 GMTT_R_Mhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThats what I am afraid of.Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:30:04 GMTjulianvhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxI'm an OCP presently studying for Microsoft certification. Having sat and passed this exam yesterday I have to say that it was much more difficult than I was expecting, and I feel that the test questions from the training kit didn't do it justice. You really need to know your stuff.Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:27:32 GMTdapoolehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspx700.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:47:58 GMTGilaMonsterhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxDoes anyone know what the passmark is ?80% ?Tried to find out on Microsoft cert website but doesnt seem to sayWed, 27 Feb 2013 03:15:27 GMTjulianvhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThe following link contains [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/70-461-ranking-functions-post-webinar-test]Ranking Functions Test[/url]Sat, 23 Feb 2013 11:18:52 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThanks... We will actually be adding something "new" and we decided to do a test for Ranking Functions (which is our post-webinar test)... I'll send a link once I finish it.Below is also schedule of our Webinars for March 2013 (first 10 seats for free):1) Ranking Functions [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/sql-webinar-70-461-exam-preparation-ranking-functions]click here[/url]: Saturday 2nd of March 8pm GMT (UTC +0)2) Ranking Functions: Wednesday 20th of March 8pm GMT (UTC +0)3) Analytic Functions: [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/sql-webinar-70-461-exam-preparation-analytic-functions]click here[/url]: Thursday 21st of March 8pm GMT (UTC +0)Take careEmilFri, 22 Feb 2013 12:19:26 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThanks Emil. I like your blog. Keep updating it.Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:25:58 GMToscarookohttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxJust out of curiosity, how long is it taking folks for Exam 70-461?Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:47:19 GMTsean hawkeshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHi Everyone,Just to let you know we decided to do SQL Webinar: 70-461 Exam Preparations Ranking Functions. Click link below for more details:[url=http://www.katieandemil.com/sql-webinar-70-461-exam-preparation-ranking-functions]http://www.katieandemil.com/sql-webinar-70-461-exam-preparation-ranking-functions[/url]Take careEmilTue, 05 Feb 2013 04:15:42 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHiHere is partially complete [url=http://www.katieandemil.com/Katie-and-Emil-Tutorial-to-70-462-Administering-Microsoft-SQL-Server-2012-Databases]70-462 Exam Guide[/url] which I will be updating soon.I'll be taking the exam on 7th of Jan '13 (second attempt... missed 2 questions to get pass mark last time)...[url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735666075/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=katandemi-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0735666075]70-462 Training Kit Book[/url] is my main learning material. I find 70-462 to be rather comprehensive but hopefully studying the book in details will help me to get pass mark ;)Take careEmilMon, 31 Dec 2012 09:30:42 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThose are very good links. Do you have similar information for for 70-462 and 70-463?Mon, 31 Dec 2012 08:05:48 GMToscarookohttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThe first review on amazon.com is not very good but I suspect this is just someones frustration..let's face it the book will cover main aspects but not everything in details that would be x10 books ;)... I will be buying the book for my wife who will be preparing for the exam and I'll check the content and compare to exam questions I had...RegardsEmilThu, 13 Dec 2012 08:19:22 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxBen-Gan and some other authors just published a book on this exam, "Training Kit (Exam 70-461): Querying Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012," from O'Reilly. It is also available as an e-book, and it includes a 200-question practice exam.Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:38:30 GMTJay Taylor-604520http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxCheck following blog post on what to prepare for 70-461 Exam (Querying SQL Server 2012)Link:[url=http://sqlwithmanoj.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/passed-70-461-exam-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/]http://sqlwithmanoj.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/passed-70-461-exam-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/[/url]Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:31:27 GMTmanub22http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxThere are several books authored by Itzik Ben-Gan that are exceptionally good:SQL Server 2008 T-SQL FundamentalsInside SQL Server 2008 T-SQL QueryingOne of his SQL Server 2012 books is available now:SQL Server 2012 High-Performance T-SQL using window functions[b]Editor: Removed link [/b]Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:45:11 GMTmorandanialhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspx[quote][b]goelshobhit79 (11/5/2012)[/b][hr]hiii also prepare for 70-461 so plzz provide me softcopy of book r dumps if u have plzzzthnks in advancemy id- goelshobhit79@gmail.com[/quote]dumps violate the agreement with MS. if found that you used dumps your certs can and will be revoked. Those tests are designed to test your knowledge of the material, not how well you can regurgitate memorized data.Also, there is no need to spam the group.Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:34:38 GMTSean Langehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxMore study materials:[url]http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/7/2/87298D9C-D2E9-4BF2-B527-3E333F6E6B55/10774A-ENU-Companion.zip[/url][url]http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/7/2/87298D9C-D2E9-4BF2-B527-3E333F6E6B55/10774A-ENU-Allfiles.exe[/url]Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:24:00 GMTDiegoPeñahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspx403 forbidden?Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:18:08 GMTLady SQLhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHi We have added to our 70-461 Exam Guide link to SQL Telephone Interview Questions.... 30 questions in total (without answers) on 3 levels. These are not exam questions and may not represent exam topics but hopefully you can practice on them a little bit ;)[url=katie-and-emil-tutorial-to-70-461-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012]Practice questions (Check SQL Telephone interview link inside)[/url]RegardsEmilMon, 08 Oct 2012 02:04:55 GMTKatieAndEmilhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxlove the resource link.Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:30:48 GMTLady SQLhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxPassed it this morning, thought it was a pretty tough exam. I'm very happy though, 2 more exams to go for my MCSA :)Fri, 05 Oct 2012 06:54:58 GMTdutchdbahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxI'm studying for this also, taking the exam next Friday. I'm using the Skills Measured list and the page from Emil (thanks for sharing!). So mostly reading up on BOL.Sat, 29 Sep 2012 10:50:26 GMTdutchdbahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxCris - The three main vendors for legitimate preparation tests are Transcender, Self Test Software and MeasureUp. Transcender and Self Test are both owned by Kaplan so really they are the same company but sell the products under different brand names. None of these have released a SQL Server 2012 preparation test yet.Microsoft's answer to this conundrum has been to offer the Second Shot promotion so that you can retake the test for free if you fail it the first time, effectively giving you to real test as a practice test. You can find more details about the Second Shot on Microsoft's web site.Whatever you decide to do, don't under any circumstances use a "braindump" or "actual exam" web site as these materials are cheating.Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:32:36 GMTcppwizhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1316383-10-1.aspxHi!Thanks for all the study material, it is really well organized. Do you perhaps know where I can find some preparation tests? I found online some books but it all costs around 120$ and I don't even know if it's worth.Thank you in advance!CrisFri, 28 Sep 2012 08:06:07 GMTcristina.iordachi