By: Jeremy Kadlec | Comments (2) | Related: More > Professional Development Certifications
Problem
Answering the question 'Why should I get certified?' yields many different answers. This is certainly the case for current versus aspiring DBA's. Some responses are personal and career driven while others are related to the excitement of learning new technologies.
No matter how you slice it the drivers and inherent benefits are there, although perception of value of the certification differs from person to person as well. For example, one perception with the SQL Server 2005 track is that the tests are a better representation of reality than previous certifications. Another important factor to take into consideration is the time and financial investment because this too can be costly. So, weigh your options and see if your employer can help you achieve this goal or see if this is something you can chip away at slowly, but surely.
Solution
In order to get a firm understanding of the current SQL Server certifications, below is a table comparing the two certifications with the available educational options. This information should serve as the foundation for researching and preparing for the tests.
| SQL Server 2000 - MCDBA | SQL Server 2005 - MCITP: Database Administrator |
|
Certification Requirements | |
| Certification Exams | |
|
Upgrade from MCDBA
Microsoft Technology Specialist
MCITP DBA
|
|
Training Classes | |
|
Upgrade from MCDBA
Microsoft Technology Specialist
MCITP DBA
|
| Certification Books | |
|
|
| Practice Tests | |
| Testing Centers | |
| Additional Resources | |
Next steps
- Answer the why should I get certified question for yourself.
- If you have a compelling reason, setup your certification goals.
- Setup target dates to prepare and pass each exam.
- Setup time on a daily or weekly basis to read and study for the tests.
- Talk to your employer to see if they will pay for the tests or training or give you time on a weekly basis to study.
- Take a practice test or two so you are prepared for the real thing.
- Make the tests a slam dunk!
About the author
Jeremy Kadlec is a Co-Founder, Editor and Author at MSSQLTips.com with more than 300 contributions. He is also the CTO @ Edgewood Solutions and a six-time SQL Server MVP. Jeremy brings 20+ years of SQL Server DBA and Developer experience to the community after earning a bachelor's degree from SSU and master's from UMBC.This author pledges the content of this article is based on professional experience and not AI generated.
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