Microsoft MCTS / MCITP Database Administrator 2008 - Training

  • Hi all,

    I am doing my SQL 2008 Bootcamp training at the end of this month ... only 3 weeks away now ( Scary thought! )

    I have been working on and off with SQL for 10 years now and have decided to make the learning official in the form of an MCSE.

    Does anybody have any guidance or learning experience about Bootcamps and how best I can increase my chances of a pass ?

    Thanks in advance

    Steve

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________
    Regards
    Steve
    SQL 2008 DBA/DBD - MCTS/MCITP

    Please don't trust me, test the solutions I give you before using them.

  • The MCSE certification will soon be retired and beyond Windows Server 2003 you should pursue an MCITP.

    It is much easier to upgrade from an MCSE to to an MCITP, so if you can beat the clock and get your MCSE then I would go for it.

    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsserver.aspx

    For better, quicker answers on T-SQL questions, click on the following...
    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/

    For better answers on performance questions, click on the following...
    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/SQLServerCentral/66909/

  • The MCSE gives you more opportunity, in my mind, if you need a job that might be part DBA, part Sysadmin. But only if you want to get stuck doing those jobs.

    With 10 years of SQL, you ought to be experienced enough for the exam. One note, pay special attention to the newer features in 2008 since those should be tested on the exams. Knowing terminology and how those features work is important.

  • Sorry, on the bootcamps. I haven't done a bootcamp, but I would guess it's an intensive, quick cramming on all the various features/facets of the product. I'd take lots of notes and be sure you run through all exercises that you can. Actually doing the work (either with tools or multiple choice tests) is the best prep.

  • I would say go for the MCSE but if you do not complete all of the requirements before that certification has expired, which will not be that long then you night want to think about it.

    I remember when the Windows 4.0 was discontinued and a lot of people got left out and they had to start from scratch.

    For better, quicker answers on T-SQL questions, click on the following...
    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/

    For better answers on performance questions, click on the following...
    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/SQLServerCentral/66909/

  • Welsh Corgi (5/10/2011)


    The MCSE certification will soon be retired and beyond Windows Server 2003 you should pursue an MCITP.

    It is much easier to upgrade from an MCSE to to an MCITP, so if you can beat the clock and get your MCSE then I would go for it.

    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsserver.aspx

    Yes sorry for the confusion - it is the MCITP qualification

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________
    Regards
    Steve
    SQL 2008 DBA/DBD - MCTS/MCITP

    Please don't trust me, test the solutions I give you before using them.

  • Steve Jones - SSC Editor (5/10/2011)


    The MCSE gives you more opportunity, in my mind, if you need a job that might be part DBA, part Sysadmin. But only if you want to get stuck doing those jobs.

    With 10 years of SQL, you ought to be experienced enough for the exam. One note, pay special attention to the newer features in 2008 since those should be tested on the exams. Knowing terminology and how those features work is important.

    Sound advice - should I say obvious - but I have been using 2005 rather than 2008 - I will do my research into New features before the boot camp. I think the advanced exam at the end of the 7 days is angled more so on the new features ... possibly !?

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________
    Regards
    Steve
    SQL 2008 DBA/DBD - MCTS/MCITP

    Please don't trust me, test the solutions I give you before using them.

  • I have passed 4 2008 sql exams and found that the training kits from a book shop cover alot of what was asked in the exams.

  • arun.sirpal (5/11/2011)


    I have passed 4 2008 sql exams and found that the training kits from a book shop cover alot of what was asked in the exams.

    I am going on a "Company Funded" Bootcamp for the 7 days - so hope that the information is all to hand.

    Is there anywhere ( I am sure there is! ) where I can get some "Test" questions ? - just to see the format and answers they would expect ? WIth only 2 1/2 weeks before I go - and a very busy work schedule - I do need to get a little head start. Unfortunately it is Month-end and I have to work late on the Thursday and Friday, so no rest for the wicked !

    Thanks all for you help so far on this.

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________
    Regards
    Steve
    SQL 2008 DBA/DBD - MCTS/MCITP

    Please don't trust me, test the solutions I give you before using them.

  • Most of the Sybex books are very good and many of the SelfTest Practice Simulations are good.

    For better, quicker answers on T-SQL questions, click on the following...
    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/

    For better answers on performance questions, click on the following...
    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/SQLServerCentral/66909/

  • If you've been working with 2005, you have a lot of the core SQL Servers skills. Lots of functionality for the various parts of the db engine hasn't changed. What has changed is the new features, so you might want to focus on those.

  • yes dont forget to read up on Resource Governor!

  • Resourse Govenor ! Right

    Thanks again guys for the pointers - I have downloaded the sampel test questions and pleased to say that I understand the format and questions are straight forward.... ( he says! )

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________
    Regards
    Steve
    SQL 2008 DBA/DBD - MCTS/MCITP

    Please don't trust me, test the solutions I give you before using them.

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