#MCMPrep – 88-970 – SQL MCM Knowledge Exam #SQLMCM

Filed under: MCMPrep, SQL Server — 2 Comments

19/11/2011

Update 16/12/2011 : I’ve Passed the exam! If you are taking it, the very best of luck!

I’m writing this now, as I have the exam on Monday, and after that point any comments I make on the exam will be influenced by taking it, and therefore restricted by the NDA.

So, here are a list of the Resources I’ve used to prepare for this exam:

Microsoft Exam Preparation Page – This has alot of links to Whitepapers, and books. I’ve read almost all of the whitepapers (all of them by Monday), and 60% of the books.

Online Training videos / Associated Resources – These are a phenomenal resource. Specific, highly detailed training by Paul Randal, Kimberley Tripp, Brent Ozar and Bob Beauchemin. These are useful, even if you don’t want to do the Master Certification.

SQL Skills Training IE1 – I attended the UK course held by SQL Skills in the UK. Ideally, I’d have attended all 4, but due to Training budgets and Time, I couldn’t. This was a great course, and I highly recommend their courses. Being taught SQL Server by such highly skilled Trainers (Paul Randal and Kimberley Tripp) is an amazing experience.

Community Training Notes – Hosted by Neil Hambly (who was also on the IE1 training), this is a great resource also, and has sections of all of the areas an MCM should know. Thanks Neil.

Community events – There are many, SQLBits, SQLPass (24Hours of PASS, and the Nordic Rally event, in particular), SQL Maidenhead, SQL in the Evening, they are all really helpful, and thank you.

SQLBits also have a huge number of videos of the conference sessions available.

Of course, on top of this is the past 12 years of experience I’ve had with SQL Server (though the most has been over the past 7-8 years). For that, I’d like to thank my previous employer JI Software and most of all to my current employer, TAH Limited. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some really challenging Data warehousing projects over the past few years, including a huge one for Vodafone (read more here).

If you are looking to do the certification, the very best of luck to you!