SQL Certification

SQL Certification








Would you get benefits from the brand new easy to get SQL server expert accreditation?

In my experience the top DB platforms are Microsoft and Oracle. I have come to learn that MySQL is traditionally used in start-up companies and DB people who know this platform might make higher salaries, but I honestly rarely ever run into MySQL in job searches.

One good reason why I favor MS SQL Server is because it also includes the SSRS BI platform which is powerful and popular. DB folks who know SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) have become very sought-after candidates in many companies. In most cases, companies end up needing to buy licenses for third-party BI (Business Intelligence) applications which could cost a lot of extra money.

With SQL Server, BI and ETL (extract, transform, load) tools come with the first license. I understand that maybe the interest in databases is primarily to learn DB construction, but you don't know when or if you branch out and get more info.

An advantage of SQL would be that the language is fairly universal. I say fairly because each vendor has added their very own functions and syntax. Microsoft and Sybase both use T-SQL, Oracle uses PL/SQL and MySQL uses ANSI-SQL. Ultimately that which you learn on one platform can be applied to other platforms.

To become a SQL Server Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) is a small task now. Lower than 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 all facets 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, once 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 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 of that is changing. According to the company, the changes come in response to requests from experienced SQL Server professionals who want to earn MCM's but (go figure) don't have $18,500.

Now, candidates can earn the certification by passing just two exams: the four-hour Knowledge Exam, along with a six-hour hands-on Lab Exam, which is available in early 2011.

Fortunately, Microsoft has made some significant changes towards the program, including:
* The 3-week in-person training is not required. So, if you believe like you have what it takes, you are able to march right up and take the certification exams. You pay the cost of the exams, and that is about $2,500.
* Now there are only two exams instead of four: 88-970 (Knowledge Exam) and 88-971 (Lab Exam).
* To assist 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 will help you in your job?