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weitzera

Posted Friday, December 19, 2008 11:19 AM

SSC Eights!

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I am a software developer who finds myself more and more involved with writing SQL, CLR add-ons, SSRS Reports, and designing our database. All of this is using SQL 2005, but I have experience going back to version 7.

I'm considering going for a certification in SQL 2008, and wondered what advice people here have, since I've never considered getting a microsoft certification before.

The certification that seems most applicable is the MCTS: SQL 2008 development.

The first question is about the classes. Do people recommend going through the microsoft curriculum to prepare for the exams, or should I try to tailor something to my particular knowledge base?

Microsoft lists three classes as prep for that exam (6231, 6232, and 2778) but it seems that there must be significant overlap between those classes, and the only one I can find offered in my area is 6232: Implementing a microsot SQL 2008 database.

I know I could get my employer to pay for this class, but my main concern is that they won't be too happy with a week off... It seems that the self directed learning package from microsoft will not be out until Q2.

Thoughts / suggestions?

Thanks!

Dan Guzman - Not the MVP (7/22/2010)

All questions have to be prefaced by Server version and 'according to MS Docs' or 'my own personal opinion based on how much detail I felt like digging into at the time.'

Post #623209

Jerry Hung

Posted Friday, December 19, 2008 11:29 AM

Right there with Babe

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This is my observation from the 2005 exams

Self study is the best way to attack, I find the courses not too useful
Grab some test exams (Pass4Sure, TestKing, ExamCollection)... google as well
Just go do the exam with free 2nd shot chance

70-431 was easy

I have heard
70-444 is easy
70-443 is the most difficult of all

Problem for 2008 certifications is that there aren't a lot of resources out there yet to utilize, even the books aren't out!

SQLServerNewbie

MCITP: Database Administrator SQL Server 2005

Post #623213

GilaMonster

Posted Friday, December 19, 2008 2:32 PM

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weitzera (12/19/2008)

The first question is about the classes. Do people recommend going through the microsoft curriculum to prepare for the exams, or should I try to tailor something to my particular knowledge base?

The quality of the class really depends on the quality of the instructor. It may be fantastic, it may be a waste of time
directed learning package from microsoft will not be out until Q2.

Thoughts / suggestions?

If you're working mostly with SQL 2005, why not write the 2005 exams? They're not expiring any time soon and there's plenty prep material around. I would recommend the self-paced training kit from MS Press.

Jerry Hung (12/19/2008)

Grab some test exams (Pass4Sure, TestKing, ExamCollection)...

Careful. Lots of the test exams, especially the free ones, are braindumps - questions that people remember from the exams and post online, in violation of the NDA on the exams. Firstly, many of them are of very questionable quality. Second, if someone is caught using or posting them, all their certifications can be revoked, permanently.

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008, MVP
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

Post #623361

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