| To complete the MCDBA certification, you will have to be a very well-rounded, database-aware individual. This is perhaps the most meaningful of all Microsoft certifications and also the one that maps most closely to the everyday work environment found in the real world. With that said, you will also likely find this particular exam one of the most challenging to successfully complete. The exam will require you to have knowledge about application development architecture and database design theories. Before you even consider anything about the actual SQL Server software, be ready for a significant portion of the exam to be testing you on design theories. After considering the theory portion, remember that this is a Microsoft exam and it is focused around the SQL Server product. To pass the exam, you will need to know how the software interacts with both the hardware and the operating system. You will need to know how to configure the software, where to store the files and data, and how to organize the placement of all the individual elements. You will find questions covering all SQL Server objects, including the appropriate creation and use of each object type. A business application has many supporting objects within the Database Management System over and above the data itself. You can expect a wide assortment of the objects to be throughout the questions on the certification exam. You can get all the information you need from the material presented and the references to other resources given throughout the book. If you're willing to tackle the preparation process seriously and do what it takes to gain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can take and pass the exam. In fact, the Exam Crams and the companion Exam Preps are designed to make it as easy as possible for you to prepare for these exams, but prepare you must! The Ideal MCDBA Database Developer Candidate Just to give you some idea of what an ideal Database Development candidate is like, here is some relevant information about the background and experience such an individual should have (source: Preparation Guide for Exam 70-229, http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-229.asp): Experience in settings in which there are multiple database platforms (heterogeneous databases) Ability to integrate database security mechanisms with Windows Authentication Work in a client/server DBMS installations of sizes ranging from 50 to 5,000 users Use of SQL Server as a Back Office server for Internet/intranet websites Exposure to databases of all sizes ranging up to 2TB Ability to enable multiple instances of SQL Server on a single or multiple machines
Taking a closer look at the experience requirements, Microsoft explains that a candidate should have at least one year's experience implementing relational databases. Put Yourself to the Test The following questions and observations are designed to help you figure out how much work you'll face in pursuing the MCDBA certification and what kinds of resources you can consult on your quest. Be absolutely honest in your answers, or you'll end up wasting money on an exam you're not ready to take. There are no right or wrong answers to the following questions, only steps along the path to certification. Only you can decide when you are ready. Two things should be clear from the outset, however: Even a modest background in logic will be helpful. Hands-on experience with designing, coding, testing, documenting, and fine-tuning on SQL Server tools used to handle complex database systems is an essential ingredient for success.
Educational Background Were you strong in mathematicsin particular, algebrain school? (Yes or No) Do you enjoy solving logic puzzles? (Yes or No) Have you taken any classes dealing with programming a computer in any language? (Yes or No) If you answered yes to any of the preceding three questions, you will likely be able to grasp most of the concepts presented that require the writing of SQL code. If you answered yes to all three, you will be very comfortable with most of the concepts dealing with logic and syntax. If you answered no to these first three questions, you may struggle with some of the development concepts and may want to do some preparatory reading or take a course to introduce you to some basic programming concepts. This site provides a good starting point for programming skills specific to SQL: http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_intro.asp. This Microsoft instructorled course is an easy-to-understand look at programming for beginners: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/syllabi/en-us/2667Afinal.mspx. Are you comfortable with databases and table relationships? (Yes or No) Have you ever used Microsoft Access, dBASE, or any other database package? (Yes or No) Are you comfortable around spreadsheet packages like Microsoft Excel? (Yes or No) If you answered yes to any or all of the preceding three questions, you have the base knowledge to get started right away. If you answered no to these three questions, you may want to look into some simple Database Management Systems information. You'll find many resources on the Internet if you search for "Introduction to Database." The following site is an online course you can take free to begin to feel comfortable with the topic: http://www.sqlcourse.com/. Do you have a copy of SQL Server that you can practice with? Do you have access at school or work to a server that you can use to help in your studies? If you answered yes to either or both of the preceding two questions, you have conquered one of the initial hurdles. Trying to pass an exam like this without regular practice with the software is next to impossible. If you answered no, you can order a CD or download a 120-day evaluation copy of the product from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=D20BA6E1-F44C-4781-A6BB-F60E02DC1335&displaylang=en. Have you taken a practice exam on your chosen test subject? (Yes or No) If you answered yes and you scored 90% or better, you're probably ready to tackle the real thing. If your score isn't above that crucial threshold, keep at it until you break that barrier. If you answered no, go back and study the book some more, and repeat the practice tests. Keep at it until you can comfortably break the passing threshold.
Hands-On Experience Perhaps the most important key to success on any certification exam is hands-on experience. If we leave you with only one realization after taking this Self-Assessment, it should be that there's no substitute for time spent performing the tasks and working with the product.  | You can obtain the exam objectives, practice questions, and other information about MCDBA exams from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-229.asp. |
| If you have the funds or your employer will pay your way, consider taking a class led by a professional instructor. This particularly applies to those just starting out or with limited knowledge or access to state-of-the-art computer systems. Microsoft has designed very good courses to be taken in most communities. |
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