January 1, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I have been working with SQL for the past 8 years. I have a lot of great database/IT experience, but no certifications. I started out using SQL 2000 & taking the exams for my MCDBA. I have passed all the SQL 2000 exams except 70-293. I've taken 70-293 a couple times over the past few years without luck. I'm frustrated & discouraged with that exam and not sure if I should try again to pass it or just put it behind me and forget about it. :crazy:
I noticed on the Microsoft site that the 2005 cert exams will expire at the end of June 2011. Should I stop working on the MCDBA 2000 track & get the 2005 cert instead? Or just forget about both of those & go with 2008? I work in a SQL 2005 shop that is planning to upgrade to SQL 2008 in the Fall.
Thank you for any advice.
A frustrated DBA without certs. :crying:
January 2, 2011 at 10:31 am
First, what do you believe the certs will give you - that you don't already have through time and experience?
Is there a goal here besides just getting a certificate?
I wouldn't bother with 2005 or lower, since there are two version past that already. 2008 and 2008 R2 have been released and the next version will be released in the next year. If you really need a certificate I would be working on the latest version.
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January 2, 2011 at 1:16 pm
I'm working towards my cert to compliment my experience. Basically a way for my resume to stand out in the masses out there; has experience PLUS the cert showing that the experience is not fluff. I've been getting bogged down with 70-293 & about ready to give up.
Thanks for the advice on going towards SQL 2008. I agree that's a better way to go; just needed someone to point that out...it gets me back into what I'm interested in learning anyway (SQL!). 70-293 is more on the MCSE track.
January 3, 2011 at 12:12 pm
I was in the same situation as you a year ago and i decided to take the SQL 2008 cert instead of 2005 and i passed the exam. So yes the best advice is to always go for the latest version.
January 3, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I don't have a single cert. Also don't have a degree. However, a well-written resume got me 6 interviews in 1 week, the last time I was job hunting. All 6 turned into offers. So, don't put too much emphasis on certs. They say what they say, but it may not be as important as the people who make their living on cert fees would like you to think.
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January 4, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Not to discourage you, but..
About a year ago, when we were looking for DBA, half of the resumes we have received had mentioning of DBA certification of some kind. Any guess what, all those who had certification, failed our interview ( where questions were probably of the intermediate level, nothing 'fancy')
January 7, 2011 at 1:13 pm
I agree with the advice that it's time to let this one go. Certification is all about value (personal or career) and the career value of 70-293 has diminished greatly. If it has great personal value to you, why not consider a more contemporary alternative like the Comptia Network+ certification? This way you would have the personal value of completing a network infrastructure exam and the career value of having a diverse skill set on your resume.
However, if you can let the personal value of 70-293 go then it's time to pass the first exam on SQL Server 2008 and get your MCTS as a minimum.
P.S. In my opinion, it's perfectly acceptable to list the exams you passed on your resume like:
70-228 SQL Server 2000 Implementation
70-229 SQL Server 2000 Database Design
etc.
So even though you didn't get the MCDBA, it still shows you passed the exams and did something extra for your career.
February 4, 2011 at 3:24 am
I am preparing for my certification exam right now, Are you people saying it is useless to take these exams, will my certificate add any value to my resume? Or is it better that I take up a job rather than preparing for the certification.
I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers done.
February 4, 2011 at 4:13 pm
I wouldnt say it is useless. I heard of some companies which require some kind of certification. So if you have time I would do both: work on passing exam as well enhancing your work skills. But if you can work only on a single 'task', than I would concentrate on enhancing your work skill. Just my 2c.
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