books

Hi , i am new to certifications in general..
I would like to do the certification exam 70-431. However i want to study on my own instead of going to classes.
what if i get the microsoft e-learning books or microsoft press books? will this be enough in helpnig me with the course requirements?
what are the difference between the two e-learning and MS Press books?

I would recommend both the e-Learning and the MSPress books. (The eLearning is a bit on the light side.)

However, you MUST download and install SQL Server 2005, and be very familiar with how to accomplish most administrative tasks. The latest reports are that the test has a significant number of 'simulation' questions. Just studing books isn't enough according to several folks that have recently failed to pass.

|||Thanks Arnie,

I have been using sql2000 for some time now and have recently (8months) have been using sql 2005 .
Thanks for the tip on simulation questions..
there are heaps of books for 70-431 for MS Press books. Do i need to get 1 of them only or the whole lot.?.
( i am referencing to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/sql/default.mspx)

|||

While I won't 'tell' you that you have to buy certain books, personally, I consider the last four of those titles to be necessary 'reference' books for any dba.

They are all excellent resourses, and you will only 'grow out of' the first two titles. (Any book by Karen Delany is a MUST to own and read!)

Good luck.

|||

I have seen people fail this exam three times, I am not actively planning to take it but I have previous SQL Server certification. Install the product with at least one gig of ram and spend time with what is new in SQL Server 2005. Spend time with Management Studio Microsoft have added some things and have changed where others are located so if you know the product ask for where is all tasks, new query window, what is in the properties on the server level, database. What is moved to the surface area configuration tool. This will keep your reading for about one month. One more thing the index subsystem which ANSI SQL calls the physical is all new and it is very big. so spend time with the exam requirement document, bol and the product. Good luck.