MCDBA & MCTS Exam / Certification Path

[Melagan]

Greetings,

I am looking into obtaining certifications that would support both my credibility and skills as an ASP.NET developer. I figure strength in the .NET Framework along with SQL Server would be the way to go. MCDBA seems to focus on SQL Server 2000, though; I understand that certification might be discontinued later this year, perhaps mid-2008. Is it worth the time to go that route, or is there another certification that would better support ASP.NET development?

At this point, I have only limited hands-on experience with ASP.NET, and no experience with SQL Server (although quite a bit of time with JetSQL & MSAccess)

Help? Thanks =)

~Melagan
______
"It's never too late to become what you might have been.

 

[mrdenny]

If the shop you are working in is using SQL 2000 then the MSDBA would be the correct cert for you.

If your shop is a SQL 2005 shop then the MCTS: SQL Server 2005 will be the correct cert for you. After the MCTS you can move to the MCITP: Database Developer if you wish.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[Melagan]

I'm currently not filling any programming or DBA positions within my company. I am looking to add these credentials to my resume and apply to my current freelance IT work.

So - since I do not have a "shop", per se, what do you think? Again, the DBA is mostly to support my ASP.NET foundation.


~Melagan
______
"It's never too late to become what you might have been.

 

[mrdenny]

If you are looking for a strictly developer cert then the MCTS SQL 2005 and MCITP DB Developer will be the way to go.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[Melagan]

Developer indeed, but with a focus on ASP.NET Web applications, not strictly database dev / admin.

~Melagan
______
"It's never too late to become what you might have been.

 

[Melagan]

Furthermore, what would you recommend someone do to learn/study the material necessary to pass these exams? I saw several Microsoft Prep books for sale - around $60.00 or so per exam; not so bad compared to the $1,000 classes you can enroll in.

The question is - are the books and practice exams good enoguh to prepare you, granted you actually work through the material and study?

On a very related note - is it better to, in the case of ASP.NET, purchase, say, a "WROX" ASP.NET book to work through as opposed to a Microsoft Exam-Prep book, or perhaps in addition to?

~Melagan
______
"It's never too late to become what you might have been.

 

[mrdenny]

I prefer the MS Press books for my review.

The books aren't designed to teach you everything you need for the exam. They are designed to give you a good overview review of the material.

The best way to make sure to pass the exams is experience in the field.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com