How to Become Certified as a MCITP: Database Administrator

The MCITP: Database Administrator certification requires an individual to pass two examinations as well as have an MCTS: SQL Server 2005 certification. The two exams are the 70-443 and the 70-444, and they require extensive training in SQL Server 2005 to complete. If you’re already an MCDBA on SQL Server 2005, you can take the 70-447 exam only, instead of 70-443 and 70-444, and upgrade your MCDBA to an MCITP.

In the past, the exams were structured to test knowledge of products by remembering specifications and with a minimum of extrapolation to real-world business situations. People often memorized answers from “exam cram” books or from “brain dump” websites and were able to pass the exams. The new Microsoft certifications have been designed to preserve the integrity of its certification programs. The exams now require extensive knowledge of the product and real-world experience to answer the questions being asked. Troubleshooting skills gained through actual use of the product are required to solve the problems on the examination.

Tip 

Make sure you take a Microsoft Skills Assessment for SQL Server 2005 to help you focus your exam preparation; you can find them at http://assessment.learning.microsoft.com/test/home.asp.

This book is part of a series from Sybex that is designed to help you prepare for the exams; this book focuses on the skills you should have to pass the second exam, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (exam 70-444). We hope you use this book not only as a resource in exam preparation but also as a reference as you seek to develop solutions for your employer. Note that these books don’t take the place of real-world experience and hands-on use of SQL Server 2005. Be sure you have used most of the features and described in this book prior to registering for the exam.

Note 

For information about other topics, visit the Sybex website at www.sybex.com for information about resources to use for the other exams.