Today’s article will focus on the third, and possibly most complex of the three SQL Server 2008 exam paths: Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance certification. I see this path as one of the most complex because of its wide array of job placement opportunities, as well as the broad depth of qualification standards.

MCTS (70-448) Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Exam

As I mentioned previously, the Business Intelligence exam is one of the three entry level certifications that are currently available for SQL Server 2008:

• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

And it fits into a separate SQL Server 2008 certification path, as do the other two exams:

• Database Administration
• Database Development
• Business Intelligence (BI)

If you’re looking to acquire the MCTS for the BI path, or go further with the MCITP, you’ll need experience with a vast grouping of Business Intelligence technologies within SQL Server 2008. SQL Server Integration Service (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) and SQL Server Reporting Service (SSRS) play a big role in SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence training.

The Microsoft Learning website notes that you should have one to two years experience working with the Microsoft .NET Framework, two to three years experience using SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence components, six months experience using SQL Server 2008, and at least some experience with the following components:

• SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS)
• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• Experience creating and deploying a cube in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
• Experience creating and deploying data mining models in SSAS
• Experience writing relational and multi-dimensional database queries
• Knowledge of relational and multi-dimensional database schemas
• Experience creating and deploying SQL Server Reporting Service (SSRS) reports
• Experience authoring and deploying SQL Server Integration Service (SSIS) packages
• Experience debugging, monitoring, and troubleshooting Business solutions

As you can see, there are a lot of expectations for candidates coming into the Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance exam, but with the right training and the right experience, the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist title can be within your reach.

70-448 Exam Requirements

The MCTS 70-448 exam focuses on three main areas: SSIS, SSAS and SSRS and is divided into 6 sections:

• Implementing an SSIS Solution
• Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSIS
• Implementing an SSAS Solution
• Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSAS
• Implementing an SSRS Solution
• Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSRS

Let’s go over each of these areas in a bit more detail.

1. Implementing an SSIS Solution (17%)

Implementing a SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) solution accounts for 17% of the total exam and requires that you are familiar with how to:

• Implement control flow, for example, checkpoints, debug control flow, transactions, data profiling and quality, and the like
• Implement data flow, including debug data flow, implement the appropriate data flow components and more
• Implement dynamic package behavior by using property expressions
• Implement package logic by using variables like system variables, user variables and variable scope
• Implement package configurations
• Implement auditing, logging, and event handling including using system variables for auditing, using event handlers, using log providers, data profiling and more
• Extend SSIS packages by using .NET code (using the script task, using the script component and using custom assemblies)

2. Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSIS (15%)

SQL Server Integration Services is a big component of the 70-448 exam, and for this next objective, which accounts for 15% of the exam, you need to be familiar with how to configure, deploy and maintain your SSIS solution. This section measures your ability to:

• Install and maintain SSIS components, for example implementing disaster recovery for SSIS
• Deploy an SSIS solution, including deploying SSIS packages by using DTUTIL or the deployment utility to SQL or file system locations
• Manage SSIS package execution, for example scheduling package execution by using SQL Server Agent, executing packages by using DTEXEC, SQL Server Management Studio or SSIS .NET API
• Configure SSIS security settings (MSDB database roles, package protection levels, etc)
• Identify and resolve issues related to SSIS solution deployment, including validating deployed packages, deploying packages and dependencies between servers, and more

3. Implementing an SSAS Solution (21%)

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is another big chunk of the 70-448 exam and implementing an SSAS solution accounts for the largest part of the exam at 21%. This area will test your ability to:

• Implement dimensions in a cube (translations, attribute relations and hierarchies)
• Implement measures in a cube (measure groups)
• Implement a data source view (named calculations and named queries)
• Configure dimension usage in a cube including implementing reference dimensions, many to many relationships, fact relationships, role-playing relationships and defining granularity
• Implement custom logic in a cube by using MDX (actions, key performance indicators (KPI), calculated members and calculations
• Implement data mining including data mining structures and models, query data mining structures (using DMX) and data mining views
• Implement storage design in a cube including aggregations, partitions, storage modes and proactive caching

4. Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSAS (17%)

Continuing with SQL Server Analysis Services, for this next objective you need to be familiar with configuring, deploying and maintaining a SSAS solution, which accounts for 17% of the total exam. To prepare for this section you must be familiar with how to:

• Configure permissions and roles in SSAS (SSAS database roles, cube roles, client application access and custom access to data)
• Deploy SSAS databases and objects (Deployment Wizard, BIDS, SSMS, SSIS Analysis Services Execute DDL task)
• Install and maintain an SSAS instance (disaster recovery)
• Diagnose and resolve performance issues including using the SQL Profiler, performance monitor counters, DMVs and Usage Based Optimization Wizard
• Implement processing options

