How to become an MS SQL expert!

Microsoft SQL (Structured Query Language) is the language which is used to interact with the database that stores data. It allows users to retrieve data with ease and simplicity. Since terms like "Business Intelligence" and "Big Data" are becoming more popular day by day, business will need more people to learn SQL language.

If you want are planning to become an MS SQL Expert, then you need to prepare for SQL server certification which requires the considerable investment of your time and efforts.

DIFFERENT LEVELS AND TRACKS OF SQL SERVER CERTIFICATION

Microsoft offers SQL Server Certification for IT professionals at two distinct levels for three different tracks which are given below-

• MCTS – This level is for intermediate level professionals who want to confirm they are expert at a core set of content and tasks.Each track consists of a unique set of content and tasks related to it.
• MCITP- This is for senior level professionals. There is a distinct MCITP certification for each of the three core areas of competency. In order to gain the MCITP certification for any track, you must first earn the MCTS certification for the same track.

The three tracks for which MCTS and MCITP certifications are offered include:

• Implementation and Maintenance
• Database Development
• Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance.

ADDITIONAL SQL SERVER CERTIFICATION

There are two additional SQL Server certification levels beyond the MCTS and MCITP levels which are-

• MCM- MCM (Microsoft Certified Master) is built on MCITP level, but the preparation requirements and costs associated with the MCM program far exceed those for the MCITP.In addition to this, you must already have both MCTS and MCITP certifications as a prerequisite for the MCM program.
• MCA- MCA (Microsoft Certified Architect) is for experienced SQL Server consultants who have already earned an MCM certification. The MCA certification especially targets complex, enterprise SQL Server installations with corresponding database development issues.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THE EXAM

The Microsoft Learning site identifies seven key areas covered by the SQL Server certification exam which is given below along with weight-age percentage for each area-

• Implementing tables and views with weight-age of 14%
• Implementing programming objects with weight-age of 16%
• Working with query fundamentals-with weight-age of 21%
• Applying additional query techniques with weight-age of 15%
• Working with additional SQL Server components with weight-age of 11%
• Working with XML data with weight-age of 12%
• Gathering performance information with weight-age of 11%

HOW TO LEARN AND PASS THE EXAM

Given below is the list of tools and resources which will help you to pass the exam-

• The Microsoft Learning site includes a URL devoted exclusively to the SQL Server exam with a tab of general content categories as well as examples of specific content in each category.
• You can study with sets of practice test questions.
• There are so many books available about SQL. Read them.
• Forums are one of the excellent ways to learn about SQL Server because they enable you to not only find answers to your own questions but to also see what others are asking.
• Microsoft also releases the Microsoft SQL Server Database Development Training Kit. This kit includes a book, two CDs and a discount offer for an exam voucher.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server will also help you. Run the code samples from the MSDN site. Modify and extend the code samples until you understand thoroughly how the samples work.

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The Author is an IT professional and a writer having more than 5 years experience in his field.