Cert to show knowledge of SQL?

[webslinger2k]

I am basically wondering if there are any certs which will show a basic knowledge of SQL, as in, enough to get by or principles etc.

We currently use SQL Server 2000 at work to carry out a number of duties as part of the change management process, i.e. Stored Procedures, updating db jobs and then the usual monitoring of things like database replication and adhoc db quries using Query Analyser etc.

I want some way of "cementing" some basic knowledge, rather then fumbling blindy doing these things when people ask - and to also show a future employer that although I may not be a specialist in SQL Server, I have the aptitude to take it on, and some form of understanding of the workings, albeit at a basic level etc. Also, doesnt hurt to add an extra bow to the CV....

thx

[BosonMichael]

Do you know about the following certifications?

SQL Server 2000:
MCDBA

SQL Server 2005:
MCTS: SQL Server 2005
MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
MCITP: Database Administrator
MCITP: Database Developer
MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer

[webslinger2k]

Originally Posted by BosonMichael

Do you know about the following certifications?

SQL Server 2000:
MCDBA

SQL Server 2005:
MCTS: SQL Server 2005
MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
MCITP: Database Administrator
MCITP: Database Developer
MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer

Hi Michael,

thanks for the reply. I have indeed seen the above exams on Microsofts website, but was unsure as to which one would be best suited to my needs as outlined in my initial post. Its a hard one for me to call - I use SQL Server maybe 7 or 8 times a week for a manner of things (as above) so just really want to get a cert and knowledge which will help with those tasks.

I am a System Admin really for the most part of my job, I would just like to have a bit of a base I could potentially build on in SQL Server, and possibly bring something more to the team if and when needed.

[BosonMichael]

Originally Posted by webslinger2k

Hi Michael,

thanks for the reply. I have indeed seen the above exams on Microsofts website, but was unsure as to which one would be best suited to my needs as outlined in my initial post. Its a hard one for me to call - I use SQL Server maybe 7 or 8 times a week for a manner of things (as above) so just really want to get a cert and knowledge which will help with those tasks.

I am a System Admin really for the most part of my job, I would just like to have a bit of a base I could potentially build on in SQL Server, and possibly bring something more to the team if and when needed.

Since you're familiar with SQL 2000, I'd probably suggest getting the MCDBA, then upgrading to the SQL 2003 stuff if you want it.

[simongrahamuk]

70-228 would be the exam that I think you should be looking at. That is if you want to to a SQL 2000 cert.

[Crito]

70-229 is the design test. 70-228 is administration. Neither adequately covers SQL but there's some DDL in former and some DML in the latter.

[webslinger2k]

Thanks for all the info guys. I would guess then its 228 that I look into then.

Do you think it will be pointless doing a 2000 cert now when there is 2005 being used in a lot of places? I know its relevant to my current role, but part of the reason I want to get the cert to begin with is to be more appealing to another prospective employer.

[Crito]

A lot of new VS 2005 development going on with SQL Server 2005. But because of radical changes to the database engine many shops aren't upgrading this time around. Looks like most will be sticking with 2000 until the end of their existing application's lifecycle. Then the non-MS developers (Cold Fusion/Java shops in particular) will probably just move to Sybase or Oracle instead.

So to answer your question: SQL Server 2000 will still be in use (in production) for many years to come. If you're a dot-net developer (or asipre to be one) however, definitely go with SQL Server 2005.

[BosonMichael]

We're still using SQL 2000 on many of our database apps.