5. Implementing an SSRS Solution (17%)

Your familiarity with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) accounts for the remainder of the 70-448 exam. This section focuses on implementing an SSRS solution and you will be tested on:

• Implementing report data sources and datasets (query types, dynamic data sources, filter location (dataset vs. query)
• Implementing a report layout (conditional formatting, page configuration, headers and footers)
• Extending an SSRS solution by using code, like custom .NET assembly and private code
• Creating an SSRS report by using an SSAS data source, for example MDX and DMX in an SSRS report
• Implementing report parameters like databound and multi-value parameters
• Implementing interactivity in a report (drilldown, drillthrough and interactive sorting)
• Implementing report items (matrix, table, chart, image, list and grouping )
• Embedding SSRS reports in custom applications, for example using the Windows Forms Report Viewer, the Web Forms Report Viewer and the SSRS Web service

6. Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSRS (13%)

The last section of the 70-448 exam focuses on configuring, deploying and maintaining SQL Server Reporting Services and take up 13% of the total exam. To prepare for it you’ll need to know how to:

• Configure report execution and delivery, including subscriptions, report caching, schedules and snapshot history
• Install and configure SSRS instances (how to deploy an SSRS Web farm)
• Configure authentication and authorization for a reporting solution which includes knowing how to configure server-level and item-level role-based security and how to configure Windows authentication and custom authentication
• Deploy an SSRS solution (RS.exe scripts, Report Builder and BIDS)
• Configure SSRS availability including key management and migrating SSRS databases

SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Training

As always, I would recommend that your training comes from multiple sources, usually at least two training methods such as books, training videos, classes, practice exams, etc. Train Signal currently has training on SQL Server 2008 Database Administration for the 70-432 exam and SQL Server 2008 Database Development for the 70-433 exam, as well as advanced courses for advanced administrators, but nothing int he Business Intelligence area yet.

Your experience will always pull in a lot of weight when preparing for an exam. If possible, take some time to play with various business intelligence components of SQL Server 2008 and dig into their interface to find things you may not have known about or used before.

Make up scenarios for yourself along with goals for each scenario and attempt to accomplish those goals. Some of the best things that I have learned have come from me toying with various programs, making me more familiar with them, so when questions arise, even if I have never dealt with the problem before, I can usually respond quickly and accurately.

Because of the structure of this BI exam, you can easily just focus on working with SSIS, SSAS and SSRS to prepare for all of the exam components.

Good luck on your exams!

The Database Development certification path is designed for database developers that write applications, websites, and more that run with, or within SQL Server 2008 with at least two to three years of experience using a previous version of SQL Server (preferably the 2005 version) and one to two years of experience using the latest 2008 version.

MCTS (70-433) Database Development Exam

As discussed in my previous article, the Database Development Certification (based on MCTS exam 70-433) is one of three entry level SQL Server 2008 certifications that are currently available:

• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

All three of which map to different certification paths withing the SQL Server 2008 area:

• Database Administration
• Database Development
• Business Intelligence (BI)

The MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development exam is for IT Professionals who work in environments in which SQL Server 2008 is part of the overall solution, those who manage systems that run SQL Server 2008, developers who build applications that use SQL Server 2008, and those who work with third-party applications that are built on or to work with SQL Server 2008. If you fall into any of these categories, this certification would likely give you a great edge in securing or expanding on your current job or portfolio.

70-433 Exam Requirements

The MCTS Exam 70-433 focuses on 7 main areas:

• Implementing tables and views
• Implementing programming objects
• Working with query fundamentals
• Applying additional query techniques
• Working with additional SQL Server components
• Working with XML data
• Gathering performance information

Let’s take a closer look at these 7 areas.

1. Implementing Tables and Views (14%)

Implementing tables and views takes up 14% of the total exam questions and assumes that you are familiar with:

• creating and altering tables including computed and persisted columns, schemas, scripts to deploy changes to multiple environments and more
• creating and altering views such as WITH ENCRYPTION, WITH SCHEMABINDING, WITH CHECK OPTION and others
• creating and altering indexes including filtered, unique, clustered, non-clustered, FILL FACTOR, CREATE STATISTICS, indexing views and more
• creating and modifying constraints including PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, UNIQUE, CHECK, cascading referential integrity, enabling/disabling and more
• implementing data types such as FILESTREAM, spatial, structured, and semi-structured, collations and others
• implementing partitioning solution including partitioned tables and indexes, distributed partitioned views, etc

2. Implementing Programming Objects (16%)

The second largest focus point of the 70-433 exam focuses on implementing programming objects and makes up 16% of the total exam. This section measures your ability to:

