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Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) DBA Database Administrator

20-02-11 - SQL Server is the major database management offering from the Microsoft stable. It ranks high in the global database market alongside other popular database products from Oracle, IBM, MySQL and Sybase.  

There is always a demand for individuals who can effectively administer Microsoft’s top database product. In the past Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) was the premier credential for professionals who implement and administer Microsoft SQL server databases.

However, with the introduction of new generation certifications based on specific and current Microsoft technologies, MCDBA’s relevance has become limited. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications for SQL Server have become the primary credentials for validating Microsoft SQL Server expertise.

SQL Server Database administration certifications are for individuals interested in seizing the market need to manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure SQL Server. Presently Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Administrator (MCITP: Database Administrator) is the premier certification for database server administrators.

MCITP DBA Objectives

The MCITP DBA exams validate your ability to design, implement, and manage the administration of Microsoft SQL Server databases successfully. The two routes available presently depend on the version of SQL Server - SQL Server 2008 OR SQL Server 2005. 2008 is newer but what is your need? The route you choose depends on your database version’s expertise requirements. You need to pass MCTS and PRO exams to achieve the desired MCITP. Passing the requisite exams demonstrates that you have the required skills and knowledge for the particular Microsoft SQL Server product.

Two MCITP options:

To achieve MCITP: Database Administrator 2008 (for SQL Server 2008): you have to pass two Exams - Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Installation and Maintenance and Exam 70-450: PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

To achieve MCITP: Database Administrator (for SQL Server 2005), you have to pass three exams: Exam 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Implementation and Maintenance; Exam 70-443: PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Exam 70-444: PRO: Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Microsoft keeps information on the number of questions included on each exam secret in order to protect exam security and credibility. Microsoft uses various exam formats and question types to evaluate the candidate’s expertise.  Microsoft certifications also do not require recertification, as it states that the new generation certifications, “retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology.” 

MCITP DBA Career

Although there are no prerequisites, Microsoft recommends that candidates should have at least one year of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server. For those new to SQL Server, it offers learning and a window of career opportunity. Typically database server administrators work for midsize to large organizations. DBA positions are usually  intermediate level positions requiring some years of experience. MCITP is an advanced level certification so it needs to be balanced with experience in using the technologies covered in the associated MCTS exams and other non technical skills to be effective.

MCITP DBA Outlook and Tips

Microsoft regularly updates SQL Server to maintain market relevance in the highly competitive database market. Because of Microsoft’s prominence in the server and desktop markets and SQL Server’s share in the database market, having a Microsoft DBA certification can get you a foot in the door. The increasing use of SQL Server as well as the importance of SQL Server in more organizations grows the demand for SQL Server DBAs.

Is DBA just about studying for and passing tests? Don’t make me laugh! Certification alone does not make one a DBA. Can any certification measure the problem solving and management skills required to successfully build and administer SQL Server applications? Many highly skilled DBAs out there do not have certifications, but yet are extremely knowledgeable and competent in administering SQL Server applications.

The question is: have you got the DBA attitude and interest? You must be ready to pay attention to details and have good organizational, communication and planning skills. Understand the basic tasks of a DBA as well as how databases work. Appreciate the need for database security and optimization as well as the reliance of organizations on databases for corporate intelligence.

Microsoft DBA positions can attract high reward and corresponding responsibility. And don’t close your mind – the database world does not revolve around Microsoft alone. Get to know more about the other important and prominent database products.

There are now fewer exams to pass to become a certified SQL Server DBA than in the days when MCDBA ruled the roost.

If you already have an MCDBA certification on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 there is an upgrade exams path to MCITP DBA (SQL Server 2005) and if you already have an MCITP DBA (SQL Server 2005) certification, you only need to pass one upgrade exam to earn MCITP DBA (SQL Server 2008) certification.

Beyond Exams, Beyond Cramming

However, achieving MCITP DBA is more than cramming and passing exams. Focus on enhancing your value in the Microsoft and database worlds.  Use certification to learn concepts thoroughly, develop practical DBA skills and open your mind to the possibilities offered by SQL Server.

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw.com

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