Since forever I’ve been excited about taking a Microsoft’s certification: the different types of certification you can get within Microsoft technologies, the deep knowledge and experience, and the recognition value were some of the things that always made me feel like good reasons to get certified.

But I never thought that my first achievement regarding to this was going to be a SQL Server certification: Microsoft Certified IT Professional Database Administrator (SQL Server 2005).

70-444 just passed. Alberto Ortega (left), me and Pablo Cababie (right)

I never was an expert on SQL, but it sure sound like a great challenge to take when we started discussing this with my team-mates. So, we started a few weeks ago with some practicing and learning practically from scratch in many aspects.  

70-431 SQL Server 2005: Implementation and Maintenance

This is in deed the exam where you should start your SQL certification. Not only you get to know about installing SQL Server, you also get to know the differences between the different versions, and several basis about SQL management.

This exam has 35 questions and 12 simulations. The simulations are mainly oriented about using backup features.

Certifying this exam you will get also the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (since it was my first exam I also got the Microsoft Certified Professional, MCP,  with this).

More info here.

70-443 Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005

This exam was a little bit strange comparing to the other ones. For start, you’ll see that the exam is based on case studies: A wide description of a fake company where you can find the current platform that is using, business goals, objectives and much more.

You’ll find that the design (meaning your answers) on each case study will be different, because of the differences on the scenario described.

6 case studies with 6 to 11 questions on each one. Important note about it: Once you complete a case study and  if you did not review any of these questions, you won’t get the chance to review them if you pass on to a different case. 

No simulations on this one. More info here.

70-444 Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005

This is a more depth version of the first exam, 70-431. You can find several concepts where you can improve your database infrastructure  as well you get to know some concepts in a more advanced level.

52 questions with no simulations. More info here.

70-444 completed! Yeeeiiiii! Score: 1000

What about SQL Server 2008?

If you are already a MCITP DBA on SQL Server 2005, you can take 70-453 exam (Transition your MCITP Database Administrator Skills to MCITP Database Administrator 2008) and upgrade it to SQL Server 2008.

And the good news, if you don’t have any certification, you can directly access MCITP DBA SQL Server 2008 by taking one exam:  70-450 Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

Here you can find a poster about SQL Server 2008 certifications.

And MCDBA to MCITP? 70-431 and the upgrade exam 70-447.

Hope you could find this information useful.

Cheers!