Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Certification

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Certification

(Please note that this certification is part of a series launched by Microsoft primary for Information Technology professionals or as Microsoft classifies it – IT Professionals – for those who are Information Technology (IT) specialists in that this is there career (there are also additional certifications for Developers and Trainers). Please do also not that people whose careers lie in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems are also classified as IT Professionals in this manner.)

What is this Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Certification all about?

This certification evaluates whether, you as an Information Technology Professional, have the necessary skills required for you to perform your job as a database specialist in terms of  SQL Server and Windows Server 2003 technologies. Specific job roles are mentioned in a later paragraph. Technically, this certification deals with Microsoft technologies revolving around the SQL Server which is used in databases.

It tests th following skills; physical database design, developing logical data models, creating physical databases, creating data services by using Transact-SQL, managing and maintaining databases, configuring and managing security, monitoring and optimizing of databases, and installing and configuring Microsoft SQL Server.

Please do also keep in mind that there are Windows Server 2003 exams as well.

For those IT professionals who “administer, develop, or analyze Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or SQL Server 2008 databases”, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification paths are offered.

What are the Pre-requisites of Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification?

As Microsoft puts it quite clearly, “One year of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server” that is in terms of database management – with SQL Server technologies.

You should also have sufficient preparation for the exams.

Additionally depending upon the exam and location, several pre-requisites may be required. This certification unlike other Certifications is not divided into two further sub-certifications. It is also essential that you check the exams carefully for any pre-requisites.

Who is the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification for?

This certification is for ‘IT Professionals’ – for those who use software and technologies other than Microsoft Office or Windows Vista/XP/7 in their work. This covers nearly all fields in information technology, computer science, software engineering and information systems.

To further explain this, the following job roles concern this certification:

• Database administrator
• Database analyst
• Database developer

Why should I get certified? What benefits are there?

The quote below, taken from the Microsoft website should be more than enough.
“Forty-three percent of survey respondents report salary increases as a result of Microsoft Certification.”
– Redmond magazine 2006 survey of Microsoft IT professional’s compensation

These certifications allow an IT professional to keep up with a dynamic marketplace and gain an ‘edge’ – which will at times be the only thing that will differentiate you from a number of candidates. It also provides you technical problem-solving skills and experience that is useful in real world problems one encounters in the workplace.

Additionally, and as is the case in many jobs, Microsoft technologies are being used. And example is the usage of Microsoft SQL Server technologies that are used in databases. Having certification in this may be a requirement or an added advantage for you.  In terms of jobs, the above job roles and the individuals who would like to perform such jobs may be required to take this certification.This also provides access to several online resources on the Microsoft website that are specifically for Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP’s)

Individuals who are certified with the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) are generally capable of any job roles that are related to the Windows SQL Server suite of technologies and software developed by Microsoft.

How do I take the exams?

Exams are conducted by Prometric (www.prometric.com) and are conducted in various locations – and possibly online. However, you have to check the website since this depends on your location and time of registration.
 
How do I prepare for the exams?

There are several options in terms of preparing yourself. Please note that some such as the books and practice tests can be used together whereas the practice tests cannot be used alone to prepare yourself.  These are:

1. Practice tests: Provided by several websites, which are Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers, these allow you to get a feel of your current level and in the case where you are pursuing independent study, these tests will prove useful. These cannot be used alone as preparation methods.
2. Instructor-led training in centers worldwide: various centers worldwide have Microsoft Certified Trainers who provide a superior learning experience by using in-depth knowledge that they possess as well as by using Microsoft Learning Products. However, please check that your trainer or training centre is certified by Microsoft or not before starting preparation. This is the recommended method.
3. E-Learning Self-paced training: another option provided by Microsoft; this allows those who use Microsoft technologies in the workplace and want to enhance their skills,. “Microsoft E-Learning self-paced training offers you the flexibility to learn at a time and place that is convenient for you” – ideal for those whose schedule cannot allow fixed classes. However please note that this is for those who have the ability to grasp concepts easily and have experience in independent study, in for example, university during the time when they were preparing for their degree.
4. Microsoft Official Distance Learning: Distance learning is a sort of system whereby the classroom is ‘virtualized’ – in essence you learn exactly as though you were in a classroom. This is also a recommended method since it is conducted by Microsoft Professionals and is also cost effective. Additionally, it can also fit into your busy schedule easily. It is also a combination, sort of, of the E-Learning Self Paced Training and Instructor led training – the best combination by far.
5. Microsoft Press books: Microsoft has published various books on nearly all of its certifications. Using these hand in hand with several other options and as a reference is suitable. Studying through these alone is not recommended – although it depends on the person.
6. Self-paced training kits: these are complete, DIY type, kits that combine a number of items that allow you to study independently. These have been developed by Microsoft specialists and are also a suitable mode of learning.  These kits include the following items (as per Microsoft’s website):

7. Microsoft online resources: Microsoft has included various resources on its own website that provide you with information, allow you to create your own study guides, interact with professionals and students alike and much more

How am I certified?

For this certification no other requirements – such as interviews or experience proof is required.

Additionally, please note that this is a difficult certification – as seen from the aforementioned table – you are required to pass four exams. That is why having experience, as mentioned earlier, is essential.

What certifications and exams come under Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Certification?

Here is a complete list of the certifications and various exams that come under this specific certification category – since as mentioned above, even this certification is divided into further certifications. This certification is not divided into other certifications like previous certifications.

An important point to be noted is that some of the required exams have been finished. Thus, if you didn’t give these exams before they finished, you can’t be certified. However, please do also note that there are several choices of exams as well.

Link to Official Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Website

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcdba.aspx#tab1