Will You Get Benefits From the Newest easy to get SQL Server Master Qualification?
This Guest post is by Michele P. Rouse of SQL Certification Blog :
In my experience the top DB platforms are Microsoft and Oracle. I have come to learn that MySQL is trusted in start-up companies and DB people who know this platform could make higher salaries, but I honestly rarely ever encountered MySQL in job searches.
One reason I like 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 that may cost a lot of extra money.
With SQL Server, BI and ETL (extract, transform, load) tools come with the initial license. I understand that maybe the interest in databases is mainly to understand DB construction, however you can't predict when or if you branch out and find out more.
The great thing about SQL is the language itself is fairly universal. I only 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 may be used on other platforms.
Becoming 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 necessary 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 designed 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 that is beginning to change. Based on the company, the changes come in reply to requests from experienced SQL Server pros who wish to earn MCM's but (go figure) do not have $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 available in early 2011.
Fortunately, Microsoft has made some significant changes on the program, including:
* The 3-week in-person training has stopped being required. So, if you feel like you have the required steps, it is possible to march right up and go ahead and take the certification exams. You pay the expense of the exams, which can be about $2,500.
* These day there are only two exams instead of four: 88-970 (Knowledge Exam) and 88-971 (Lab Exam).
* To aid SQL Server professionals prepare for the exams at a lower cost, Microsoft now offers some free MCM videos.
And you? Do you consider the new MS SQL Certification will help you in your job?
About the writer: Michele P. Rouse is writing for the sql certification test blog, her personal and non-commercial in nature hobby blog directed at recommendations to provide free info for data base beginners/professionals to enable them to get a new profession.
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