May 7, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I've decided to study for 70-433, anyone have an opinion on this book?
The Real MCTS SQL Server 2008 Exam 70-433 Prep Kit Database Design
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David
June 20, 2009 at 6:09 am
Hi David,
I've just bought a copy of this book and am in the process of reading it. My initial thoughts are as follows:-
Downside
* a few inconsistencies and spelling errors, but not as much as in the MS Press 70-432 Training Kit
* order of the chapters does not appear to be logical e.g data types is chapter 10, long after creating tables (chapter 2) and CLR (astoundingly early, in chapter 4)
* prep book rather than a prep kit - no CD or anything. Companion website has a pdf of the questions in more detail
* contains elements that wouldn't have thought would be on the exam e.g. blocking (should be in the 70-432 exam instead)
Upside
* seems to be very thorough on each of the topics
* each chapter is self-contained
* easy readable style
* layout of each chapter is consistent (unlike the MS Press 70-432 Training Kit)
* plenty of practice questions at the end of each chapter
Summary
The lack of a CD for the practice questions is a little disappointing, given the title of the book. However, if the order of the chapters were changed to be more progressive, then this would make a very good textbook introduction to SQL Server 2008 database development.
At some point I would like to compare it with the MS Press 70-433 Training Kit to see if it covers all the same areas. However, I've got a couple other books to read before that, including the 70-432 equivalent of this book.
June 20, 2009 at 2:46 pm
The MS Press book I got (blue) was pre-release, and had lots of errors.
Honestly I think most of these books cover 80-90% the same material, and they'll work for you. The important things are to understand the concepts listed in the exam guidelines. you won't get tested on them all, but it's a pool of questions, so you'll have no idea which sections you'll get. I had a preponderance of a couple areas when I took it.
The other thing is that this exam uses a simulated SSMS environment where they ask you do something, say delete a table, or add a linked server. you'll have an SSMS image that responds to clicks, opens/closes folders, pops up dialogs, etc. You have to perform the correct actions.
So that means you need practice with SSMS. Make sure you run through exercises and can perform actions like adding/editing/deleting all sorts of objects from users, database objects, logins, linked servers, etc.
June 21, 2009 at 5:59 am
Thanks for the comment Steve. My intention was to read a couple other books before deciding which certification to go for, but now decided to go for the 70-433 qualification first.
I've finished my first parse of the 433 prep kit now and got a bit more feedback having compared it to the exam objectives. It looked like there were some topics missed out (e.g. LINQ and Full Text Searching), but it turns out there is an appendices on the companion website which covers these topics. It's a bit annoying that they were not included in the printed form as it's another 130 pages for appendix A. So it looks like this covers everything after all. It seems to be a very good book - I think I'll waive the MS Press version and get stuck into some heavy studying.
August 14, 2009 at 3:15 am
Apologies for pinching someone elses thread. I am looking to do 70-433 and the accompanying MCITP.
One of the key criteria of a good technical book for me is if it comes with its own electronic version. I am always moving around and prefer to carry a USB rather than a suitcase full of books. Can you tell me if the MS prep kit book or the Real book come with an electronic version when you buy the book.
Thanks.
Ells.
🙂
August 14, 2009 at 3:21 am
The blue MS Training Kit comes with an electronic version of the book. The red Real Prep Kit doesn't.
August 14, 2009 at 4:29 am
Thank you very much.
Ells.
🙂
August 14, 2009 at 9:13 am
No worries about pinching my thread.
I did get this book and finding it to be a solid resource. Plan to take the exam this fall sometime.
David
March 8, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Took the exam today and passed. Wound up using the questions from selftestsoftware.com and this book as my primary resources both helped.
My best advice for the exam is read the questions at least twice before reading the answers. Every detail feeds into the answer.
David
March 8, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Congratulations.
I passed the MCTS as well. I do find the self test software good at finding gaps in your test knowledge.
Mark.
March 10, 2010 at 2:19 am
Congratulations to both of you.
March 11, 2010 at 12:21 am
Hello David,
Besides working from SQL books do not forget to make hands on works on SQL2008.
I have passed this exam when it was in beta period, but then I was working on ctp versions and trying to see what is new with SQL2008
I had documented my review on 70-433 at Study Guide for Certification Exam 70-433
So besides general development, also concantrate on new and improved topics in SQL 2008 version.
Wish you good luck!
August 31, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Hello Guys, I am looking at selftestsoftware.com. I see SQLServer 2005, however, I do not see SQLserver 2008.
Can anyone give me the link please ?
September 3, 2010 at 10:34 am
David, Ells,
Am I hitting the correct website ? Can you please give me the link ?
Thanks in advance!
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