February 12, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Hi,
For DBAs managing both platforms (MSSQL 2000/2005) , does anybody still recommend doing the MCDBA track first, then MCITP:DBA? Or, just go straight to MCITP:DBA? Or ... wait for MSSQL2008 track? How much are the exams now?
Many thanks. Jeff
February 12, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I'm going for mcts in 2005 first, skipping mcdba.
February 12, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Hello Jeff,
Recently there was a webcast with respect to Microsoft certifications. They have clearly mentioned that the deadline for taking MCDBA exams retires in March 2009 but if a person completes before that the certification is valid. To keep you up-to-date you need to take the upgrade exam. Instead of going all through this pain you can aim for MCITP-DBA and then attempt an upgrade exam for SQL Server 2008 when they are available.
I've completed my MCITP - DBA certification and eagerly waiting for the upgrade exam.
All the best for your preparation.
Thanks
Lucky
February 21, 2008 at 10:26 am
Jeff,
If you haven't undertaken any exams as of yet, I would wait.
I have my MCDBA, and was about to take the two exams to upgrade, but decided to wait until late summer when the 2008 exams are out.
Notes:
There will ne no upgrade path from the MCDBA to MCITP directly for 2008. So if you do a MCDBA now you'll still be looking at all 3 exams
If you do the MCITP for 2005 now, you'll be looking at 2 more exams to get to 2008
In my eyes, if you hold the MCITP for 2008, it covers everything for 2005 so I see no point in rushing it and guaranteeing yourself extra exams. 🙂
That's how I understand it.
[font="Verdana"]-- Wally
-- Reluctant DBA[/font]
February 22, 2008 at 7:01 am
If you are managing 2000 & 2005 and don't see 2008 in your near future, there could still be an argument for pursuing the 2005 track as it could benefit you in your present environment. Though if you are after the most recent cert for the least effort and have yet to begin the 2005 route, waiting for 2008 would make some sense. You don't really need to wait to start preparing though, as you can download CTP and start becoming familiar with the "hot" new features that will likely be tested on when the exams are released.
February 22, 2008 at 9:29 am
BEACHDBA (2/22/2008)
If you are managing 2000 & 2005 and don't see 2008 in your near future, there could still be an argument for pursuing the 2005 track as it could benefit you.
I was thinking that as well, but after working with the 2008 CTP, to me it seems if you are competent at 2008, you too are competent in 2005 - and just about vice-versa except for a few special areas. There really isn't a huge difference... 😉
[font="Verdana"]-- Wally
-- Reluctant DBA[/font]
October 7, 2008 at 9:41 am
I spent yesterday reading around MCDBA vs MCITP and had decided to do the MCDBA, purely on the basis that I'm working with SS2k on Server2003. My priority really is to structure my learning rather than the qualification itself (though it'll do no harm).
One of the posts states that spring 2009 will be the last possible time to do the exams though, in which case MCDBA really is a non-starter.
If I do the MCITP am I just going to get annoyed that all the useful features of SS2005 don't exist in 2k?
The question I actually came with in the first place.. ..what's the cheapest way of doing the qualification? I don't mind blowing a couple of hundred quid on books, exams etc. but all the training companies seem to want £1500 and more up front!
many thanks for any advice...
October 13, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Wally (2/21/2008)
Jeff,If you haven't undertaken any exams as of yet, I would wait.
I have my MCDBA, and was about to take the two exams to upgrade, but decided to wait until late summer when the 2008 exams are out.
Notes:
There will ne no upgrade path from the MCDBA to MCITP directly for 2008. So if you do a MCDBA now you'll still be looking at all 3 exams
If you do the MCITP for 2005 now, you'll be looking at 2 more exams to get to 2008
In my eyes, if you hold the MCITP for 2008, it covers everything for 2005 so I see no point in rushing it and guaranteeing yourself extra exams. 🙂
That's how I understand it.
If you hold an MCITP credential on SQL Server 2005, you can follow a simple upgrade path to earn your MCITP on SQL Server 2008. If you pass the upgrade exam that is listed in the following table, you will earn the relevant MCITP certification as well as the required MCTS certifications.
For example, if you hold the MCITP: Database Administrator certification on SQL Server 2005 and pass Exam 70-453: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Administrator Skills to MCITP Database Administrator 2008 exam, you will earn both the MCITP: Database Administrator 2008 and MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance credentials with a single exam.
MCITP, Database Administrator
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October 29, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Some1 told me if you are a microsoft employee or if you have microsoft id then the exam is free of cost for you. I am not sure? Any heads up!!
November 11, 2008 at 11:08 am
Stephen Fletche (10/7/2008)
The question I actually came with in the first place.. ..what's the cheapest way of doing the qualification? I don't mind blowing a couple of hundred quid on books, exams etc. but all the training companies seem to want £1500 and more up front!
many thanks for any advice...
Tell me about it! All the training companies here in the States what a fortune also. And since their primary goal seems to be "Memorize long enough to pass the exam then forget it", I don't attend those boot camps.
I buy books on clearance, find free .pdfs (Microsoft sometimes has them), use my bookstore discount cards or buy used copies of books at the local used book store. Then I do self-study on my SOHO network. I also take advantage of the fact that my workplace offers BooksOnline 24x7. And we finally got a SQL 2008 sandbox to play in. @=) Then I play & play until I understand all the material.
I download MS's sample exams, use the sample exams that come with my study materials and sometimes by a Transcender exam for studying. Usually I come out pretty cheap by utilizing this method. And what I learn actually stays with me instead of me forgetting it.
Much cheaper & easier than boot camp.
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