Hey,
So a less technical piece this week to touch on something I struggled to find information about when I was starting off. There comes a point where you accept the inevitable, and you decide you’re going to learn something about SQL Server.
The logical decision is to go on a course, but what course, where, and what do you do after that? So here’s a little breakdown of the path I took, and my thoughts on the benefits of it now having garnered some fresh experience since doing the exams, plus a little detail on options for taking the courses. Also full disclosure on if I actually took it or not!
For the Beginner/Intermediate DBA:
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance – 70-432
Who’s it for?
According to Microsoft, people who are “Working with SQL Server 2008 and performing database administrator tasks: installing, configuring, and maintaining”
What does this actually mean?
People who work with SQL server at a beginning/intermediate level and want to gain and show some fundamental skills in managing a SQL Server. Also the first steps towards giving your life over to being a DBA
Did I actually take it?
Yes!
Was it beneficial?
Yes, and I had been working in the field for almost 2 years before I got around to it. Taking the course I still picked up some new stuff, and cleaned up some bad habits. If you are just starting out managing SQL Servers, it’s a very worthwhile exam to prep for. All the topics covered are in the Microsoft link below.
Does passing make you an expert on all topics covered?
It depends. Did you learn everything in detail, or did you run through some practice exams to learn the questions? It’s like school, you get out what you put in. If you did learn everything on there, well done, take a gold star, you earned it! Seriously though, the exams on their own will only take you so far, you need to learn the material to really be able to use it and get the benefit out of it. Being able to answer the questions is great, but you will be found out sooner rather than later if you haven’t actually learned the material.
Links
Course online (There are others, this is just the one I used, shop around) – http://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training-videos/microsoft/sql/series/msft_70_432
PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 – 70-450
Fancy huh?
Who’s it for?
Over to Microsoft : “This exam is targeted at the professional level SQL Server 2008 Database Administrator. It tests your ability to make appropriate design and technology choice considerations for your SQL Server 2008 installations.”
What does this actually mean?
For DBA’s who want to go further than basic maintenance and start getting into the finer details of SQL Server. Advanced configuration options, wait statistics etc.
Did I actually take it?
Yes!
Was it beneficial?
Very. Prepping properly for this one really starts to get you knee deep in what SQL server can do. If you’re thinking of making a career out of working with SQL in a DBA capacity, you definitely want to move on to this one
Does passing make you an expert on all topics covered?
Probably a blanket statement that will come back to bite me, but no, it won’t. It’ll take your knowledge from the first exam to a few levels above, and give you some new bells and whistles, but it’s still a far cry from the MCM in SQL 2008, and you’re on to the same topics. However, it really will advance your skill set from the previous exam
Links
Course online (Same as above, shop around) – http://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training-videos/microsoft/sql/series/msft_70_450
For the budding developer/Intermediate DBA
MCTS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development – 70-433
Who’s it for?
People who are “Working with SQL Server 2008 and writing application code against systems that run SQL Server 2008, writing T-SQL or Microsoft .NET CLR code that runs inside SQL Server 2008, or developing solutions in SQL Server 2008”
What does this actually mean?
This one is slightly double barrelled. It’s aimed at people who are starting out writing code for SQL. It’s not so much based on how to write T-SQL, but concepts about how to best implement it, and what you can do with it. This covers developers, but it also covers DBA’s who seriously want to get into performance tuning and troubleshooting. If you don’t understand what the code is, and how it runs, it’s very difficult to advise on what exactly is hurting your performance (My opinion, I’m sure there are many who can prove me wrong)
Did I actually take it?
Yes!
Was it beneficial?
Yes, I actually struggled with this one the most. I’m not a strong developer, and wrapping my head around syntaxes was almost as difficult as giving the last piece of bacon to the dog because it had passed the 5 second rule safety net.
Does passing make you an expert on all topics covered?
Lord no. Unless you’ve gone above and beyond, you’re scratching the surface of what T-SQL can do, but it is a great introduction, and it will make learning the advanced stuff a lot easier.
Links
PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 – 70-451
Who’s it for?
“Candidates for this exam typically work in an enterprise environment that has more than 500 personal computers and more than 100 servers and mostly create solutions for all types of enterprise issues.”
What does this actually mean?
Don’t let the 500 computers/100 servers throw you off. It’s for people who want to start looking at architecture and database design in more detail. My reason for wanting to do it was to gain more data knowledge to effectively troubleshoot and performance tune my databases, but it is geared towards architecture and effective implementation.
Did I actually take it?
No 🙁 I’ve been prepped for it since June, but between weddings and crazy work commitments I haven’t got to sit it yet
Was it beneficial?
Couldn’t tell you!
Does passing make you an expert on all topics covered?
I can’t comment 100% obviously, but I’m going to base it on the previous exams and say no. The PRO exams are starting to approach the MCM material on topics covered (not details covered, but just topics). This one is if you’re serious about getting into SQL server as a career choice, and want to take your skills to the next level. Also combined with the PRO 70-450 above, this exam is a pre-requisite to sit your MCM exam.
Links
Well that drifted on a bit longer than I thought! Still though, this is something I wish I had when I was starting off, even if it is an opinion piece rather than just facts. I hope this gives you a helping hand in deciding if you want to take the next step in working with SQL, and if so, which direction to take to make sure you get the most out of your experience.
Also just keep in mind, that you should absolutely be proud of taking and passing these exams, but don’t let yourself slip, they don’t cover 100% of what you will encounter, but are a good gauge of where you are in your learning.
Best of luck!
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Do you have any thoughts on who should pay for training and/or certification – you or your employer? Obviously, it's not always an easy conversation to have with an employer as opinions on either side of table might differ greatly!
Thanks.
Brian
Hi Brian,
It's a difficult one to approach alright! Personally I'm a great believer in training, and advancing your skills is never going to hinder you. I have come across employers (who thankfully I don't work for) who almost have the attitude of "I hired you with the understanding you could do the job I hired you for, are you telling me you're not capable?" if you bring up the subject of training.
Thankfully I think companies who work with technology are getting a bit more wise now, and understand that technology advances, and if you don't keep up you can get lost in the shuffle. The first thing I would say is don't ever be afraid to ask. The worst they can say is no. Then it can come down to bargaining. If you pay for the course, will they cover the leave required and pay for the exam? Try to strike a bargain where it works for both parties.
Personally I've had success in getting training at review times. If you ask for a smaller raise, but for a guaranteed portion of the training budget (or in fact, just a training budget if they don't have one), I've found that managers tend to respond well. The fact that you are willing to take a slight financial hit in order to improve yourself usually sits quite well with them. The initiative shown is generally enough to get them to approve training.
In saying that, sometimes you do have to cover your own costs. Particularly if it's on a topic that doesn't directly apply to your day to day work, but you would either like to do, or just think may be beneficial. In that case it may be a losing argument from the beginning in trying to get your company to cover it.
In general though companies should have a training budget, and should be willing to help out as far as I'm concerned. They get an employee who feels happier because they are investing in his/her career, and they get the added benefits of an improved skill set in one of their staff. Also with the proper training, they can save on having to hire somebody else to cover a specialist requirement if they can train someone internally.
So to answer directly! I think the company should at least take some of the brunt of the cost, as it will benefit them directly, but at the same time the individual needs to show some initiative too. But when it comes to asking, it's always worth putting the question out there. The worst they can say is no, and you never know, you might get something out of it!
Stephen