SQL Server 2008 Certifications

Trika has kindly provided an explanation on her blog as to why the SQL Server 2008 and Your Microsoft Certifications MCP live meeting was rescheduled once again (Brave girl to have taken some of the blame!). All is not lost though as Trika also provides a link to Gerry's recent blog post on SQL Server 2008 and Certifications.

Summary of SQL Serve 2008 Certifications

• Two new SQL Server TS level exams planned
• 70-432 : Will be the SQL Server 2008 equivalent to 70-431 (SQL Server 2005)
• 70-448 : Will be the SQL Server 2008 equivalent to 70-445 (SQL Server 2005)
• Pro level exams will more than likely be released 6-12 months after the TS exams. Why? To provide an opportunity for people to get more experienced with the product and understand how it fits in their organisation. This helps to create better Pro exams that are more relevant to the technology and its use.

The design session for 70-432 apparently took place between 12th to 14th December 2008 so this obviously means that the study guide and exam format is still not finalised. Gerry does however point out that this shouldn't stop people studying for the exam and provides the following tips for those wishing to prepare for it's eventual release:

• Features across 2005 and 2008 are relatively the same except for new additions
• Download the November CTP or the VHD and install it so that you can become familiar with it now.
• Read SQL Server 2008 Books Online and pay attention to the "What's New" section for features that have been added or changed as this is likely to be in the exam.
• Microsoft Learning also has three eLearning clinics on what's new in SQL 2008.

You can also do the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Virtual Labs outlined in my earlier post.

No other information was provided about exam 70-448.