newbie to sql&wanting a Microsoft SQL Server 2008 cert but unsure which route to take

[chrissomething]

hi all im wanting to start a career move into sql but wanting to get certified after studying it for a bit so i am looking at first the MCTS in one of the below and then move to the MCITP. im wanting to get some advice on which exam to do first. i am deciding between:
Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance (exam 70-432)
Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development (exam 70-433)
after doing one of the above i want to do the MCITP exam for the same path and then go and do the MCTS of the one i didnt do(to do the MCITP of the database development you have to do the MCTS for the database development & vice versa for the other). Has anyone got some guidance for me as to which might be easier or better to start with first. im leaning towards the database development as it might give me a better understanding as a whole. any advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks all!

 

[iblade]

I would suggest doing the SQL 2005 exams first and then writing the SQL 2008 upgrade thereafter. Therby giving you 2 MCITPs.

The reason behind this is the fact that most companies still run 2005 and are more interested in those skills.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx#tab2 for the exams.

 

[chrissomething]

i had also thought that initially but have been told that the 2008 is only a slight difference to 2005(unlike 2000 which was a huge difference) and that its easier to do the 2008 exam and then just remember what 2005 is missing from 2008 to be able to do the 2005 exam.

 

[Surv0]

Well ive just applied to do this course at New Horizons in Cape Town. its the MCTS - SQL server 2008 - Maintaning and implementing. This afaik is the intro course before you can do a MCTP course..

 

[chrissomething]

Well ive just applied to do this course at New Horizons in Cape Town. its the MCTS - SQL server 2008 - Maintaning and implementing. This afaik is the intro course before you can do a MCTP course..

yea you have to do the MCTS in either implementing and maintaining or in database development and then you can do the MCITP in either of them. just got some advice from a guy who works in the field and he advised the database development first and then do the MCITP for database development then after that do the MCTS for implementing and maintenace. trust microsoft to overcomplicate it lol... u use to just be able to do mcdba!