Post by Kalim on Oct 8, 2015 9:13:55 GMT 2
Hi Guys,
So I've noticed nobody has come to me about writing the test...that's okay, hopefully by the end of this email I would have motivated you a bit more to write.
I've tried to get as much information about the exam as I could, by talking to others who have taken the exam and also doing some more research on the net.
First things first, the questions asked in the exam is at an even higher level than the measureup mock test that we've all done. Most of the questions are use case scenarios, where you need to apply the right solution to the use case. The use cases can sometimes be very long write ups which need to be read. Its even quite possible that the answers given are all potentially correct, but you need to figure out which answer best suites the use case.
My intention here is not to scare you, but to give you a realistic impression of the exam. Basically, you really need to know your stuff. Here's a blog write up on the exam: borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/database/f/516/t/321649 identify which areas you don't know and focus on those.
Notice that a pass mark is 700 points this equates to ~70%. For those that got 50%+ in your mock test realize how close you are with minimal studying.
Most questions are multiple choice (blog author probably made a typo there), however there are quite a few questions that are not. You will be required to organize code snippets in the correct order and write code as well, so you need to be practicing code on SQL Server! We have adventure works installed on birepsqltest01 at Woolworths, so you guys have everything necessary to do this. For those not at woolies install SQL Server Express Edition on your personal laptop.
Microsoft is also currently running a special on exams, where you are allowed to write for a second time for free if you fail your first attempt. This will be a great help to the company, but also puts a bit less pressure on you to pass on your first attempt. Have a look here: borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/database/f/516/t/321649 the deal runs until January 2016, so why not at least take your two attempts at the exam?
While this exam is part of a bigger certification (MCSA & MCSE), don't make the assumption that it holds no weight on its own. Once you complete the exam Microsoft will send you a package, this package includes a certificate and a badge! This sounds pretty cool to me.
You will be assisting the company greatly, even if you just pass this ONE EXAM. Our silver partner status is determined by having two people who have passed one exam. That shows you how much weight this one exam holds.
I know a lot of people have plans for the future around studying next year and some of you have become apathetic towards this exam because of it.A lot of people are assuming that they shouldn't bother with this one exam because they don't see themselves getting the full certification. Realize that this exam is a qualification in its own right. You can always complete the full certification at another time.
For those who are too busy or don't have enough time to focus on the exam/certification...well then you probably don't really want the exam/certification and i have no advice for you.
At the end of January I hope everyone in this team is able to add this exam to their CV, I assure you it will help you greatly in your future. Nobody will ever doubt your SQL skills again
As always, if you want to chat more about this, need assistance, or have any other questions please let me know.
This is a long email, I've tried to bold the important bits!
Regards,
Kalim
So I've noticed nobody has come to me about writing the test...that's okay, hopefully by the end of this email I would have motivated you a bit more to write.
I've tried to get as much information about the exam as I could, by talking to others who have taken the exam and also doing some more research on the net.
First things first, the questions asked in the exam is at an even higher level than the measureup mock test that we've all done. Most of the questions are use case scenarios, where you need to apply the right solution to the use case. The use cases can sometimes be very long write ups which need to be read. Its even quite possible that the answers given are all potentially correct, but you need to figure out which answer best suites the use case.
My intention here is not to scare you, but to give you a realistic impression of the exam. Basically, you really need to know your stuff. Here's a blog write up on the exam: borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/database/f/516/t/321649 identify which areas you don't know and focus on those.
Notice that a pass mark is 700 points this equates to ~70%. For those that got 50%+ in your mock test realize how close you are with minimal studying.
Most questions are multiple choice (blog author probably made a typo there), however there are quite a few questions that are not. You will be required to organize code snippets in the correct order and write code as well, so you need to be practicing code on SQL Server! We have adventure works installed on birepsqltest01 at Woolworths, so you guys have everything necessary to do this. For those not at woolies install SQL Server Express Edition on your personal laptop.
Microsoft is also currently running a special on exams, where you are allowed to write for a second time for free if you fail your first attempt. This will be a great help to the company, but also puts a bit less pressure on you to pass on your first attempt. Have a look here: borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/database/f/516/t/321649 the deal runs until January 2016, so why not at least take your two attempts at the exam?
While this exam is part of a bigger certification (MCSA & MCSE), don't make the assumption that it holds no weight on its own. Once you complete the exam Microsoft will send you a package, this package includes a certificate and a badge! This sounds pretty cool to me.
You will be assisting the company greatly, even if you just pass this ONE EXAM. Our silver partner status is determined by having two people who have passed one exam. That shows you how much weight this one exam holds.
I know a lot of people have plans for the future around studying next year and some of you have become apathetic towards this exam because of it.A lot of people are assuming that they shouldn't bother with this one exam because they don't see themselves getting the full certification. Realize that this exam is a qualification in its own right. You can always complete the full certification at another time.
For those who are too busy or don't have enough time to focus on the exam/certification...well then you probably don't really want the exam/certification and i have no advice for you.
At the end of January I hope everyone in this team is able to add this exam to their CV, I assure you it will help you greatly in your future. Nobody will ever doubt your SQL skills again
As always, if you want to chat more about this, need assistance, or have any other questions please let me know.
This is a long email, I've tried to bold the important bits!
Regards,
Kalim