August 14, 2008 at 7:13 am
I'm a database developer, but I also have to be the DBA for my organization as we don't have anyone else to do that.
So I maintain a handfull of SQL 05 servers.
What I really want is to be a MCITP: Database Developer with the 2008 certs, but before I start down that path I wanted to take the basic SQL Server admin cert to make sure I'm as well rounded as I should be with basic SQL Server admin tasks. (I don't intend to get the MCITP: Database Administrator cert for 2008)
So my question is: Can I just go and prep then take the 05 MCTS for SQL Server or should I wait for 08?
Two things: I want to complete this before year's end AND I work with SQL Server 05.
So I won't be able to even get my hands on 08 until late this year and that makes me very nervous for any 08 tests.
My real concern is: will this test still be offered for a good while to come or will I find out that a month from now they don't offer it anymore? It looks like they will offer the cert for as long as they support SQL Server 05, which should be for at least a "few" more years.
Lastly: Any good advice on study materials?
The exam 70-431 overview site: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-431.aspx (I assume their prep materials are all good resources?)
Thank you for the help!
August 14, 2008 at 8:16 am
A few of the 2008 exams went through a beta cycle, a few more starting soon.
I'd think the 2005 exams will be around for 2-3 more years, and most of what you learn from them will apply to 2008. There are new things in 2008, but they're new.
I'd go for 2005 now, switch to 2008 when you can if you need to.
Grab a 431 book. They're all similar, though I'd avoid the MS Press (blue) one. It was written very early in the beta for 2005 and some things aren't correct.
August 14, 2008 at 8:22 am
Steve Jones - Editor (8/14/2008)
A few of the 2008 exams went through a beta cycle, a few more starting soon....
Grab a 431 book. They're all similar, though I'd avoid the MS Press (blue) one. It was written very early in the beta for 2005 and some things aren't correct.
I was looking at grabbing this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073562271X/sr=1-1/qid=1156801743/ref=sr_1_1/104-6313703-3867159?ie=UTF8&s=books but you are saying I should avoid it and find a different one instead?
(Is that the MS Press one you are refering to?)
Also thanks for the advice on the 05 exam, it is appreciated.
August 15, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I wish to share my views regarding this.
Please wait for a while and go for SQL Server 2008.
Its advisable to do certification on advanced updated softwares.
Thanks and Regards,
Venkatesan Prabu, 😛
My Blog:
http://venkattechnicalblog.blogspot.com/
August 25, 2008 at 11:52 pm
does anyone else have viewpoints on this? i want to get my MCTS as well....and ultimately would like 2008, but none of the self study materials will be available until late 2008 or early 2009.....
August 26, 2008 at 12:28 am
If you're working with 2005, take the 2005 exams. They're not redundant with SQL 2008 out and I believe there will be an upgrade path.
I wrote one of the betas for 2008 last week and it requires a lot of knowledge of the new 2008 features. If you haven't workied with 2008, you will struggle
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
August 26, 2008 at 6:58 am
I started on my 2005, I was looking at 2008 in more detail and while I was aware of the few "major" features but a lot of the little things seem to have changed. Granted, for the better, but they were still minor changes that could easily (from my viewpoint) make or break a test on the technical aspects of SQL Server.
I figure the 2005 cert is good for a few years, and it will get my feet wet then I can wait for the 2008 materials to come out as my main goal is to get 08 Professional Developer certified but I want to be sure I have a good solid understanding of SQL Server itself.
August 26, 2008 at 8:21 am
I'd say go for 2005. There are plenty of 2000 and 2005 instances out there and I'm not sure how many people will go to 2008. Some 2008 exams are in beta, some coming out, but it will likely be 4-6 months until we see them. And you'll need to study.
September 5, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Agreed. I'm finally biting the bullet and taking my cert exams for 2005. Microsoft has consistently offered an upgrade path so I'll take then when it's appropriate. Since 2008 has just been released it'll be a while before that happens.
September 9, 2008 at 5:27 am
MCTS only requires the passing of 1 exam. So I would go with one for 2005 because it's not like you have to take several exams to pass it.
Plus you have these advantages:
1) You won't have to wait for study material to be developed for the 2005 exam (it's already out there) like you will with the 2008 exams
2) It'll give you a good grounding for any further exams you choose to take (either 2005 or 2008)
3) You can take advantage of having your MCTS 2005 in the job market TODAY because most people either have 2005 or are just now upgrading to 2005 and won't be touching 2008 for another year or two.
But that's just my thoughts. @=)
September 9, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I'm going to agree with Brandie.
Go with the 2005. Once you take the 3 exams and get MCITP in 2005. If and when you are working with 2008 you can take one exam to become MCITP in 2008.
Most of the shops around here are just now going to 2005 and will still be mixed with 2000 so there'd be no need for me to rush into 2008 other than learning about it.
MCITP, Database Administrator
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September 10, 2008 at 1:37 am
Good points Brandie,
I've pass my last ms sql 2005 exam two weeks ago and completed the series in this order 70- 431, 443, 444, 441 and 442. :blink:
I think I'll wait at least 6 or 12 months till I choose to do upgrade, I want to get familiar with 2008 although there is not much difference between 2005 and 2008 like it was between 2000 and 2005.
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September 10, 2008 at 1:44 am
Congrats......... my wishes for your achievement.
Regards,
Venkatesan Prabu .J
Thanks and Regards,
Venkatesan Prabu, 😛
My Blog:
http://venkattechnicalblog.blogspot.com/
September 10, 2008 at 2:15 am
The ITP exams for SQL 2008 won't be out til around November. I don't know if the upgrade exams will be out the same time, or later. I'd guess, offhand, a bit later
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
September 18, 2008 at 4:59 am
I agree with most posters here: as you're currently working with 2005, and want to finish certification this year; stick to the SQL 2005 certifications.
However: don't think there's nothing to be found to study SQL 2008.
On http://sqlserver2008jumpstart.microsofttraining.com/ there is a lot of stuff, including VPC's for demo's and HandsOnLabs, presentations pointing out the major new features, etc.
Especially the VPC's will come in handy if your shop only has 2005, but you really want to study 2008.
Good luck on getting your cert(s)!
Peter Rijs
BI Consultant, The Netherlands
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