April 17, 2003 at 6:18 am
Hi All,
I've been a developer for osme time, but have been a DBA for the last 9 months.
I'd now like to get certified, How do you suggest I proceed? step by step.
I do not have any certificatons form MS now.
Thanks
RB
April 17, 2003 at 7:03 am
1) First step is to understand what the certifications are and how you achieve them:
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/default.asp
2) Determine what certification you want to attack first and specifically what exam you want to take and pass. Choose the one which you are most familiar with the objectives. For instance, if you want to achieve the MCDBA certification and you've determined you're strongest in administering SQL Server, go after that exam. If you want the MCDBA but you're strongest as a developer, target one of the developer exams (which would be an elective).
3) Study, train, etc., using the methods that work best for you. Make sure you understand the objectives tested thoroughly. If you are self-studying using books you're going to purchase, spend some time reviewing what others say about the study books. Some are good, some are really bad. And it's not like you can say one publisher is really good across the board. So spend time at amazon.com, bookpool.com, and the forums reading up on what others used.
4) Obtain self-test software and verify you are ready for the exam. BeachFront Quizzer, Boson, and Transcender are popular choices. Others will have more to suggest.
5) Register with a testing center to take the test. There are two that cover Microsoft exams: http://www.2test.com (Thomson Prometric) and http://www.vue.com (Vue). Choose a site that's best suited for you. There's nothing wrong with paying a visit to the sites around you and seeing the testing facilities before registering. The on-line websites will tell you where the ones near you are located.
6) Finish up your studying a day or two before the test. Preferably two. Then spend the rest of the time going over the highlights. The study guides from http://www.cramsession.com are usually good for this. Keep in mind that they now offer two versions, one where you have to put up with some ads and they say may not be fully up to date for free and a PDF version for pay. Used to be they were all free.
7) Get a good night's sleep.
8) Depending on when the test is, make sure you eat appropriately. Taking a test less than an hour or two after you eaten may mean you are sleepy for the exam. You want to avoid all distractions.
9) Plan to arrive 15 minutes early and go take your test! The reason for the 15 minutes is for those unforeseen issues (getting lost, traffic, etc).
Once you pass a Microsoft exam towards any of the MCSA, MCSE, MCDBA, MCAD, or MCSD certifications, you should be an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional). And you'll be better familiar with the certification process and what it takes for you to study for and pass the exams.
K. Brian Kelley
http://www.truthsolutions.com/
Author: Start to Finish Guide to SQL Server Performance Monitoring
http://www.netimpress.com/shop/product.asp?ProductID=NI-SQL1
K. Brian Kelley
@kbriankelley
April 17, 2003 at 10:56 am
Great advice from Brian and I totally agree with choosing your strongest subject first, it will reduce the tension. I'd also plan on working over a short period of time to get the exams taken. If you delay the nerves will build and you'll lose momentum.
Also, if you fail an exam, don't get depressed, study and take it again soon.
Steve Jones
April 17, 2003 at 5:48 pm
Brian, Steve,
Thaks for the excelent advice, time ot get off my duff and get going.
RB
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