The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist program provides database professionals with an opportunity to showcase their SQL Server skills. If you'd like to prove your prowess to a prospective employer, take a step up the career ladder in your current job, or simply earn a nice certificate to hang on the wall, the MCTS credential may be a great step for you.
There are three different MCTS programs for SQL Server 2008 administrators, each requiring that you pass a single examination:
- MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance
- MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Database Development
- MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
Let’s take a brief look at each one of these credentials...
MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance
The MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance credential is designed for individuals who serve as database administrators (DBAs). It covers installing, configuring and maintaining SQL Server 2008 databases. You earn this credential when you pass Microsoft Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Installation and Maintenance.
MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Database Development
The MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Database Development credential is designed for developers who write programs that run against or within SQL Server 2008 databases. You earn this credential when you pass Microsoft Exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Database Development.
MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
The MCTS: SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance credential is designed for those who work with SQL Server 2008’s business intelligence and reporting functionality. It covers SQL Server Reporting Services, SQL Server Analysis Services and SQL Server Integration Services. You earn this credential when you pass Microsoft Exam 70-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance.
Moving on
Once you’ve earned your MCTS certification, you may wish to pursue one of the
advanced database certifications. For example, the next step in Microsoft’s program is the Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) certification. You may also wish to pursue certification in a different technology, such as
Oracle or
Microsoft Access.
