Dev, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in database administration and management, then earning a Microsoft SQL Server certification is a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge. Microsoft offers a range of certifications for SQL Server, each with its own unique focus and requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the different SQL Server certifications available, their benefits, and how to prepare for and pass the exams.
1. Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server Certifications
Microsoft SQL Server is a powerful and widely used relational database management system (RDBMS). It’s used in many organizations and industries to store, manage, and analyze data. Microsoft offers a range of certifications for SQL Server, including:
Certification |
Description |
|---|---|
MTA: Database Fundamentals |
A basic entry-level certification that covers database concepts and SQL Server fundamentals. |
MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 |
A mid-level certification that covers SQL Server administration, development, and business intelligence. |
MCSE: Data Management and Analytics |
An advanced-level certification that covers SQL Server data management, analytics, and cloud integration. |
Benefits of Microsoft SQL Server Certifications
Earning a Microsoft SQL Server certification can benefit you in several ways:
- It demonstrates your expertise and skills in SQL Server.
- It enhances your job prospects and earning potential.
- It gives you a competitive edge over non-certified professionals.
- It provides you with access to Microsoft resources and support.
- It helps you stay up-to-date with the latest SQL Server technologies.
2. MTA: Database Fundamentals
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is an entry-level certification that covers basic database concepts and SQL Server fundamentals. It’s designed for individuals who want to start a career in database administration or management.
Exam Requirements
To earn the MTA: Database Fundamentals certification, you need to pass one exam:
- Exam 98-364: Database Fundamentals
Exam Topics
The exam covers the following topics:
Exam Topic |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Understand core database concepts |
20-25% |
Create database objects |
20-25% |
Manipulate data |
25-30% |
Understand data storage |
15-20% |
Administer a database |
10-15% |
Preparing for the Exam
To prepare for the MTA: Database Fundamentals exam, you can use the following resources:
- Microsoft’s official exam prep guide
- Online training courses and tutorials
- Practice exams and quizzes
- Books and study guides
FAQ
Q: What is the MTA: Database Fundamentals certification?
A: The MTA: Database Fundamentals certification is an entry-level certification that covers basic database concepts and SQL Server fundamentals. It’s designed for individuals who want to start a career in database administration or management.
Q: How many exams are required to earn the MTA: Database Fundamentals certification?
A: To earn the MTA: Database Fundamentals certification, you need to pass one exam: Exam 98-364: Database Fundamentals.
3. MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is a mid-level certification that covers SQL Server administration, development, and business intelligence. It’s designed for individuals who want to become SQL Server professionals.
Exam Requirements
To earn the MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 certification, you need to pass two exams:
- Exam 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
- Exam 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases
Exam Topics
The exams cover the following topics:
Exam 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Configure data access and auditing |
20-25% |
Manage backup and restore of databases |
25-30% |
Manage and monitor SQL Server instances |
35-40% |
Manage high availability and disaster recovery |
10-15% |
Exam 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Provision a SQL Server instance |
15-20% |
Plan and implement data migration |
15-20% |
Configure SQL Server instances |
20-25% |
Manage databases and files (growth, compression, etc.) |
20-25% |
Monitor and troubleshoot SQL Server instances |
15-20% |
Manage security |
5-10% |
Preparing for the Exam
To prepare for the MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 exams, you can use the following resources:
- Microsoft’s official exam prep guides
- Online training courses and tutorials
- Practice exams and quizzes
- Books and study guides
FAQ
Q: What is the MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 certification?
A: The MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 certification is a mid-level certification that covers SQL Server administration, development, and business intelligence. It’s designed for individuals who want to become SQL Server professionals.
Q: How many exams are required to earn the MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 certification?
A: To earn the MCSA: SQL Server 2016/2017/2019 certification, you need to pass two exams: Exam 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure and Exam 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases.
4. MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification is an advanced-level certification that covers SQL Server data management, analytics, and cloud integration. It’s designed for individuals who want to become SQL Server experts.
Exam Requirements
To earn the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification, you need to earn an MCSA certification in either SQL Server 2016 or SQL Server 2017/2019, and then pass one additional exam:
- Exam 70-473: Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions
- Exam 70-475: Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions
- Exam 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases
- Exam 70-465: Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server
- Exam 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server
- Exam 70-467: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server
Exam Topics
The exams cover the following topics:
Exam 70-473: Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Design and implement database solutions for Microsoft Azure SQL Database |
20-25% |
Design and implement security, auditing, and compliance for Azure SQL Database and Azure Data Factory |
15-20% |
Monitor and manage database implementations in Azure |
25-30% |
Design and implement high availability and disaster recovery solutions for Azure SQL Database |
25-30% |
Design and implement scalable database solutions for Azure SQL Database |
15-20% |
Exam 70-475: Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Design big data batch processing and interactive solutions |
25-30% |
Design big data real-time processing solutions |
20-25% |
Design machine learning solutions |
25-30% |
Operationalize end-to-end cloud analytics solutions |
25-30% |
Exam 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Implement database objects |
25-30% |
Implement programming objects |
20-25% |
Design database objects |
20-25% |
Optimize and tune queries |
25-30% |
Exam 70-465: Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Design a database structure |
30-35% |
Design database security |
20-25% |
Design database solutions for high availability and disaster recovery |
25-30% |
Design and implement database objects |
20-25% |
Exam 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Design and implement dimensions and fact tables |
30-35% |
Design and implement measures and measure groups |
20-25% |
Design and implement a data model |
20-25% |
Design and implement reports |
20-25% |
Exam 70-467: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server |
Percentage of the Exam |
|---|---|
Plan business intelligence infrastructure |
15-20% |
Design BI data models |
30-35% |
Design BI reporting solutions |
15-20% |
Design data mining solutions |
15-20% |
Design BI semantic models |
15-20% |
Preparing for the Exam
To prepare for the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics exams, you can use the following resources:
- Microsoft’s official exam prep guides
- Online training courses and tutorials
- Practice exams and quizzes
- Books and study guides
FAQ
Q: What is the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification?
A: The MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification is an advanced-level certification that covers SQL Server data management, analytics, and cloud integration. It’s designed for individuals who want to become SQL Server experts.
Q: How many exams are required to earn the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification?
A: To earn the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification, you need to earn an MCSA certification in either SQL Server 2016 or SQL Server 2017/2019, and then pass one additional exam.
Conclusion
Dev, earning a Microsoft SQL Server certification can be a great way to boost your skills and career prospects in database management and administration. Whether you’re just starting out in the field or you’re a seasoned professional, there’s a certification that’s right for you. By choosing the right certification and preparing effectively, you can become a certified SQL Server professional and gain a competitive edge in the job market.