There are a number of SQL Server certificates. All of them are offered by Microsoft as it is the manufacturer of this product.
There are several different levels of these certificates. The lowest level is the MCTS level, which is the starting point for SQL certifications and is in fact a prerequisite for many other certifications. There are MCTS certificates to choose from.
- MCTS. Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
- MCTS. Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development
Each of these three certifications addresses a different domain. There are also several equivalent MCITP certifications.
- MCITP: Business Intelligence Development 2008.
- MCITP: Database Administrator 2008
- MCITP: Database Developer 2008
There are also two advanced certifications – MCM SQL Server 2010 and MCA Microsoft SQL Server.
What is the certification path for SQL Server?
So, let’s learn about the different SQL certification. The next question is what are the certification paths? Which ones are needed and available in what order?
Well, you should start with the MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) level. This provides the necessary knowledge base and is, in fact, a prerequisite for the other certifications. As we mentioned earlier, each of the three MCTS certifications has a different focus, which will appeal to you depending on your interests or responsibilities – administration, business intelligence or development.
Each of these MCTS certifications has a corresponding MCITP certificate. This means that once you have completed the MCTS certificate, there is an MCITP certificate that you can complete. If you want a broader understanding of SQL Server, it might be a good idea to get more than one MCTS certification.
Logitrain offers a well-designed SQL course in Australia.
This is an upper-level certification that requires the MCITP Database Administration and Database Development certifications. Once the MCM certificate is obtained, the last step is the Microsoft Certified Architect-MCA certificate.
Of course, not everyone needs to get the MCA or even the MCM. MCITP or even MCTS may be enough for you or your role.
How to get SQL Server certification?
We have described what certifications are available, now we need to determine how to obtain them. The first step is to decide which path you want to take.
If you’re attracte to business intelligence, then check out the MCTS Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance certification. Business Intelligence is the ability to extract data from a source system, transform it into the right format and structure, load it into a final system, and analyze and report on that data. It is useful for companies that collect customer or transaction data as it can identify trends.
If you are interest in database administration and maintenance, server support, installation and upgrades, you may want to look to MCTS for installation and maintenance. If you’re also interest in developing, programming, and using databases to implement code and software. You might want to look at MCTS for database development.
A good way to prepare for the certification exam is to purchase a copy of SQL Server Express. It download from the Microsoft website and is actually a smaller version that you can install on your computer for your own use. It’s perfect for practicing and studying, as well as trying out the various features and functions of databases.
Once you’ve decided to become certified and have a copy of Server Express, you can start studying for the exam.
- Start exploring the areas that are the focus of the certification exam.
- Familiarize yourself with each area by reading textbooks, researching relevant websites, and reading Microsoft’s online documentation.
- Put this theory into practice by testing SQL Server Express.
- Passing the certification exam is no easy task. However, by studying and working hard, you should give yourself the best chance of passing the exam and earning SQL Server certification.