• create and alter stored procedures including able-valued parameters, parameter direction, manage permissions and more
• create and alter user-defined functions (UDFs) including WITH SCHEMABINDING, EXECUTE AS, managing permissions, etc
• create and alter DML (data manipulation language) triggers such as INSERTED, DELETED, INSTEAD OF, EXECUTE AS and others
• create and alter DDL (data definition language) triggers such as enabling/disabling, return event data and others
• create and deploy CLR-based objects including permission sets, SET TRUSTWORTHY and more
• implement error handling including TRY/CATCH, RAISERROR, retrieving error information, custom error messages and more
• manage transactions such as BEGIN TRANSACTION, COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SET TRANSACTION ISOLATION LEVEL and others

3. Working with Query Fundamentals (21%)

Working with query fundamentals takes up the largest portion of the 70-433 exam and requires that you are familiar with:

• query data by using SELECT statements such as LIKE, WHERE, ORDER BY, and INTO
• modify data by using INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements
• return data by using the OUTPUT clause as well as INSERTED, DELETED, and INTO statements
• modify data by using MERGE statements such as INSERTED, DELETED, and OUTPUT
• implement aggregate queries including built-in aggregate functions, GROUPING SETS, and GROUP BY, among others
• combine datasets using CROSS APPLY, OUTER APPLY, UNION, UNION ALL, INTERSECT, EXCEPT and more
• apply built-in scalar functions such as CAST and CONVERT, REPLACE, PATINDEX and CHARINDEX and others

4. Applying Additional Query Techniques (15%)

The next topic covers additional query techniques and accounts for 15% of the 70-433 exam. This area will test your ability to:

• implement subqueries such as simple, correlated, scalar, list, and table valued
• implement CTE (common table expression) queries including recursive and non-recursive queries
• apply ranking functions such as RANK, PARTITION BY, DENSE_RANK, OVER, ROW_NUMBER, and NTILE
• control execution plans like table hints and query hints
• manage international considerations including collations, defining custom errors, filtering data, sort order, nvarchar, and more

5. Working with Additional SQL Server Components (11%)

Working with additional SQL Server components such as database mail, full-text search, SMOs and PowerShell scripts among others, accounts for 11% of the total exam. To prepare for this section of the exam you must be familiar with:

• integrating database mail
• implementing full-text search (CONTAINS, CONTAINSTABLE, FREETEXT, FREETEXTTABLE, STOPLIST)
• implementing scripts using PowerShell and SQL Server Management Objects (SMOs)
• implementing service broker solutions including services, queues, messages, message types, message validation, contracts and activation procedures
• tracking data changes including database audit specification and CHANGETABLE

6. Working with XML Data (12%)

The next focus area takes up 12% of the 70-433 exam and centers on working with XML data. For this portion of the exam you will need to know how to retrieve relational data as XML (FOR XML), transform XML data into relational data (OPENXML, sp_xml_preparedocument, sp_xml_removedocument), query XML data (XQUERY, XPATH) and manage XML data (XML datatype, XML indexes, XML schema collections).

7. Gathering Performance Information (11%)

The final section of the 70-433 exam focuses on gathering performance information and takes up just 11% of the total exam. To prepare for this portion of the exam you will need to know how to capture execution plans (SHOWPLAN), gather trace information by using the SQL Server Profiler, collect output from the Database Engine Tuning Advisor and collect information from system metadata (Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and catalog views).

SQL Server 2008 Database Development Training

As I always recommend to anyone preparing to take a certification exam, your training should come from a variety of sources. In general, it is always best to learn from at least two training solutions, such as books, in class, online, video training, etc. Plus your real world experience compliments any training your take on.

Train Signal offers a great training geared specifically towards the 70-433 exam. SQL Server 2008 Database Development Training created by Mel Haynes (MCIPT: Database Administrator 2008, MSCS, MCTS, MCP) has over 10 hours of hands-on SQL Server 2008 training.

Also, as with most Train Signal training courses, you get a free full version Transcender practice exam, which is an extremely useful tool to measure your ability before taking the exam.

Learn more about Train Signal’s SQL Server 2008 Database Administration Training and keep an eye out for my upcoming SQL Server 2008 certification articles which will outline the MCITP paths for database development as well as administration.

MCTS (70-432) DBA Exam

The Implementation and Maintenance Certification (based on MCTS exam 70-432) is one of the three entry level SQL Server certifications available:

• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

All three of which start up their own certification paths leading all the way up to the Master and Architect certifications; the paths include:

• Database Administration
• Database Development
• Business Intelligence (BI)

As with all of my exam overview articles, there is a lot of information to go through, so I’ll do my best to outline exactly what you’ll need to know to pass the exam.

Microsoft profiles this exam’s audience as IT professionals with two to three years of experience using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or above, so if you’ve already been using SQL Server, then this exam would be the perfect next step to keep your certifications up to date.

70-432 Exam Requirements

The MCTS Exam 70-432 focuses on 8 main areas:

• Installing and configuring
• Maintaining instances
• Managing security
• Database maintenance
• Data management
• Monitoring and troubleshooting
• High availability

Let’s take a closer look at the 8 areas.

