Codit is a Microsoft Gold Partner in Application Development, Application Integration and Cloud Platform and a Silver Partner for Data Analytics.
This means we are required to have staff certified, which in turn requires us to take (and pass) Microsoft exams once in a while. This is not mandatory on a personal level, but still it is necessary for some people in order to retain or even improve our Microsoft Partnership.
Although it may be a lot of work to prepare for the exam, most of us are quite keen on getting certified actually. As one of the more ‘senior’ guys at Codit, I try to get certified or pass an exam at least once a year. Although it means that you will need to do some research, buy and read … and re-read the book(s), spend additional time looking up facts on MSDN, etc… I do agree it’s a nice recognition to have passed an exam.
In the last years I have been able to pass 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 and 70-462 Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases. Both exam preparations were actually great ways to get some recognition on working with SQL Server since 2001 (the year I graduated).
Along the way I have learned and picked up a lot from (ex-)colleagues, numerous blogs and various sources and books. Still, I was shocked at how much I was still able to learn by grabbing and reading the preparation books, doing the exercises, watching SQL courses on Pluralsight and looking up more information. It was an invaluable experience, learning so much. Some of it already came in very handy during the last year.
Since a couple of years Microsoft features the MCSA. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. One of the tracks is MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014.
It requires you to pass 3 exams: the ones mentioned above (70-461 and 70-462) and one other. Although it mentions 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 as the third exam, you can actually substitute it with any of the following as well:
- Exam 411: Administering Windows Server 2012
- Exam 412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
- Exam 70-417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012
- Exam 483: Programming in C#
Since I don’t feel that much for BI in SQL Server, I thought it was a good idea to certify for C# and took the Programming in C# exam last week.
With great pride I can now tell you that I also passed this last exam and earned the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 title!
It even comes with a badge! :^)
I can only recommend it to be honest: I learned a great deal and find it very valuable in my day-to-day work.
If you have any questions, let me know and I’ll be happy to share my experience with you.
Now that SQL Server 2016 is out, Microsoft is already working on an upgrade path. Not one, but two! I know what is on the menu for 2017-2018! ;^)
Pieter Vandenheede 