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Microsoft Certifications – How They Know You Know Microsoft Certification and SQL Server 2008 February 6, 2008

Agenda SQL Server 2008: what we know now Scenarios, next steps MCA: Database Questions and answers Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Number of… MCDBA – 149,590 MCTS: SQL Server 2005 – 24,939 MCITP: Database Administrator – 4,006 MCITP: Database Developer – 1,596 MCTS: Business Intelligence – 801 MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer – 364 MCA: Database – 10 4 Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

SQL Server 2008: what we know SQL Server 2008 is coming in third quarter of calendar year 2008; certifications will follow Same format as SQL Server 2005 –Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) –Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Three MCTS certifications in development Plan for professional series still being finalized 5 Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

6 Design Principles  Technology exams verify depth in using technology  Professional exams verify relevant job role skills  Advanced testing technology using simulations, case study, and other complex methodologies  Create straightforward exams paths that test more completely and accurately  Create certifications that reflect specific job roles  Create credentials that allow individuals to identify custom skill sets Create more targeted, relevant, and cost-effective certifications Targeted & Flexible Rigorous & Credible Relevant & Simple    Principle Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

7 New Generation Framework CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS Proven skills on Microsoft technologies  1-3 exams  Certification retires with product support  Focused on key product or technology  Does not include job role skills PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Proven ability to perform on the job  1-3 exams  Technology Specialist Prerequisite  Focused on single Job Role BUSINESS IT SKILLS Proven ability to deliver business solutions  Rigorous entry process  Work closely with mentor  Culminates in oral review board  Recertification required Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

MCTS Overview one more way to stand out, better defined skill sets Moving from two MCTS certifications in SQL Server 2005 to three MCTS certifications in SQL Server 2008 — one more way to stand out, better defined skill sets 1.SQL Server SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence SQL Server SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance 2.SQL Server 2008, Database Development 3.SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance SQL Server 2008 Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

MCTS Exam Roadmap 9 SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance Exam : TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance SQL Server 2008, Database Development Exam : TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Exam : TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

MCITP—what we do know No change to job-roles defined with SQL Server 2008 –Database Administrator –Database Developer –Business Intelligence Developer Your shortest path to will be from SQL Server 2005 MCITP No upgrade path from MCDBA to SQL Server 2008 Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Exam : TS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Tip: Exam is the new MCTS exam that is the SQL 2008 counterpart to on SQL 2005 Exam availability: estimated August 2008 and localized into 日本語, Francais, Deutsch, Español Tip: Exam is the new MCTS exam that is the SQL 2008 counterpart to on SQL 2005 Exam availability: estimated August 2008 and localized into 日本語, Francais, Deutsch, Español Configuring, Deploying, Maintaining and Implementing SSIS SSRS SSAS SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Exam Exam : TS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance Tip: Exam (from 2005 tracks) has been broken into two exams to again separate DBA and DBD tasks Exam availability: estimated for August Localized into 日本語, Francais, Deutsch, Español Tip: Exam (from 2005 tracks) has been broken into two exams to again separate DBA and DBD tasks Exam availability: estimated for August Localized into 日本語, Francais, Deutsch, Español Installing and Configuring Maintaining SQL Instances Managing Security Maintaining a database Data Management Tasks Monitoring and Troubleshooting Optimizing Implementing High Availability SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Exam Exam : TS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development Design not complete yet T-SQL Connecting to data sources SQL Server 2008, Database Development Tip: Exam has been broken into two exams to again separate DBA and DBD tasks Exam availability: estimated for September 2008 and localized into 日本語, Francais, Deutsch, Español Tip: Exam has been broken into two exams to again separate DBA and DBD tasks Exam availability: estimated for September 2008 and localized into 日本語, Francais, Deutsch, Español Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Next Step Guidance 14 You have an MCTS on SQL Server 2005 You are on your way to an MCITP on SQL Server 2005 You have your MCITP on SQL Server 2005 Complete your MCITP track. Your 2005 certifications will hold value for as long as organizations seek those skills. Look for SQL Server 2008 information and upgrade when you’re ready Watch for announcements about upcoming transition options for SQL Server 2008; work with the 2008 technology as much as you can I already hold my MCTS/MCITP on SQL Server What should I do next? Look for details on our SQL Server 2008 exams—available in next few months— and begin mapping out a learning plan Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Next Step Guidance 15 You have your MCDBA certification You are on your way to an MCDBA certification Upgrade your skills to SQL Server 2005, then take advantage of the upcoming transition plans to SQL Server 2008 when appropriate Or, bypass SQL Server 2005 and start your 2008 track planning and studies You can complete your MCDBA certification before March 2009; this certification will not expire. We do not recommend that you begin an MCDBA path today. I’m on the MCDBA certification track, what should I do next? Tips: Upgrade from MCDBA to MCITP: Database Administrator with two exams: and Upgrading to 2005 first gives you the benefit of proven skills on multiple platforms. MCDBA-track exams have been in market for 8 years; retirement plans for March 2009

Next Step Guidance 16 Just starting out? I’m new to certification, where should I start? If you’re using SQL Server 2005, consider beginning your certification plans on that technology with Exam (for database administration or development) or Exam (for business intelligence) If you will be working with SQL Server 2008, get to know the technology and look for details—coming soon—on your first exam in the SQL Server 2008 tracks Tip: The “Second Shot” offer gives you a free second chance to pass your exam if you fail the first time—available until June 2008 microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/ Tip: The “Second Shot” offer gives you a free second chance to pass your exam if you fail the first time—available until June 2008 microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/ Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

MCA: Database Mission Statement: –Provide top tier training and certification on Microsoft products for building a community of trusted architects who successfully address the most complex customer requirements. Current programs: Messaging, Database (OLTP) In development: Windows Directory Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

MCA Components TrainingCertificationCommunity Continued Education 18 Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

Program Summary Advanced Training – technical only –Four weeks in Redmond –Instructors are SMEs, Program Managers, MSIT engineers, Industry Experts –Hands on labs with enterprise class equipment –Focused on Design with deep component level understanding Certification –Highly exclusive due to rigor –Weekly written tests during training –Performance based lab test –Review Board (validates technical and non-technical) Community –Access to MSIT, Product group, peers, pre-beta software Continued Education –Offered twice annually (cost included in program fee) Applications open to: Microsoft Certified Partners Microsoft employees Applications open to: Microsoft Certified Partners Microsoft employees Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit

What’s next? Prep guides coming soon: microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-XXX.mspxmicrosoft.com/learning/exams/70-XXX.mspx SQL 2008 Learning Portal: microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspxmicrosoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx SQL Server product group: microsoft.com/sql/2008/learning/default.mspxmicrosoft.com/sql/2008/learning/default.mspx Recording of this presentation: Gerry’s blog: MCA: microsoft.com/learning/mcp/architect/database/default.mspxmicrosoft.com/learning/mcp/architect/database/default.mspx MCDBA  2005: microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdba/upgrade/default.mspxmicrosoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdba/upgrade/default.mspx MCTS: SQL2005: microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/default.mspxmicrosoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/default.mspx Beta exam info: microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/beta.mspxmicrosoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/beta.mspx Questions and Answers