1. Installing and Configuring SQL Server 2008 (10%)

Installing and configuring Microsoft SQL Server 2008 takes up 10% of the exams questions and assumes you are familiar with:

• installing and configuring server instances including using the configuration manager and SQL browser;
• the standard of being able to install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and related services as well as knowing the installation paths, file locations, etc. You can refer to this MSDN article on how to install Microsoft SQL Server 2008;
• being able to configure additional SQL Server components such as SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), etc.;
• being able to implement database mail from installation, set up, and configuration;
• and finally, it assumes you know how to configure, use, and populate full-text indexing.

2. Maintaining SQL Server Instances (13%)

The next focus point of the 70-432 exam is Maintaining SQL Server instances and makes up 13% of the questions on the exam. This focus point will test your knowledge and ability to:

• manage SQL Server Agent jobs, operators, and alerts including creating, scheduling, enabling, and disabling jobs;
• changing job step orders, managing notifications of job execution, and job logging;
• managing performance condition alerts, SQL event alerts, and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) alerts;
• understand and manage operator schedules, be able to fail safe and add new operators, and have a working knowledge of operator notification methods;
• implement the Declarative Management Framework (DMF) including but not limited to creating, verifying, and enforcing a policy, scheduling a policy compliance check, and creating a condition;
• and back up a SQL Server environment on an operating system level.

3. Managing SQL Server Security (15%)

The second largest focus point of the exam is based on managing SQL Server security and will make up 15% of the exam. This section of the exam will test your knowledge and ability to:

• manage login, server, user, and database roles including being able to create, enable, and disable logins;
• manage the security model in authentication mode, alter logins, enforce password policy, and manage fixed server roles;
• manage user mapping, user-defined and fixed roles, and creating and deleting user roles;
• SQL Server instance, database, schema, and object permissions including but not limited to logon triggers;
• permissions vs. fixed role membership, cross-database ownership chaining, impersonation, and schema ownership;
• understand transparent data encryption and impact of transparent data encryption on backups
• use DDL triggers and logon triggers to audit SQL Server instances and be familiar with C2, common criteria in SQL Server instance audits, login failures, and event notifications
• configure surface area through “sp_configure,” a function that displays and will allow you to change global configuration settings for the current SQL server (more on “sp_configure” here).

4. Maintaining a SQL Server Database (16%)

The next and largest focus point in the exam as listed by Microsoft’s learning center, is based on maintaining an SQL Server database and makes up about 16% of the exam’s total questions. This subject will require you to know:

• how to backup and restore databases, as well as understand the different types of backups, such as differential backups, full backups, compressed backups, etc;
• manage and configure databases and database snapshots, this includes creating, dropping, and reverting snapshots, as well as understanding database configurations options and recovery models;
• maintain database integrity (using DBCC CHECKDB and suspect pages);
• use maintenance plans along the way using the Maintenance Plan Wizard and Designer.

5. Performing Data Management Tasks (14%)

The next focus point takes up 14% of the exam and consists of questions related to performing data management tasks This includes importing and exporting data, managing data partitions, implementing data compression, maintaining indexes, and managing collations. These are, for the most part, just based on day to day use tasks such as working with indexes and using GUI tools to import and export data.

That’s a Lot of Expectations!

So far, there’s quite a bit of information to take in, don’t worry though, while the exam is very technical, it is also based on the most important aspects of SQL Server 2008. Which means during your training, while you may go over a lot you already know, you’ll be picking up a lot of great new information to help you along your career path. There are a lot of tasks, optimizations, and security aspects that you’ll learn along the way that will make your life easier in the long run, as well as help you pass the exam itself.

Back to the exam.

The final three sections of the 70-432 exam make up the remaining 32% of the exam:

6. Monitoring and Troubleshooting SQL Server (13%)

Next topic covers monitoring and troubleshooting, which makes up 13% of the exam. This focus point will test your ability to:

• identify SQL Server problems in the database engine, SQL agent, and SQL browser services;
• identify concurrency problems (blocks, locks, deadlocks, etc.) and SQL Agent job execution problems (proxy accounts, credentials, and job history);
• locate error information such as error and agent logs, job execution history, and event logs.

7. Optimizing SQL Server Performance (10%)

Optimizing SQL Server performance is an important part of managing and running a successful SQL Server, and will take up 10% of the exam. This section mostly deals with using various sub-applications to optimize and analyze the server. You will be expected to be able to implement Resource Governor, use the Database Engine Tuning Advisor, collect trade data using SQL Server Profiler, collect performance data by using Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and System Monitor, and finally, be able to use Performance Studio.

8. Implementing High Availability (9 percent)

The final section and focus point of the exam is based on Implementing High Availability (database replication/uptime assurance) and takes up the final 9% of the exam. This final section will ask that you understand how to implement database mirroring, clustered instances, log shipping, and replication as well as how to monitor, configure, and failover if necessary.

