Get the Right SQL Certifications Pete Harris Chris Testa-O’Neill Christian Bolton

Your Agenda! Study and pass your exams

Let’s Start with a Poll!

60% of IT Cert holders say a certification led to a new job Sources: MCP Program Satisfaction Study 2010; TEKsystems report, Oct 2011; Network World, November 14, 2011; Robert Half Technology Salary Guide, 2011 Rise Above the Competition

Improved exam UI Improved accessibility Enhanced test center standards + monitoring Enhanced exam security Post-exam analysis and monitoring Increase difficulty and relevance of skills tested Include more challenging item types Redefine certification audience at a higher level Increase differentiation between Pro and TS levels Close the Masters gap Design DeliverDefend Develop Certification Integrity

“It was more in-depth and challenging than I'd heard and I felt like I'd accomplished a great deal by taking it.” “It was harder than I expected. I like that though. It means not everyone can attain the certification without really knowing the material.” “It was a well structured exam and I felt proud to pass it as it was not easy.” “this was a hard exam, and shows that this certificate will retain its ability to ensure quality recipients.” “It was very challenging, and therefore rewarding when I passed it.” “The exam was more rigorous and difficult than I expected, which is a good thing. Passing the exam should mean something, and a tough exam ensures that.” “As it was not an easy exam to pass it shows that the standard of qualification will be upheld.” “Harder questions than expected. (Which is good, because in this way becoming certified actually means something).” “Very difficult, which is awesome.” “After completing the exam I felt as though I had accomplished something rather difficult.” What Customers Are Saying:

Microsoft Learning on Facebook 20 Years of Certification

Certification Approach Hands on experience Target audience Objective domain Resources Review prep guide Training Study groups Blogs, articles, user groups, Conferences Fill in skills gaps On the job Trial versions, betas TechNet/MS DN labs More hands-on

Choosing a Certification

SQL Server 2008 MCTS Exams TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Exam Exam Exam

SQL Server 2008 MCITP Exams PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 PRO: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Exam Exam Exam

SQL Server MCM, MCA & Maestro

SQL Business Group TAP customers, MVPs Partners Learning Advisory Councils, Trainers Customers Focus groups & surveys Content Planning

Business Intelligence Data Platform Audience Overview

7 Exams English, French, German, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese Simplified 2 pro-level certification paths Common skills + Specialty skills Data Platform & BI Upgrade from 2008 certs Re-certification required (3 years) SQL 2012 Exams

Professional Level: Data Platform Exam : Designing Database Solutions with Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Exam : Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases Exam : Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Exam : Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database Exam : Querying Microsoft SQL Server Data Platform Exams

Professional Level: Business Intelligence Exam : Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Platform Exam : Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Exam : Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Exam : Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database Exam : Querying Microsoft SQL Server Business Intelligence Exams

Course NumberRelated Exam Title Querying Microsoft® SQL Server® Administering Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Databases Developing Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Databases Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft® SQL Server® Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Microsoft Official Courseware

23 MS Press Books 10 exam specific titles Free eBook (Introducing SQL Server 2012) 3 Snacks SQL Server 2012: Mission Critical Confidence SQL Server 2012: Breakthrough Insight SQL Server 2012: Cloud On Your Terms More SQL Server 2012 Content from MS Learning

SQL Server Launch = March 7, 2012 Beta exams = mid-March Certification announcement = mid-April MOC release = May 25 Exams release = mid-June Release Timing

Questions? Pete Chris Christian

Resources SQL Server exams & prep: Microsoft Learning: Microsoft Learning community blog: Register for an exam at Prometric: Community resources: Regional Service Center:

THANK YOU!

Common Questions 1.What about MCP and MCDBA? 2.Am I an MCP if I pass an exam? 3.How long are my certifications valid? 4.How long does it take to earn a certification? 5.What exactly is a braindump? 6.Are “bootcamps” an approved way to prepare?

Certification Exams | The basics The environment Administered by Prometric worldwide Register by phone or online 24 hours in advance $125US Supervised room The exams Test your real-world product skills Combination of Multiple choice Graphical Performance based questions Passing score 120+ minutes “70-XXX” The questions Designed to test knowledge. No tricks Time for review Consistent anatomy business problem goal statement one or multiple correct answers

Available Learning Channels Classroom Training: Taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs). Certified Partners for Learning Solutions Group interaction and discussions Hands on Labs E-learning Training: Training on Your Terms! Self paced flexible learning solution Highly interactive with Games, Demonstrations Hands on Labs Courses make collections Microsoft Press Books: Self paced learning solution Supporting materials on DVD

IT PRO LEVEL Business Intelligence Database Administrator Database Developer MASTER Level Knowledge based exam Offered only at Prometric testing sites and multiple choice $750 exam fee Qualification lab exam Only offered regional Microsoft campus sites $2000 exam fee