Apr 01, 2014

Dear Uncle Adam, How are you? Well, I hope. So, here's my problem. Microsoft has released SQL Server 2014 and they've signaled that there are going to be some changes to the exams and certifications. I am very confused and worried. Would you be able to clarify what's going on for me please? Yours in confusion, Addicted-To-Certifications

Hi Addicted,

I'm well, thanks, hopefully you are too. Thanks for your letter. I've gone online and binged (hmm, that's not the past tense of binge...) SQL Server Certifications and here's what I came up with for you. To begin, let's start from the basics. There are three certifications with respect to SQL Server. They are:

1. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) There are two 'flavours' for the MCSE - MCSE: Data Platform and MCSE: Business Intelligence.

These three certifications can be considered as 'Entry Level,' 'Associate Level' and 'Expert Level.' They are characterised by the increasingly complex understanding you need to have to achieve each level. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) So, for the MTA you will need to sit one exam (98-364), that covers the fundamental knowledge required for a career in databases. The exam covers the following topics:

• Understanding core database concepts
• Create database objects
• Manipulate data
• Understand data storage
• Administer a database

Let's be honest. This is precisely what you'd expect regardless of which level you are talking about, just to a greater level of complexity. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) All right, so let's keep the ball rolling and look at the MCSA. It consists of passing three exams (70-461, 70-462 and 70-463). Now, in line with Microsoft's new outlook on courses and exams, these three exams are tightly coupled (one-to-one) to three Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) courses (10774, 10775 and 10777) respectively. This is a real bonus. In the old days, you quite often needed to do more than one course to cover the material for one exam. The classic example I can think of is for MCITP: Business Intelligence that required one exam, but three courses to cover the material. Those days are, thankfully, behind us.

The introduction of SQL Server 2014 does NOT EFFECT the MCSA. In fact, at this stage, Microsoft does not intend to offer an MCSA for SQL Server 2014 (I think, however, you should watch this space - read on for why I think this). Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) "What about the MCSE's?" I hear you ask. Okay, this is where the changes will occur. In order to get your MCSE, regardless of it being Data Platform or Business Intelligence, you need to pass a further two exams.

• For Data Platform, those exams are 70-464 (MOC 10776) and 70-465 (MOC 20465). From 24 April 2014, both exams will be changed to include content covering SQL Server 2014.
• For Business Intelligence, the exams are 70-466 (MOC 10778) and 70-467 (MOC 20467). From 24 April 2014, both exams will be changed to include content covering SQL Server 2014.

To sum that up, from 24 April 2014, all four MCSE exams will include content that covers SQL Server 2014. Right! Additionally, while the exam numbers won't change, any reference to 2012 will be removed. For example, 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases will become 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases.

Got that? Good. Let's move on to looking at the courses that are in the pipeline. Sometime in May, Microsoft will introduce a new set of courses specifically for SQL Server 2014. Sorry, I can't be more specific than that at this stage. It's not a secret, I just don't know yet. These courses map to their SQL Server 2012 equivalents.

SQL Server 2014 Courses Below is a list of the SQL Server 2014 courses with their equivalent course mapping noted.

• 20461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2014 (equivalent to 10774)
• 20462: Maintaining a Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Database (equivalent to 10775)
• 20463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with SQL Server 2014 (equivalent to 10777)

The above three courses are the equivalent to what comprised the MCSA 2012. I suspect, and I may be completely wrong (and happy to be corrected), that Microsoft may introduce an MCSA 2014 with these courses. How they'll number the exams remains to be seen.

• 20464: Developing SQL Server 2014 Databases (equivalent to 10776, as discussed above)
• 20465: Designing a Data Solution with Microsoft SQL Server 2014 (as discussed above)
• 20466: Implementing Reports and Data Models with SQL Server 2014 (equivalent to 10778, as discussed above)
• 20467: Designing Self-Service BI and Big Data Solutions (as discussed above)

Additionally, there is, of course, an upgrade path available now. MOC 10977: Updating Your SQL Server Skills to Microsoft SQL Server 2014 covers content from both the old 40008 and 40009, and obviously the new stuff in SQL Server 2014. It is a five-day training program presented by yours truly. This is a great opportunity to get a head start. If you haven't upgraded your SQL Server databases for a while (I'm looking at those people with SQL 2000 boxes around the place), this is what you'll need.

So, Addicted, hopefully that's cleared some things up for you. You shouldn't be worried about the changes. Remember, the only constant in life is change.

Good luck & hope to see you soon.