Advice on Taking the Exam

More extensive tips are found in the Final Review section titled "Study and Exam Prep Tips," but keep this advice in mind as you study:

• Read all the material. Microsoft has been known to include material not expressly specified in the objectives. This book has included additional information not reflected in the objectives in an effort to give you the best possible preparation for the examination ”and for the real-world experiences to come.

• Do the Step by Steps and complete the Exercises in each chapter. They will help you gain experience using the specified methodology or approach. All Microsoft exams are task- and experienced -based and require you to have experience actually performing the tasks upon which you will be tested .

• Use the questions to assess your knowledge. Don't just read the chapter content; use the questions to find out what you know and what you don't. You also need the experience of analyzing case studies. If you are struggling at all, study some more, review, and then assess your knowledge again.

• Review the exam objectives. Develop your own questions and examples for each topic listed. If you can develop and answer several questions for each topic, you should not find it difficult to pass the exam.

NOTE

Exam-Taking Advice Although this book is designed to prepare you to take and pass the Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition exam, there are no guarantees . Read this book, work through the questions and exercises, and when you feel confident, take the Assessment Exam and additional exams using the exam test software on the CD. This should tell you whether you are ready for the real thing.

When taking the actual certification exam, make sure you answer all the questions before your time limit expires . Do not spend too much time on any one question. If you are unsure, answer it as best as you can; then mark it for review when you have finished the rest of the questions. However, this advice will not apply if you are taking an adaptive exam. In that case, take your time on each question. There is no opportunity to go back to a question.

Remember, the primary object is not to pass the exam ”it is to understand the material. After you understand the material, passing the exam should be simple. Knowledge is a pyramid; to build upward, you need a solid foundation. This book and the Microsoft Certified Professional programs are designed to ensure that you have that solid foundation.

Good luck!