MS SQL Server 2012 - Certification Path

Microsoft certification has been here for years and it's always a good opportunity for everyone who works with MS SQL or even with related technologies. It's not all about certification but definitely it brings a few different benefits:

• Education, skill improvement and better competency using SQL and related technologies 
• Job searching advantage - it can be requirement for DB, development (DB, desktop, web), reporting and similar positions. Even if that's not one of the requirements for certain positions certificated professionals usually find jobs easier, they have advantage by applying for better positions and apparently they are qualified for better salary ranges.
• Company benefits - company that Microsoft Certificated Professionals (MCP) works for can redeem some good benefits through Microsoft Partnership Network.
• MCPs have access to many of Microsoft resources and communities available online

All these should encourage you as a MS SQL specialist to start your certification, upgrade your current skills and maintain continuous learning.

CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

Here is a breakthrough of MS SQL 2012 certification starting from lower levels which will be requirements for following higher levels:

1. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) - entry academic level recommended to students, entry level professionals with no experience or very basic knowledge of SQL technology and databases
2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) - for those who wants to be qualified for positions: Database developer or Database analyst
3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) - 2 tracks are available: Data Platform and Business Intelligence. This is expert level designed for developers, database analysts and database architects
4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) - high level Masters and Architects

CERTIFICATION RESOURCES

Here are some useful links where you can explore certification paths and learning resources:

• Microsoft Learning - SQL 2012 Certification
• Microsoft Certification Roadmap
• Interactive Certification Roadmap
• Microsoft Virtual Academy
• Microsoft Books and Training Kits
• Classrooms, E-Learning materials, Practice Tests, Microsoft Online Resources

EXAM SCHEDULING
This should be pretty straight forward task where you can schedule your exam online by few clicks selecting the nearest examination center in your area (there are so many of them). Currently (Dec 2013), the good thing is if you failed the exam there is a free retake promotion which can save you some money and this is really appreciate initiative introduced by Microsoft.


SQL SERVER 2012 EXAMS

To earn specific certificates you will need pass one or more exams which is showed below.

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

• Database Fundamentals (70-364) 

MCSA: SQL Server

• Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (70-461)
• Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases (70-462)
• Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (70-463)

MCSE: Data Platform

• MCSA: SQL Server 2012 - requirements for this level of certification (see above)
• Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases (70-464)
• Designing Database Solutions for SQL Server 2012 (70-465)

MCSE: Business Intelligence

• MCSA: SQL Server 2012 - requirements for this level of certification (see above)
• Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (70-466)
• Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (70-467)

MCSM: DATA PLATFORM

• MCSM: Data Platform Knowledge exam (88-986)
• MCSM: Data Platform Lab exam (88-987)

Explore the variety of resources, other exams and of course have a fun.


Mike C.