MCTS - Anyone Preparing?

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MCTS - Anyone Preparing?

sqlstar2011

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April 6, 2006 at 7:55 am

#152891

Hello everyone

Is anyone preparing for MCTS certification?

Thanks
Shahab

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Eddie Wuerch SSChampion Points: 12535 More actions · Answer 1

Eddie Wuerch

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Points: 12535

April 6, 2006 at 10:23 am

#631300

I was a few months ago

Eddie Wuerch
MCM: SQL

sqlstar2011 SSCertifiable Points: 6000 More actions · Answer 2

you happen to have notes or or if you would like to share your thoughts about the MCTS exam? thanks

Eddie Wuerch SSChampion Points: 12535 More actions · Answer 3

The prep guide at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-431.asp covers the list of topics to understand. I just grabbed that list and went through BOL to pick up the new stuff and the things that have changed from SQL Server 2000.

The MSDN training resources (like the free e-learning classes, which are actually pretty good) are helpful too. (http://msdn.microsoft.com/sql)

If you don't have access to a copy of SQL Server 2005 developer edition or enterprise edition, order the demo DVD or download it. Links are at the MSDN site listed above. You will benefit greatly by actually trying out the stuff instead of just reading about it - write a few XML queries, build a few XML indexes, run the monitoring and tuning tools, do some backup and restores, install a second instance and implement log shipping, etc. Doing each of those things for 15 minutes each beats hours of studying.

I've taken five of the SQL Server 2005 exams - the MCTS one (431) plus 2 DBA (443, 444) and 2 dev (441, 442). I took four of them in beta in a 2-month stretch, so I don't recall any specifics about 70-431, other than it was the only one of them that had a multiple-choice section. There are several scenarios (called 'testlets') in the exam, where you are presented with a case study, and then given 7-15 questions on it. Pretty cool stuff, I think it will help cut down on the Transcender/braindump-cram certified-but-clueless population. Actually understanding the material is key.

Even though it isn't live yet, database mirroring shows up on the tests, at least it did on the betas, so be sure to cover that too.

Oh, look through the new dynamic system views and get a feel for them, especially ones ones for monitoring performance.

-Eddie

Eddie Wuerch
MCM: SQL

sqlstar2011 SSCertifiable Points: 6000 More actions · Answer 4

Eddie.. thanks for your input. Will let you know how I did.

Shahab

Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 5

I am. Hope to write it in May. I'm working through books online and the MS E-learning. MS also has a (free?) skills assessment that I plan to do soon.

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

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

CodeLake SSCrazy Points: 2082 More actions · Answer 6

Yeah I am preparing for it, just not sure how hard it will be..?

I have done MCSD, A+ so I assume this wont be harder than that and I got SQL 2005 Developer along with 3 instances so I can practice as much as I can.

Kindest Regards,

WRACK
CodeLake