About
11I work as a SQL Server Administrator near Dallas Texas. I started working with databases over 20 years ago now. Back in the day, when the world was young, I started out working with Foxpro for DOS. It’s been awhile though, so I’m afraid I can barely spell “Foxpro” anymore. I’ve been working in SQL Server for over 15 years now with a fairly even split between administration and development.
I decided in early 2011 that I really wanted to start learning more about the language that feeds my kids, and as a measurement I would start collecting Microsoft certifications. So far I’ve collected an MCTS in 2005 administration (literally 5 days before they stopped giving the tests) and my MCITPs in 2008 administration and development. My current goal is to get my MCSA by the end of the year year (although I’m running a bit behind and may have to push into early next year, the BI test is killing me.), then go on to get the MCSE.
This blog is to share some of the interesting bits and pieces I’ve either learned over the years or that I’m just now learning. If anyone has any suggestions for me to write about or questions about what I’ve already written I would love to hear them.
I am getting ready to take the 70-432 Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance exam. This will be my first time taking a Microsoft certification exam. I was wondering if you could provide me with any advice for passing the exam.
Also I will be at the PASS Summit 2012 are you going?
Two major pieces of advice. First when you are done studying (or think you are) go back and read the skills required list again. I didn’t and found some gaps in my knowledge that caused me to have to take the test twice. Second some general test taking advice. If you aren’t sure of the answer eliminate all of the answers you are certain it can’t be. That will hopefully get you from a 25% chance on a guess to a 50% chance if you can narrow the number of choices from 4 to 2. Also if the answers are “coding” type answers then try to compare them bit by bit to see the differences. Sometimes even though you may not see the answer immediately you can get a reminder from the differences between the answers. For example:
ALTER TABLE tablea ALTER COLUMN columna VARCHAR(25) NOT NULL
ALTER TABLE tablea ALTER COLUMN columna VARCHAR(25) NULL
Simple example I know but if the difference between the two answers is buried in a bunch of code it may not be easy to see, even though it’s as simple as NULL or NOT NULL.
Hope that helps!
Let me know how you do.
Thank You, I will keep you posted. I am taking the test on Tuesday the 5th at PASS.
If I’m just getting started on Certs, is there a specific order I should take them in? Interested in BI, but I’m wondering if I should take the basic cert first…
I would take them in the easiest to hardest order personally. IE Whatever is easiest for you. I did data first, then admin and still need to do BI.
Sounds like a plan. I was checking things thinking I’d take 467 first, but realized 463 is the base I should start with since that’s where I’m more comfortable. And multiple certs never hurt no one ;)
Looks like an interesting blog you’ve got here. I noticed you’re in Dallas. I just moved here a couple of months ago. Is it always this wet in the fall?
Thanks! I would say this is a pretty normal fall. Don’t worry though .. summer is dry enough for the whole year :) Feels like we are in drought conditions 4 of 5 years :)
I grew up in New England and spent the last few yeas in a tiny little town about 45 minutes south of Charlotte, NC. I’m not sure I’m prepared for a Dallas summer. We’ll see, I guess.
No one is prepared for a Dallas summer :) Well except for those that live in places like Phoenix or Death Valley.
Richard – just wait till April, you’ll be drier than you ever wanted to be :) Lived in Houston for 5 years and it was ridiculous :)