SQL 2008 Certifications

So another version of SQL Server means another set of certifications.

Like the SQL Server 2005 certification tracks there will be three also for SQL Server 2008.

These are

• MCITP: Database Administrator 2008
• MCITP: Database Developer 2008
• MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008

These exams are not yet live, tho should be quite soon as their beta periods closed last year.

Now where the SQL 2005 certification tracks had a common exam for their Database Admin and Database Developer pillars, there will be seperate exams on SQL 2008.

This is good news for most people, as when Database Admins were trying to get certified on SQL 2005, they had to learn a bit about SQL programming which wouldn't normally come into their remit.

So on SQL 2008 you also have 3 MCTS certs. Namely

• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

What about upgrade paths. If you are only certified on SQL 2000 ie the MCDBA, there is unfortunately no direct upgrade path. You can upgrade to 2005 and from there to 2008 if you wish

If you have an MCTS on SQL 2005 there is no upgrade path as its a single exam.

If you have an MCITP on SQL 2005, its a single exam upgrade to your chosen certification.

There is a roadmap PDF/XPS which shows the different tracks in a nice visual way.

Also for those of you thinking of starting out in the SQL Server 2008 certification road there is a nice set of PowerPoint slides, recordings and other materials at the SQL Server Jumpstart site. It is free though registration is free :)