Microsoft Certifications – How They Know You Know

SQL Server 2008 Certification 101

Chris Testa-O’NeillPractice Consultant – EMCTechnical Author– Microsoft Learning

Agenda

Consider Microsoft Certificati

on

Choosing a

certification

Study and pass your

exams

Choosing a certification

3

Which certification?

4

Microsoft Certification | Structure

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp

Professional (MCITP or MCPD)• Single job-role• Implement, plan or design a

solution with Microsoft technologies

• Builds on MCTS• 2-6 exams total path

Technology Specialist (MCTS)• Core technical skills• Install, manage, configure or

develop with a Microsoft product or technology

• 1-2 exams

• Earn multiple MCTS to show breadth of technology expertise

• MCTS, MCITP, MCPD all retire with mainstream product support

SQL Server 2008 MCTS

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

Exam 70 - 432

Exam 70 - 433

Exam 70 - 448

SQL Server 2008 MCITP

PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

PRO: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Exam 70 - 450

Exam 70 - 451

Exam 70 - 452

SQL Server 2008 Certified Master

Coming Later in Session

Certification Exams | The basics

8

The environment• Administered by

Prometric worldwide (www.prometric.com)

• Register• by phone or online• 24 hours in

advance• $125US

• Supervised room

The exams• Test your real-world

product skills• Combination of

• Multiple choice• Graphical• Performance

based• 40 - 60 questions• Passing score• 120+ minutes• “70-XXX”

The questions• Designed to test

knowledge, not reading skills

• No tricks• Time for review• Consistent anatomy

• business problem• goal statement• one or multiple

correct answers• multiple

distractors (Incorrect answers)

Certification Exams | Preparation

9

Hands on experience

• Target audience

• Objective domain

• Resources

Review prep guide

• Study groups• Training• Blogs, articles,

user groups

Fill in skills gaps

• On the job• Trial versions,

betas• TechNet/

MSDN labs

More hands-on

Common questions

1. What about MCP and MCDBA?

2. Am I an MCP if I pass an exam?

3. How long are my certifications valid?

4. How long does it take to earn a certification?

5. What exactly is a braindump?

6. Are “bootcamps” an approved way to

prepare?

10

Questions?

11

Resources• Microsoft Learning: http://www.microsoft.com/learning • Microsoft Learning community blog:

http://blogs.technet.com/mslcommunity/default.aspx• Find a certification by technology, including Office (MOS/MOUS and MSBC)

and Dynamics: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certifications.mspx • Number of certified professionals:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certified.mspx • Value of hiring certified:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/benefits/whyhire.mspx• Benefits of certification:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/benefits/default.mspx • Exam numbers:

http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/06/28/exam-numbers-101.aspx • Microsoft Certified Architect:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/architect/default.mspx • Register for an exam at Prometric:

http://www.prometric.com/Microsoft/default.htm • Community resources:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/community/default.mspx • Regional Service Center:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/worldsites.mspx12