Last week there was a forum post about getting certified for SQL Server. The poster was asking about resources and how one should prepare for the MCDBA certification. The MCDBA certification is a SQL Server 2000 certification. At one point a number of years back it was the certification to have if you where a DBA, but now with SQL Server 2000 soon to be two versions back you probably should focus on one of SQL Server 2005 certifications, or wait for SQL Server 2008 certification to come out.
Certifications are a great way to get your foot in the door and show potential employers that you know something about the technology for whatever job you might be applying for. Even having an old certification is better than having no certification at all. So what should one do now if they want to get certified in SQL Server?
If you really need a certification now to can get a new job, keep your existing job, or get promoted in your present situation then you will want to go for either the MCITP: Database Administrator, or the MCITP: Database Developer. More information about these certifications can be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbadmin/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbdev/default.mspx
Now if you decide you don’t need a SQL Server certification right now then you might want wait until the SQL Server 2008 certifications come out. Right now it is my understanding the SQL Server 2008 exams are going through an Alpha review. Once the Alpha review is completed Microsoft will be looking for beta testers for their SQL Server 2008 certification exams. Beta tests are free. Microsoft uses these beta test opportunities to further verify review whether the questions measure the objectives of the certification. It is my understanding that if you pass the one of these Beta tests then Microsoft will provide you with a certificate. I would encourage everyone to take the beta SQL Server 20008 exam when then come out. What do you have to lose, a free test and a certification if you pass the test. Here is a Livemeeting where you can find our more information about the SQL Server certifications:
https://www107.livemeeting.com/cc/lmevents/view?id=msft020608lm&role=attend&pw=ATT10275529
If you want to be one of the first ones to know about the SQL Server 2008 exams will be available then register here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/sqlvs/offer/default.mspx. If you have any thoughts or comments about SQL Server certification then feel free to provide comments and feedback on my blog post.
Happy Testing,
Greg Larsen, MCITP
http://sqlserverexamples.com