MCTS certification

S

sedigo

Active Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2012
Messages
44
Reaction score
0
Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum. I've bee reading contents for long time and now I decided to participate too.
Can someone tell me if I can do MCTS (sql server) certifications in south Africa. I would also like to know where and how much it costs.
 
First off, welcome to MyBB. You haven't been here until you register and take part :D

Where do you live? That would determine which places are recommended to you.

Last I checked, the exams cost in the region of R700.
Training differs from training center to training center.
 
I would highly recommend NOT going to a training centre of any sort (CTU, CTI, Boston etc.) as they simply are a waste of money. If you are relatively handy on your PC, you can easily study and write the exams on your own, at your own pace. Perhaps yuo could use them for courses like your A+ or N+, but not for the MCITP courses.

Exams costs R767 each directly via Prometric. There are many centres across the country so you can pick where you want to write them. They used to cost R368 just a few months ago...

For the SQL qualification- you have to complete the following exams to obtain your MCTS qualification:

Exam 70-432- TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
Exam 70-450- PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Microsoft Learning Website

Books should cost around R600 or so. I have found the Sybex series to be the best bet.

But if you want, contact a training centre and enquire what they offer and see if you would prefer their approach. I just personally feel that I wasted my time and money dealing with them.
 
Last edited:
+1 on the self-study. For the most part you can do it yourself without hassle. Buy the textbook, practise*1000 and learn everything and you're good to go.
 
To be honest, I’m glad to get such detailed information. I live in midrand (Johannesburg metro).
I use sql server (functions, procedure, trigger…) for 3 years with c# or VB.NET. I think I don’t need a training to write those exams. I’m going to get the necessary books to prepare myself. Does this certification really improves chances to get a good job in local companies?

Thank you for your assistance.
 
Busy with 70-448 at the moment, got the exam prep kit. The topic has been part of my job for almost 5 years and I've learned quite a few new things from the kit. I don't know if the cert gets you better jobs but if you do study the topics your coding will be improved. Also I want to put MCTS and then MCP on my email sig. :-P
 
The certs are no guarantee of anything.... But it will indicate to a company that wants quality developers/managers/architects/technicians that the person is knowledgeable, able to work hard, and so forth. It can only benefit you in the long run.
You can also (sometimes) gain salary-wise, since it's something you can put on your CV.

sedigo, take a look at the Microsoft Press books. I've got a few of them and they're really very good.
 
thank you all for details you gave me. I'am going to start every thing regarding that certification in the next couple of days. I'll let you know once I pass it.
 
froot said:
First off, welcome to MyBB. You haven't been here until you register and take part :D

Where do you live? That would determine which places are recommended to you.

Last I checked, the exams cost in the region of R700.
Training differs from training center to training center.
Click to expand...

Hi Sedigo

Also check out http://www.lgit.co.za/special_SQL2008.aspx. SQL Server 2012 certifications are also available here.

There is a nice SQL Server 2008 certification roadmap ( http://www.lgit.co.za/Files/Roadmaps/MCP_SQL2008.pdf ). You can choose between the following 3 certification paths: Database Administrator, Database Developer and SQL Server Business Intelligence Developer.
 
[A 3 year degree/diploma in IT plus] The certification and the 3 years experience you claim in SQL with C# and VB.NET should secure you a job.
 
sedigo said:
To be honest, I’m glad to get such detailed information. I live in midrand (Johannesburg metro).
I use sql server (functions, procedure, trigger…) for 3 years with c# or VB.NET. I think I don’t need a training to write those exams. I’m going to get the necessary books to prepare myself
Click to expand...

The tests is NOT around development (s-procs, triggers, coding as you mention you have experience) and you might get one or two (out of the 50) questions on that. Its about implementation, best practices, security, configuration, architecture etc. The exam prep kit contains sample tests - go through that and you'll get an idea of actual questions they ask.

sedigo said:
Does this certification really improves chances to get a good job in local companies?
Click to expand...

To a certain extent - the reality is that - especially in IT dev world - practical solid experience counts. It has definite appeal to companies that is Microsoft certified partners - since employee certifications affects your MS partner rating.

stevenv said:
Nothing beats a degree.
Click to expand...
The world is changing fast. Especially in IT, having a degree opens doors but not the amount as in the past. Specialized experience and practical training in a niche skills (ex SAP technologies; Business Analyst/Intelligence fields; Agile PM's etc) takes you much further (internationally as well) than a degree.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X