Every experienced MS SQL Server DBA once faces the necessity to prove his or her database administration skills by getting official Microsoft certificate. Some of DBAs need this just for their own pleasure, others - becuase of employer requirements. For instance in many companies a DBA may become a Sernior DBA only provided 3+ years of working experience in the area and presence of 3 or more certificates. Thus it is very critical for database administrator to possess a strong certificate to rise above others.

There is a hierarchy of titles for all versions of sql server starting from SQL Server 2000.

 The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 is the only credential available  for SQL Server 2000. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 candidates need to pass three core exams and one elective exam. Core consist of two exams related to SQL Server itself and another one concerns either Windows 2000 or Windows 2003. Elective exams are mostly programming languages and networks related. So before SQL Server 2005 the main challenge for DBAs was to learn Windows internals, networks and a .NET programming language. That was usually quite not easy, especially for genuine database administrators who chose DBA career because they hated programming.

Obtaining MCDBA people had plenty of choise. There were two exams that you could choose out of quite a big group. You may visit MCDBA on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Certification Requirements for more information how to became MCDBA.

 I am talking about MCDBA certification in past even though it is still available to obtain as of December 2008. However Microsoft says here that starting from March 31, 2009 the main 70-228 and 70-229 MCDBA exams are retired so it is very time to pass for MCDBA now or never. Existing MCDBA credentias will remain valid until Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for MS SQL Server 2000. Probably it is about another 2-3 years.

According to number of MCPs worldwide there are 151,897 MCDBAs all over the world (as of December 2008). Which is quite a lot, I guess.

 With the release of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Microsoft provided much wider range of credential for the new technology. The first level certificate is MCTS  (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) and the highest level is MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional).

There are two MCTS titles:

• MCTS: SQL Server 2005

• MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence

And three MCITP statuses:

• MCITP: Database Administrator

• MCITP: Database Developer

• MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer

MCITP is kind of equivalent of former MCDBA. But all MCITP exams correspond only to SQL Server 2005 and its components. You need to pass the next exams in order to obtain necessary credential:

 So if you already are an MCDBA you can pass the only 70-447 and get MCITP:DBA. As you see if you passed MCTS: SQL Server 2005 you may go by developer or administrator path. After acquisition of a certificate you will be able to use logos like this and this in your e-mail signature or anywhere else.

 It is a pity that Microsoft allowed the situation that internet is full of all sql 2005 exam dumps and testkings and it does not change the exams to mitigate the situation. So it is just a matter of honour whether you download a dump or testking and memorize questions and answers one evening before exam or spend a month reading training kits or other literature.

 Interesting numbers as of 12/2008 are numbes of MCITPs and MCTSs worldwide:

 Quite few people yet.

 Recently Microsoft has released new version of SQL Server - Microsoft SQL Server 2008 (code-named Katmai). With new product it developed new credentials and exams. It still works in terms of MCTS and MCITP the only change in credential name is 2008 suffix. And now there are three MCTS titles as well as three MCITPs.

 So this is the table of credentials-exams dependency for Microsoft SQL Server 2008:

 So as we see Microsoft shortened MCITP path even more. You now need to pass only two exams to become MCITP. There are also MCITP 2005 -> 2008 upgrade exams available. If you are MCITP in SQL Server 2005 (dba, developer of BI) you can take one of these upgrade exams

70-453: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Administrator Skills to MCITP Database Administrator 2008.

70-454: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Developer Skills to MCITP Database Developer 2008.

70-455: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Business Intelligence Developer Skills to MCITP Business Intelligence Developer 2008.

 There are still very few books and training kits for SQL Server 2008 exams as well as exam dumps (hopefully there won't be) thus there are only 119 people holding MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance and 291 with MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance.

How to become certified

 If you have never passed a microsoft exam you need to register inn Windows Live ID.Then you need to register in Prometric which is the only Microsoft Certified exam provider. After you registered in prometric locate your test site and choose the exam you want to pass. Now Microsoft provides second shot exam offer until 30 June 2009. If you are in time - register for you second shot here. Then they will give you a voucher number which you will need to enter in prometric register exam form. Microsoft exam prices for SQL Server are all the same either $125 or $50 depending on the country where you will actually pass the exam. After you passed the exam in a couple of days Microsoft will send you a congratulations letter with your MCP ID. Then you will be able to register in mcp site.

Good luck on your exams and don't ever cheat!