Should I write the MCTS 70-431 exam?

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Should I write the MCTS 70-431 exam?

JarrodR

SSC Enthusiast

Points: 108
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February 16, 2009 at 12:21 am

#218474

Hi all,
I'm not sure if this is the right thread, but please could you help.
Should I write the MCTS (70-431) exam?
A friend of mine told me its a waste of time, because you have to re-certify everytime a new MSSQL is on the market.

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Chand00 SSCertifiable Points: 6466 More actions · Answer 1

Hi,

It totally depends on you. I recommend you to go ahead and do the certification. Some employers recruit candidates who are ms certified only.

Thanks

Chandra Mohan N

[font="Verdana"]Thanks
Chandra Mohan[/font]

JarrodR SSC Enthusiast Points: 108 More actions · Answer 2

chandramohann (2/16/2009)
Hi,
It totally depends on you. I recommend you to go ahead and do the certification. Some employers recruit candidates who are ms certified only.
Thanks
Chandra Mohan N

Thanks Chandra,

But say I get certified now, will I need to get re-certified for 2008?

colin.Leversuch-Roberts SSC Guru Points: 52643 More actions · Answer 3

most certifications only cover the version of sql server you take the exam for. It does make sense, and yes you need to re-take or upgrade your certification each version of sql server.

Personally I rarely bother with exams; have never found they would identify a good candiate one way or another, do agree many employers often ask for them.

[font="Comic Sans MS"]The GrumpyOldDBA[/font]
www.grumpyolddba.co.uk
http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/grumpyolddba/

maechismo_8514 SSCoach Points: 17510 More actions · Answer 4

JarrodR (2/16/2009)
Hi all,
I'm not sure if this is the right thread, but please could you help.
Should I write the MCTS (70-431) exam?
A friend of mine told me its a waste of time, because you have to re-certify everytime a new MSSQL is on the market.

Ahhh:w00t:...waste of time? Definitely not!:P. So, who ever appeared for exam and got their MCITP titles is waste of time? Obviously there is some added advantage to this on top of your experience.

You get to know more about the subject when you are a beginner and it gives a taste to your current employer and prospective employers that you are interested in the technology. It shows them that you want to excel and also gives them a strong proof that you are a Professional in handling SQL Server.

Yes, you need to upgrade your certificates as MS releases new versions but, Why don't you take it as an opportunity to learn more about your favorite product rather than thinking it is waste of time?. Yes, I do accept that there are many ways to learn and become proficient but whats the harm in appearing for an exam where your real knowledge is tested and recognized? It's not a waste of time at all, but its not compulsory that you need to get your certificates done If you have relevant experience and strong knowledge about the product.

Damjan Djurasek SSC Journeyman Points: 92 More actions · Answer 5

If you are interested in certification retirement, you can find all the information you need at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/examstoretire.mspx. It says there: "New-generation certifications, including Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology, not when related exams are discontinued."

Andy sql SSCrazy Eights Points: 9496 More actions · Answer 6

The official Microsoft guidance, at:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/sql/2008/default.mspx

says that if you are currently working towards your MCTS for 2005 (i.e. exam 70-431), then you should complete that - and then upgrade your qualifications to 2008 when required.

I would agree with this. If you are currently working with 2005, study and take exam 70-431. If you are not currently using 2005, haven't started studying yet, and just want to gain a qualification, then you might want to jump to the new 2008 exam.

Andy

sandippani SSC Eights! Points: 957 More actions · Answer 7

Its depends on your individual decision. If you want to test yourself then you can go for certification.

After all getting certified in a product is not at all a waste of time.

Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 8

Please note: Almost 2 year old thread.

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

sandippani SSC Eights! Points: 957 More actions · Answer 9

Thanks for notifying me.

I do take care of thread age before posting any comments.