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Tue Dec 21 15:03:41 GMT 2010 will_you_get_benefits_from_the_new_sql_server_certificationWill you get benefits from the brand new easy to get SQL server expert accreditation? In my opinion the most notable DB platforms are Microsoft and Oracle. I've come to find that MySQL is popular in start-up companies and DB people who know this platform might make higher salaries, but I honestly rarely ever come across MySQL in job searches. One reason I like MS SQL Server is because it also includes the SSRS BI platform that is powerful and popular. DB folks who know SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) have become very sought-after candidates in lots of companies. Generally, companies end up being forced to buy licenses for third-party BI (Business Intelligence) applications which often can cost a lot of extra money. With SQL Server, BI and ETL (extract, transform, load) tools come with the first license. I know that maybe the interest in databases is especially to learn DB construction, but you never know when or if you opt to branch out and learn more. An advantage of SQL is the language itself is fairly universal. I say fairly because each vendor has added their unique functions and syntax. Microsoft and Sybase both use T-SQL, Oracle uses PL/SQL and MySQL uses ANSI-SQL. Ultimately what you learn on one platform can be put on other platforms. To become a SQL Server Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) is a small task now. Under 1 percent of certified professionals hold a Master certification, and for good reason: In addition to having difficult minimum competencies (5 years SQL Server experience and deep knowledge in most aspects of SQL Server), training for a SQL Server MCM has always come at a significant cost. In fact, that cost has been about $18,500, when you accumulate the required three week training and four exams. The SQL Server MCM certification is the highest technical certification that Microsoft offers to SQL Server professionals. It's suitable for individuals with five or more years of hands-on SQL Server experience in critical environments. Competencies include designing and implementing high-performance, scalable enterprise environments and troubleshooting the most challenging SQL Server issues. Well, at PASS (The Professional Association for SQL Server) this week, Microsoft announced all that is beginning to change. According to the company, the changes have been in reaction to requests from experienced SQL Server experts who need to earn MCM's but (go figure) don't possess $18,500. Now, candidates can earn the certification by passing just two exams: the four-hour Knowledge Exam, and also a six-hour hands-on Lab Exam, which will be obtainable in early 2011. Fortunately, Microsoft has made some significant changes to the program, including: * The 3-week in-person training is not required. So, if you believe like you have the required steps, you are able to march right up and take the certification exams. You only pay the cost of the exams, that is about $2,500. * Nowadays there are only two exams rather than four: 88-970 (Knowledge Exam) and 88-971 (Lab Exam). * To aid SQL Server professionals plan the exams at a lower cost, Microsoft now offers some free MCM videos. So you? Do you consider the brand new MS SQL Certification can help you in your job? About the author: M. P. Rouse is writing for the sql certification path blog, her personal and non-commercial in nature hobby blog targeted at recommendations to supply free info for data base beginners/professionals to help them find a new profession. (google search) (amazon search) second |