MCDBA?

**Sparky** · #1 18-Jun-2007, 08:23 PM

Loads of applications seem to run on SQL these days. This has made me think that the MCDBA cert might help me out in the future. I support many servers running SQL server 2005\2k and have been involved in a few migrations so I have some commercial experience.

Can anyone who has the MCDBA cert give me some feedback? Looks like I would have to pass two exams as I already have some of the required MCPs from the MCSE route.

Linky
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...uirements.mspx

**Boyce** · #2 18-Jun-2007, 08:28 PM

I guess it really depends on what you fancy doing Sparks. People keep telling me "stick with something you like and don't get in the habbit of knowing something about everything".

This is not to imply you only know "something".

Si

(waiting to be shot down in flames)

**zebulebu** · #3 18-Jun-2007, 08:39 PM

As a former DBA in a past life (alright, two years ago - but it FEELS like a lifetime!) I can categorically state that the MCDBA was a BITCH to study for. The Admin exam wasn't too bad - took me about eight weeks to prepare for and pass - with about six hours' study a day at home. The Design one, on the other hand, was a nightmare. Along with 70-216 it is the hardest exam I have ever sat, and I passed it by about 40 marks (three questions I think). If you have the mindset for DB theory then you might fare better than me - but beware, some of the subject matter is very complex.

**Sparky** · #4 18-Jun-2007, 08:58 PM

I did some database design as part of my degree (many years ago!), when it looked like I was going to end up in software development, arrgh!

Good point Boyce, I’m trying to stick to learning MS products just now but unfortunately in the job I am currently in I have to know something about everything. Working in a smaller company is generally like that as we cant afford to employ a specialist in each technology we support.

We did take on a Linux contractor once while we were migrating to a Windows domain.

Windows 1 – Linux 0

**Boyce** · #5 18-Jun-2007, 09:09 PM

Sparks,

I was in no way saying it was a bad thing (I am in no position to advise you!), but passing on what I have heard a few times.

As you say, working for an IT company you get to see (and learn) lots of technologies.

Go for it!

Si

**Sparky** · #6 18-Jun-2007, 09:18 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by Boyce

Sparks,

I was in no way saying it was a bad thing (I am in no position to advise you!), but passing on what I have heard a few times.

As you say, working for an IT company you get to see (and learn) lots of technologies.

Go for it!

Si

”

It is a good point though, sometimes I would like to take some more time learning a particular technology but unfortunately I just don’t get the time. I am going to add Messaging to the MCSE (one day) so hopefully I can spend some more time on Exchange and be labelled a messaging guru, that’s the plan anyway!

It all goes out the window when a new network is taken on (for whatever reason) and its running Novell !

greenbrucelee · #7 18-Jun-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by zebulebu

As a former DBA in a past life (alright, two years ago - but it FEELS like a lifetime!) I can categorically state that the MCDBA was a BITCH to study for. The Admin exam wasn't too bad - took me about eight weeks to prepare for and pass - with about six hours' study a day at home. The Design one, on the other hand, was a nightmare. Along with 70-216 it is the hardest exam I have ever sat, and I passed it by about 40 marks (three questions I think). If you have the mindset for DB theory then you might fare better than me - but beware, some of the subject matter is very complex.

”

Yeah my thought exactly, when I first join CF I asked should I do the MCDBA because I was good at SQL and Oracle (passed with distinction at Uni) but does not really appeal to me. The answer I got was NO because it does not intrest me.

If you want learn first second and third normal form then do so,if it interests you but dont do just to try and get some knowldege.

If I were you I would just learn Sql command struture so you dont need the MCDBA

**Sparky** · #8 18-Jun-2007, 09:45 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by greenbrucelee

Yeah my thought exactly, when I first join CF I asked should I do the MCDBA because I was good at SQL and Oracle (passed with distinction at Uni) but does not really appeal to me. The answer I got was NO because it does not intrest me.

If you want learn first second and third normal form then do so,if it interests you but dont do just to try and get some knowldege.

If I were you I would just learn Sql command struture so you dont need the MCDBA

”

Cheers for the heads up mate.

Unfortunately points mean prizes; basically it helps to be certified in the technology when trying to get new customers. First question out their mouth is “are you certified in this?” This is always the case when there is an IT consultant there.

SQL Server is a beast and it is a technology that interests me but I need to assess how much time and resources it would take up. I would only be looking at this as a serious option next year so I have plenty of time to think it over.

BosonMichael · #9 18-Jun-2007, 09:53 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by zebulebu

As a former DBA in a past life (alright, two years ago - but it FEELS like a lifetime!) I can categorically state that the MCDBA was a BITCH to study for. The Admin exam wasn't too bad - took me about eight weeks to prepare for and pass - with about six hours' study a day at home. The Design one, on the other hand, was a nightmare. Along with 70-216 it is the hardest exam I have ever sat, and I passed it by about 40 marks (three questions I think). If you have the mindset for DB theory then you might fare better than me - but beware, some of the subject matter is very complex.

”

Long-time SQL DBAs fall into this trap... where they take the SQL Admin exam, find it *extremely* easy, and take the same approach with the SQL Design exam... and hit a wall. I knew a couple of DBAs who had no trouble with the Admin exam, but failed Design TWICE.

Gaz 45 · #10 18-Jun-2007, 10:58 PM

I passed the Design exam about 6 months ago, took me an eternity to learn & it was truly difficult. That said, I was learning off my own back with almost no real-world work to help me along...
So if I did it, with your past experience should be a lot easier for you

Sitting the Admin exam on Thursday, this one's so so much easier

Personally I'd say go for it, if it interests you, the knowledge I've picked up from it makes the databases at work look shocking, there's many compaines out there who need a proper DBA!

Would be glad to lend a hand or answer any questions you have about the Design exam

**supag33k** · #11 19-Jun-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by zebulebu

As a former DBA in a past life (alright, two years ago - but it FEELS like a lifetime!) I can categorically state that the MCDBA was a BITCH to study for. The Admin exam wasn't too bad - took me about eight weeks to prepare for and pass - with about six hours' study a day at home. The Design one, on the other hand, was a nightmare. Along with 70-216 it is the hardest exam I have ever sat, and I passed it by about 40 marks (three questions I think). If you have the mindset for DB theory then you might fare better than me - but beware, some of the subject matter is very complex.

”

That is certainly true Zeb!

The 70-229 or design exam for 2000 was diabolical, I had done a few migrations from SQL 7 and I had the full self training set [manuals, self test and course]

- I got a similar mark of 780 or 790 for 70-229 if I remember correctly, and it took 8 weeks by 8 hours a day to get through.

Note that the MCDBA is now either the MCTS [Administration] and eventually the MCITPro {Engineer plus a bit] if you go down that path.