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, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability