Kaplan IT Training Blog

Preparing for SQL Server 2008 certification tests: insight from the Product Development team

Microsoft recently released the beta versions of the first TS exams for SQL Server 2008: exams 71-432 and 71-448. It is expected that a beta for 71-433 will be released later this month. The live versions of these exams should be released 6 to 8 weeks after the beta period closes. (Note: Beta tests for Microsoft usually start with 71-, while live exams are 70-XXX.)

During this time, the Product Development team at Transcender is developing practice tests for these exams. As one of the SQL Server test developers, I thought I’d share a few tips for taking the SQL Server 2008 certification tests.

Before you start studying, you first need to identify the test content. This is best done by reviewing the Skills Measured section of the Microsoft Exam Guide. (This is exactly what we do ourselves before developing a new practice test.) The SQL Server 2008 Exam Guides are as follows:

· 70-432 – TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance – http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-432.mspx

· 70-433 – TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development – http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-433.mspx

· 70-448 – TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance – http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-448.mspx

While reviewing the Exam Guide, you should identify the areas you need to study – areas where you aren’t as familiar with the technology as you could be. Then research those areas on SQL Server 2008’s TechNet site or SQL Server 2008 Books Online. Another great site that I use is Rob’s SQL Server blog.

Once you have studied all the skills needed for the certification, you should focus on ensuring you can pass the test. It is always good to review the technologies that are new to SQL Server 2008, or focus on what has changed from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008. The SQL Server 2008 Books Online site includes an article on the new and improved features in SQL Server 2008 at What’s New (SQL Server 2008). As with any exam, many of the test questions will focus on these version changes to ensure that the candidate has prepared for the exam and is fully updated on the application. Keep in mind that any new features that were introduced in SQL Server 2005 may also be covered. So be familiar with the features themselves, and also know which features have changed.

The entire Microsoft SQL Server Certification information page is here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server.aspx#tab2

Finally – to fully prepare for the exam experience, buy your practice test from Transcender. (Shameless plug! You didn’t think this would just be about the live exam, did you?) The Transcender practice tests should be released close to the live exam release date.

-Robin