SQL Server 2008 Database Administration Training

As with all exam preparations, your training should come from a variety of sources. Your real world experience should compliment your training, be it in books, online, videos, etc.

Train Signal’s current SQL Server 2008 Administration training is geared directly at the 70-432 MCTS exam that we’ve been going over.

It covers every major focus point and more, including SQL Server performance, security, and automation. Your real world experience partnered with Train Signal’s SQL Server 2008 training is a great way to secure your MCTS certification.

Learn more about Train Signal’s SQL Server 2008 Administration training and keep an eye out for my next article, which will outline the exam that will bump up your SQL MCTS to MCITP.

Jen and Sean are two amazing SQL Server experts who have a passion for teaching and a knack for making SQL fun. They have tons of experience in both administration and development and Sean is a SQL Server MVP, contributing editor at InfoWorld Magazine and writer for NetworkWorld.

In their spare time, which happens to be right around midnight, Jen and Sean offer themselves to the SQL community by providing video tutorials on anything from performing database backups, utilizing PowerShell in SQL, and performance monitoring to using SSIS, T-SQL and much, much more. Their video tutorials and short midnight snacks are an invaluable resource to anyone who wants to master SQL Server.

Both Sean and Jen are also very active in the social space and you can easily connect with them on Twitter and this fun Facebook page that pays an homage to Sean’s flowing locks. Jen’s blog is SQL Awesomesauce and Sean’s is the DBA Rant. They also have a YouTube page and you can get their podcasts on iTunes. In addition, Jen and Sean have recently started writing for Petri providing SQL tutorials on installing, managing, and troubleshooting SQL Server databases.

Train Signal Interviews Jen and Sean McCown at TechEd 2010

When I got to meet the Midnight DBAs at TechEd we talked about how they got into SQL and their favorite features in SQL Server 2008 R2. In the video Jen and Sean also offer some great advice on how those new to databases can break into the field and become DBAs.

Watch the video interview with the Midnight DBAs: Jen and Sean McCown

Microsoft’s SQL Server Sequence contest in full swing, and there are still 9 weeks to go!

Each week, Microsoft will issue a new question on: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Answer a question correctly and you’ll be placed into a drawing to win a brand new netbook. (If you get stuck on any of the questions, check out the SQL Server website to jog your memory.)

There’s a new chance to win each week, and the more questions you answer correctly, the better your chances will be to win the grand prize — a Suped-up Set-up for your workspace from SQL Server.

The grand prize includes:

• a wireless keyboard and mouse,
• 24-inch HD monitor,
• speakers,
• noise canceling headphones
• all valued at over $1,000.

How To Enter:

To enter, become a fan of the SQL Server on your favorite social network to find out the location of each week’s question. Come back to the SQL Server blog for the answers to each week’s question, as well as updates on winners and prizes.

The SQL Server 2008 certification paths allow you to become:

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional
• Microsoft Certified Architect
• Microsoft Certified Master

The MCITP and MCTS certifications each come in three flavors. I’ll quickly go over each of these paths to help you decide which route is right for you.

Keep an eye out for my next few articles where I will go over each path in detail, to help you better prepare for the exams.

Before going into the exam paths, it is important to note, if you wish to become a Microsoft Certified Master or Microsoft Certified Architect, you will need to take two full specific certification paths. You will need to become a MCITP Database Administrator, and a MCITP Database Developer.

If you choose to take the MCITP Business Intelligence Developer path, you will not be able to use that towards becoming a Microsoft Certified Master and will need to take the other two paths in full.

Why Become a SQL Server Professional?

Database Administration and Development Professionals, especially those with SQL Server 2008 experience are in high demand. CareerBuilder and CNN listed DBAs as the second most promising job for 2010. And SimplyHired listed SQL Server 2008 DBA salaries at $82,000 this month. So if you’re looking for a career change or a direction, this might just be the right path for you.

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist

In the case of SQL Server 2008 certifications, the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist is an important, but entry level certification. You will need to demonstrate your skills and abilities in using, implementing, building upon, troubleshooting, and debugging SQL Server 2008. Microsoft recommends you have at least one or more years of experience using SQL Server 2008.

There are three routes to becoming a MCTS on SQL Server 2008:

• SQL Server Administration
• SQL Server Database Development
• SQL Server Business Intelligence

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

SQL Server 2008 Administration Track

The SQL Server Administration route requires you to take Exam 70-432 TS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance. By completing this exam, you will have earned the title of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance.

SQL Server 2008 Database Development Track

The next route is specializing in SQL Server Database Development and requires you to take Exam 70-433 TS: SQL Server 2008 Database Development. By completing this exam, you will have earned the title of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Database Development.

SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Track

The final route allows you to specialize in Business Intelligence. This route requires you to take Exam 70-448 TS: SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance. By completing this exam, you will have earned the title of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance.

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified IT Professional

To become a Microsoft Certified IT Professional, you first must become a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. You must demonstrate your range of skills and ability to use SQL Server 2008 in a particular job role.

Microsoft recommends you have at least two or more years of experience as an IT Professional and working with SQL Server. Depending on which Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist exam you decide to take, you will have a corresponding MCITP exam for that track.

MCITP SQL Server 2008 Administration Track

So for example, if you took the MCTS 70-432 Implementation and Maintenance exam, you will want to continue in the Administration path by taking Exam 70-450 Pro: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

Only by successfully completing both the 70-432 MCTS and 70-450 MCITP exams, you will earn the title of Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Administrator 2008.

MCITP SQL Server 2008 Database Development Track

If you took the 70-433 Database Development exam, you will need to take Exam 70-451 Pro: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

By successfully passing these two exams, you will have earned the title of Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Developer 2008.

MCITP SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Track

Finally, if you took the 70-448 Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance exam, you will need to take Exam 70-452 Pro: Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance.

And by passing these two exams, you will have earned the title of Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer 2008.

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master

As I noted in the beginning of this article, only two of the paths above will allow you to become a Microsoft Certified Master for SQL Server 2008. Unfortunately, while the Business Intelligence track is well sought after, it is not included in Microsoft’s Masters Program.

After completing both the MCITP Database Developer and MCITP Database Administrator exams, you must apply, attend, and successfully complete a three week training program, pass three computer based tests during the training, and successfully complete the final qualification lab exam. This is a long and tough process, but becoming a Microsoft Certified Master is a rare and extremely valuable addition to anyone’s resume.

As reported by Microsoft, businesses show a 60% annual increase in revenue generated from Microsoft Certified Masters; double the number of successful interactions during the presale cycle; triple the number of requests for advice and/or project participation; job offers at 30% increase in salary; 90+% success rate where 60% is the norm; eligibility for partnership at a boutique consultancy; 95% customer return rates; and up to 50% increase in billable rates.

As you can tell by these statistics, most businesses and corporations put a lot of value and show extreme benefit from Microsoft Certified Masters, and an average of 30% increase in pay backs up that fact.

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Architect

There are only a handful of Microsoft Certified Architects in the world today. Most of them are quickly hired by Microsoft and put to work on their own products.

Consider this certification the best of the best. This program enables you to prove your expertise is among the highest-achieving professionals in IT architecture and puts you on a level of advanced proficiency accomplished only by few.

Microsoft notes that successful candidates generally have ten or more years of IT experience and five or more years of specific architectural experience.

In order to become a Microsoft Certified Architect, you must first become a Microsoft Certified Master. Once you have obtained this title, you will need to successfully pass the Microsoft Certified Architect Review Board interview conducted by Microsoft and industry experts.

More SQL Server Certification Info To Come

In my next few articles, I will cover the details of what you will need to know from start to finish in working your way up the ranks and earning these valuable SQL Server 2008 certifications.

It is important to note, that most career professionals can and do make a very good living as Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists and Microsoft Certified IT Professionals. While very few choose to work their way all the way up to becoming a Master or Architect, it is attainable.

Also keep an eye out for my articles on Microsoft Certified IT Professional upgrade paths from SQL Server 2005.

I will also give you a brief outline of the different SQL Server certification paths and levels and point you to some SQL Server certification resources that you might find useful.

What is SQL Server 2008?

Let’s start from the basics — what is Microsoft SQL Server?

Well, it’s not Microsoft Excel or Access, although these two simple data management tools do have some similarities.

Excel offers some great tools for managing and manipulating data. Access on the other hand is more focused on the desktop or workgroup level, but it’s still not the right solution for managing large scale database projects.

This is where SQL Server comes in. Microsoft SQL Server is focused on managing enterprise level data and also includes tools for business intelligence to help you make smart decisions based on your large amounts of data.

SQL Server 2008 Certification Paths

There are three certification tracks for SQL Server 2008:

• SQL Server Database Administration
• SQL Server Database Development
• SQL Server Business Intelligence

As far as certification levels are concerned, there are three certification/exam levels for for SQL Server 2008 that map to the above mentioned certification tracks:

• MCTS: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
• MCITP: Microsoft Certified IT Professional
• MCM: Microsoft Certified Master

SQL Server 2008 Database Administration Certification

If you’re interested in becoming a certified SQL Server database administrator, the MCTS Exam 70-643 (Implementation and Maintenance) is your starting point. This is an entry level certification that will allow you to work with SQL Server performing database administrator tasks such as installing, configuring and maintaining SQL Server 2008.

The 70-643 exam is covered in detail in my SQL Server 2008 Administration Training.

