I have been working with SQL Server 2000 for past 2 years. I was working with Programming side basically. I have worked on some DBA activities too.I have started working with SQL Server 2005.
I have planned to do a certification. Which one will be better MCDBA or MCITP ????
Please give me a suggestion
If you want to position yourself as a SQL 2000 guru, then maybe MCDBA better. Also, MCDBA includes a Server operating system test the MCITP does have, which may interest some employers. I'm a developer and that test was the first one I failed. And I failed it twice. Also, if you have most of the MCDBA, I would finish it.
However, if you are just starting or you are looking to the future, I would clearly vote one of the MCITP certs. By the time you finish, SQL 2005 will be taking hold, so why not be certified with the most current?
If you're going for the MCDBA cert, may I offer a piece of advice?
There are (or were) two OS tests as part of the MCDBA. Windows 2000 Server & Professional. I don't know if MS has changed that to 2003 Server & XP or if it's still the same. Regardless, whatever other order you may study for and take your SQL tests in, study for the Server OS test BEFORE you study for the PC OS test. If you can get all the info for the Server OS test in your head (and understand it), then you should be able to pass BOTH tests with flying colors.
That's how it worked for me when I got my MCDBA. I studied for the Server OS test before the PC OS test because I thought (rightly so) that the Server OS was going to be harder. I passed both tests within a week of each other because the PC OS test had essentially the same things on it that the Server OS test did, only it was a lot less. If you know what I mean.
Anyway, I hope this advice helps out anyone going for the MCDBA.
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The only OS exam for MCDBA is Windows Server; no desktop exam is part of it. The 2000 Pro or XP Pro could be used as an elective, but it's not a core requirement.
While there isn't a separate OS requirement for MCITP: DBA, the exams really pile on top of the one Windows Server exam as part of the SQL exams, including networking, ISA Server, clustering, etc. If you feel you can pass 70-228 and 70-229 in the next six months, and you are not primarily working with SQL Server 2005 right now, then MCDBA is a good warm up to MCITP. There is an upgrade path. Once you complete MCDBA, you can take one upgrade exam (70-447)instead of the two MCITP: DBA exams. You still need to take the MCTS exam, but that's pretty tame after getting MCDBA and spending a little time with SQL 2005 BOL.
However, if you are not already well on your way to SQL Server 2000 MCDBA, then you should consider spending your learning efforts and money on the current version.
-Eddie
