About the 70-431 Exam and Content Areas

The 70-431 exam, Microsoft SQL Server 2005Implementation and Maintenance, includes a variety of content. For specifics on the exam, you can check the exam guide on the Microsoft website, at www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-431.asp. The exam includes the following broad topic areas:

• Installing and Configuring SQL Server 2005 You are expected to be able to validate hardware and software, perform an installation, and perform the initial configuration of the server and its associated elements.

• Implementing High Availability and Disaster Recovery You should be familiar with how to provide uninterrupted service to applications and how to plan for and recover from failures in a controlled manner.

• Supporting Data Consumers Getting data into and out of the system in a variety of formats to support an array of client end functionality is an important skill.

• Maintaining Databases You must be familiar with general maintenance activities, including backup and restoration of data, automation of maintenance procedures, and other related topics.

• Monitoring and Troubleshooting SQL Server Performance You need to know how to utilize the tools provided to monitor, troubleshoot, and repair the server based on standard scenarios.

• Creating and Implementing Database Objects The server controls dozens of different object types, and you must be familiar with the creation, alteration, and removal of each one.

Each of these task areas represents elements of a system's design from the outset of a project. You need to know how to take a system from a rough design through to the specifics of the implementation and then follow up with fine-tuning of the application to improve performance and guarantee security.