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Microsoft Certifications – How They Know You Know

Microsoft Certification and SQL Server 2008February 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Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date.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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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

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Congratulations!Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date.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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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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 Principle Principle

Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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New Generation Framework

CORE TECHNICAL SKILLSProven 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 SKILLSProven ability to perform on the job

1-3 exams Technology Specialist Prerequisite

Focused on single Job Role

BUSINESS IT SKILLSProven 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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

MCTS Overview

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

Then

1. SQL Server 2005

2. SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence

SQ

L S

erv

er 2

005

Now1. SQL Server 2008,

Implementation and Maintenance

2. SQL Server 2008, Database Development

3. SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and MaintenanceS

QL

Se

rver

20

08

Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

MCTS Exam Roadmap

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SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

SQL Server 2008, Database Development

Exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development

SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

Exam 70-448: 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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

70-448

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• Exam 70-448: TS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

Tip: Exam 70-448 is the new MCTS exam that is the SQL 2008

counterpart to 70-445 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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

Exam 70-432

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• Exam 70-432: TS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

Tip: Exam 70-431 (from 2005 tracks) has been broken into two exams to again separate DBA and

DBD tasks

Exam availability: estimated for August 2008. 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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

Exam 70-433

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• Exam 70-433: TS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development

• Design not complete yet

• T-SQL

• Connecting to data sources

SQL Server 2008, Database Development

Tip: Exam 70-431 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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

Next Step Guidance

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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 readyWatch 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 2005. 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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

Next Step Guidance

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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: 70-431 and 70-447. 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

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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 70-431 (for database administration or development) or Exam 70-445 (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 2008microsoft.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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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 http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

MCA Components

Training

Certification

Community

Continued Education

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Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

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

Note: This information is a previously recorded presentation and may now be out of date. For the most current information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning.

What’s next?• Prep guides coming soon:

microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-XXX.mspx • SQL 2008 Learning Portal:

microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx • SQL Server product group:

microsoft.com/sql/2008/learning/default.mspx • Recording of this presentation: http://blogs.msdn.com/trika• Gerry’s blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/gerryo• MCA:

microsoft.com/learning/mcp/architect/database/default.mspx • MCDBA2005:

microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdba/upgrade/default.mspx • MCTS: SQL2005:

microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/default.mspx • Beta exam info:

microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/beta.mspx

Questions and Answers