- Prepped for the class by installing Windows Server 2008 R2 in a VM.
- Installed the practice tests from Mike Hotek's book.
- Started reading.
- Decided on my Class Project. I'm going to create a database using Sean Lahman's Baseball Database.
- Answered a Question of the Day from SQLServerCentral.com
On to Week 2.
How's it going? I finally passed 70-432 last week.
ReplyDeleteDan
Hi Dan,
DeleteCongratulations! Do you have any comments you can make about the exam (without violating the NDA, of course)?
I have to admit, it's going slowly for me. I'm not sure why, or what I have to change, but I'm not giving up.
Thanks for the feedback.
Peter
Without violating the NDA, here's what I can say. Since the Second Shot promtion is still on, take the exam using the Second Shot voucher. Although they don't tell which questions you missed, you will walk out with a sense of which questions you were unsure of or had to guess on. You'll then have a better idea of which areas to need to study.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, there's too much ground to study everything in detail. You're better off identifying which areas you're already experienced and proficient in (you will probably answer those questions correctly without extra study), and focus your study time & energy in areas you've had little experence with and need practice on.
Hi Dan,
DeleteI didn't know the Second Shot promotion was currently on, so thanks for the info. For anyone else that wasn't aware, it's good until May 31st of this year. Check out the Microsoft Learning page for all the details.
Again, congratulations on passing 70-432. Are you continuing on with certification? I see 70-433 expires July 31st.
I'm moving to the SQL 2012 exams next. As I interpret the Microsoft Certification site, once you pass a single 2008 MSTS level exam, you're eligable for the two Upgrade to 2012 MCSA exams (70-457 and 70-458) rather than 461,462 and 463, which don't have pre-requisites. I will clarify with Microsoft before signing up for the tests, but in the meantime I have ordered the the study guides for 461 and 462, which cover the topics tested for in 457.
DeleteYes, this page seems to say: "You can upgrade Any MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to the MCSA: SQL Server 2012 certification.", so I agree with you.
DeleteGood luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
Peter
Another suggestion: If you use Management Studio in your job, use script commands instead of GUI clicks whenever possible. This can be a pain sometimes, but try using the Script Action To... options, so you'll see the script commands when you run them. If you have time, look these up in BOL and read about the parameters. You may discover parameter options that will work better for your situation than the options GUI gives you.
ReplyDeleteThe more familiar you are with script commands rather than the GUI, the better off you'll be.
Dan
Awesome tip, Dan! Thanks.
DeletePeter