One level up is the MCITP Exam 70-450 which focuses on designing, optimizing and maintaining a database server infrastructure using SQL Server 2008. This is an advanced certification for which you need to have at least two to three years of experience with SQL and have earned your MCTS in SQL Server 2008 that’s mentioned above.

And this is the exam that my new Advanced SQL Server 2008 Administration Training will prepare you for.

Here’s a quick visual overview of the exams and certifications for the SQL Server 2008 Database Administration track.

 

You can learn more about each of the individual SQL certification paths and exams at microsoft.com/learning:

MCTS SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist:

• Exam 70-432: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• Exam 70-433: SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• Exam 70-448: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

MCITP SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified IT Professional:

• Exam 70-450: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution Using SQL Server 2008
• Exam 70-451: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using SQL Server 2008
• Exam 70-452: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using SQL Server 2008

SQL Server 2008 Training

If you’re brand new to database administration or SQL, then I would strongly suggest starting out with my free introductory SQL 101 training that’s available on this site. I put together 10 lessons that will provide you with all of the basics you’ll need to get started with SQL training.

As I mentioned above, both my entry level SQL Server 2008 Administration Training for the MCTS 70-643 exam and the Advanced SQL Server 2008 Administration Training for the MCITP 70-450 exam are now available.

And you can purchase them separately or as a package — all the details are below.

SQL Server 2008 Administration Training

Get complete exam coverage for the MCTS 70-643 exam PLUS a free full version Transcender Practice Exam.

Develop hands-on experience as a SQL Server 2008 Administrator as you learn how to configure and maintain your own enterprise data management system.

Get into the in-demand DBA field with this entry level certification training

Watch a Demo & Learn More

New! Advanced SQL Server 2008 Database Administration Training

Learn how to design, optimize and maintain an enterprise level database server infrastructure.

Master SQL Server 2008 Backup and Recovery, High Availability, Failover Clustering, Data Encryption, PowerShell and a whole lot more.

Prepare for your MCITP70-450 exam with this in depth training that includes a full version Transcender Practice Exam.

Advance your career with this in-demand certification training.

Watch a Demo & Learn More

New! SQL Server Database Administration Training Package

I hope you enjoy my SQL Server Administration training and if you have any comments or suggestions please leave me a comment or send me a message — I would love to hear what you think about my training.

You also might remember Mel, from the free SQL 101 videos from earlier this year or the video clip in which Coach and Mel talk about installing SQL Server 2008 on Hyper-V.

In any case, if you haven’t seen Mel, chances are you’ve probably heard him talk about SQL — which is Mel’s one true passion. Today you get the rare opportunity to experience both.

In this 15 minute video interview with Train Signal’s own Mel Haynes, you will have a chance to learn more about our best selling SQL Server training and about the SQL expert behind it. Check it out!

SQL Server 2008 Administration Training

This training is designed to help you develop hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of Server 2008 Administration.

In over 10 hours of video training, Mel shares his years of database experience while getting you on the road to becoming a DBA yourself.

As you learn about SQL, you will also be preparing for the 70-432 exam so you can earn your MCTS Certification.

Learn More about SQL Server 2008 Administration Training

SQL Server 2008 Database Development Training

Learn how to design SQL databases, applications and build functionality that will best support users and businesses in a customized and unique way.

Get over 10 hours of in-depth video training and complete 70-432 exam coverage.

Database development is one of the few jobs that is in constant demand — as you prepare for an interesting career in development you will also be ensuing job security for your future.

Learn More about SQL Server 2008 Database Development Training

SQL 101 Part 10: Database Setup covers:

• Setting up your own database

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

In my last post about SQL Server Certification we talked about the SQL Server 2008 Administrator (70-432) Exam. 

I also told you that there are 3 different types of SQL certifications:

• Implementation and Maintenance
• Database Development
• Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

Since exam 70-432 focuses on Implementation and Maintenance and we already covered it, now it’s time to talk about the second type of SQL certification: Database Development. 

You can obtain the MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development certification by passing a single exam: 70-433 Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development.

70-433 Exam Details

As we all know, Microsoft doesn’t like to share the details of their exams with anyone. They change their exams periodically to throw people off and keep them on their toes. I was able to get some info about the 70-433 exam but keep in mind that this information might change by the time you read this.

I don’t think it’s going to be completely different, but some things like the total number of questions, or the depth of coverage for specific topics might be different. So just keep that in mind when you are preparing for this exam, ok?

I think the best news is — you do not need any prerequisites to take this exam. This is an entry level exam for a database developer.  You will receive your MCTS status after passing this single exam.

