Exam 88-971:

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master: Lab Exam

Published:January 25, 2011
Language(s):English
Audience(s):IT Professionals
Technology:Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Type:Proctored Exam

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About this Exam
The SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master Lab Exam is the second requirement towards achieving Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008 certification. Using a hands-on lab format, this exam tests a candidates ability to apply knowledge to real-world business, compliance and application scenarios.  Topics cover Recoverability and Integrity, Manageability, Security, Performance, Availability, Developer Support and Scalability.
Exam Topics Covered
SQL Server 2008 core engine components and dependencies.  Experience and expertise regarding SQL Server high availability, disaster recovery, integrity, performance-tuning and optimization, SQL Server Operating System (SQLOS) internals, storage engine, relational engine, developer support, scalability, security, manageability, and data distribution technologies.
Audience Profile
The recommended Microsoft Certified Master SQL Server 2008 candidate is a SQL Server professional who typically has five or more years of hands-on SQL Server experience planning complex mission critical environments. Competencies include designing and implementing high-performance, scalable, secure enterprise environments and troubleshooting the most challenging SQL Server issues.  

A candidate should have experience managing multiple instances of SQL Server, including the use of a variety of features and tasks using a thorough understanding of SQL Server design and architecture.  Individuals pursuing the Microsoft Certified Master SQL Server Certification may include senior-level consultants, support engineers, technology architects, senior database engineers or administrators working independently or for various types of organizations.

The recommended candidate should have a thorough understanding of SQL Server core engine components and dependencies, such as online transaction processing, high availability, disaster recovery, performance-tuning and optimization, SQL Server Operating System (SQLOS) internals, storage engine, relational engine, security, manageability, and data distribution technologies.  
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 88-971: SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master: Lab Exam, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008 *

* Attainment of MCITP: Database Administrator 2008 and MCITP: Database Developer 2008 also required prior to attaining Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008 certification.
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.
Recoverability and Integrity
  • Candidate should have a thorough knowledge of SQL Server recoverability and data integrity concepts and should be able to design, implement and troubleshoot based on specific scenarios.  The candidate should also be able to determine an appropriate data recovery solution that minimizes disruption and data loss.
Manageability
  • Candidate should also have experience with deployment and enforcement of policies and configurations.  The candidate should also have experience designing, deploying and troubleshooting maintenance strategies, monitoring solutions, “build out” standards, data retention processes and consolidation strategies based on application and business requirements.
Security
  • Candidate should be able to derive security requirements based on organizational compliance needs and requirements.  The candidate should also be able to articulate and apply SQL Server security best practices, identify vulnerability scenarios, and remediate security issues.
Performance
  • Candidate should be able to identify performance issues and determine the appropriate solution.  The candidate should also be able to distinguish “root cause” issues from lower priority side effects, and evaluate diagnostic output in order to assess the health of an environment.  The candidate should be familiar with capacity planning, baselining, and benchmarking techniques.  The candidate should have a deep understanding of performance tuning and troubleshooting techniques and their effect on system resources.
Availability
  • Candidate should be capable of designing and implementing an availability strategy based on business and application requirements.  The candidate should also be able to identify, troubleshoot and resolve availability issues.
Developer Support
  • Candidate should be capable of recommending appropriate schema design, query tuning and query technology methods based on application and business requirements. The candidate should also be familiar with the various SQL Server data movement and distribution methods and be able to apply them appropriately based on application requirements.
Scalability
  • Candidate should be capable of defining a scalability strategy and applying appropriate technologies and features based on business or application requirements. The candidate should also understand the implications of interoperability between features and be able to identify and resolve scalability implementation issues.
Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Classroom Training There is no classroom training currently available.
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests There are no practice tests currently available.
Microsoft Online Resources
TechNet SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master Readiness Video page:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/ff977043.aspx

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master program details and recommended reading (books, white papers):
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/master-sql.aspx
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers: For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
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