The Microsoft Learning site states that anyone who wants to take this exam should be an IT professional who “works in jobs in which database development is their main area of responsibility, or they work in environments in which databases are central to their primary job roles. These job roles include the following:

• IT generalists who work in environments in which SQL Server 2008 is part of an overall solution
• IT professionals who manage systems that run SQL Server 2008
• Developers who build applications that use SQL Server 2008
• IT professionals who work with third-party applications that are built on SQL Server 2008″

Does that mean you can’t take this exam if you are just entering the field.  Nope — nobody is going to ask you where you work of what your title is if you go to take the exam, so don’t worry. If you have the desire to get the SQL Server Developer cert then go for it!

I heard that there are about 60 questions for this exam with 3 hours to complete it.  This might not be 100% accurate however, as the person who took this exam doesn’t remember exactly.  (Sorry guys, I guess we need more certified SQL developers out there so I can bother them with my questions. If you do find exact numbers please share them in the comments with everyone.)

The passing score is the usual 700.  I say, “usual” because most of Microsoft exams have a passing score of 700 — so that’s easy to remember. From what I heard, this exam isn’t too difficult; you should be able to pass it after adequately preparing for it.

70-433 Exam Topics

The following topics are covered in this particular exam:

• Implementing Tables and Views (14 percent)
• Implementing Programming Objects (16 percent)
• Working with Query Fundamentals (21 percent)
• Applying Additional Query Techniques (15 percent)
• Working with Additional SQL Server Components (11 percent)
• Working with XML Data (12 percent)
• Gathering Performance Information (11 percent)

There is also a detailed version of this list at Microsoft Learning. It has a list of subtopics and other detailed information for this exam.

Where to Start?

Like with any other exam preparation I would start by getting some type of training material: a book, a training video or singing up for an instructor lead class.  You will get a better understanding of SQL databases with some previous database experience.  What you need is basic knowledge of what a database is and how it functions. 

If you are a complete n00b to SQL and are interested in learning the basics before studying for the developer exam, check out our free SQL 101 training videos — they are really good (I reviewed them all so you can trust me).

How About Experience?

Well, sure experience is great.  But how are you supposed to get hands-on experience with SQL when you are trying to get into the field? 

Easy — you get your own server, install a free trial version of SQL Server 2008 and practice, practice, and then practice some more. 

Follow examples from the book or video that you’re learning from and do them on your server. Make sure to break something and then try to fix it. Don’t just reinstall SQL, put your troubleshooting skills to the test and see if you can fix ‘em.  That will be extremely helpful in your position as a SQL Developer since there is no way you can just re-install the database everyone is working on.

Do I Need This Certification?

Certification is not everything; in my opinion, you need the knowledge more than your certification. The cert will however be beneficial if you’re trying to get a job as a SQL Server developer. So since you are going after the knowledge then why not get the proof that you know your stuff.

Does Train Signal have SQL Database Developer Training?

At the moment, we are very close to having the complete SQL Server Developer training available. 

I am currently working with Mel Haynes, our SQL Server Instructor on all the final videos that are going to be included in this course. We are very close — cross your fingers so that we can have it released in early September!

SQL 101 Part 9: Data Control Language covers:

• CREATE LOGIN Statement
• CREATE USER Statement
• Creating a Login
• Creating a User
• Deleting Login Account

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 8: Data Definition Language covers:

• DML vs. DDL
• CREATE and DROP Statements
• Creating a New Table in a Database

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 7: Basic Programming Logic covers:

• Conditional Expressions
• Nested Statement
• CASE Statement
• Adjusting Results Column Names

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

Mel and I recently did a bonus video on how to install SQL Server 2008 on Hyper-V for our SQL Server 2008 Administration and Hyper-V trainings and today we wanted to share a short clip from that video.

The complete video on how to install SQL Server on Hyper-V will be available as a bonus video in both the Hyper-V and SQL Server 2008 Administration courses.

So check out the short video clip and let us know what you think!

SQL 101 Part 6: The DELETE Statement covers:

• DELETE – With Job Security
• DELETE Statement Demo

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 5: The UPDATE Statement covers:

• UPDATE Statement Definition
• Updates Based on a Value
• Nested Statements
• Updating All Rows

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 4: The INSERT Statement covers:

• INSERT Statement Definition
• INSERT Statement Demo

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 3: Introduction to Structured Query Language covers:

• SELECT Statement
• SELECT WHERE Statement
• SELECT ORDER BY Statement
• SELECT – Multi Table Statement

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 2: Database Concepts covers:

• Key Terms and Concepts
• Multiple Values Per Field
• Repeating Fields
• The Ultimate Solution
• Primary Keys
• Foreign Keys
• Our Database Schema
• Table Relationships

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.

SQL 101 Part 1: Intro to SQL Server covers:

• What is SQL?
• Flat Files
• Relational Databases
• SQL Vender Variations

Download: SQL 101 Exercise Files

Continue watching: SQL 101 Training

Take your database administration or development career to the next level with our lineup of SQL Server 2008 Training.