Microsoft SQL Server Certification

The Microsoft SQL Server 2008 certifications offer you more choice and simpler paths to achieve your certification goals. These certifications differentiate technology skills and job-role skills, and validate actual IT roles.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist

By earning an MCTS certification, you can display your in-depth technical knowledge and skill in using key technology areas in Microsoft SQL Server 2008. You can demonstrate your depth of knowledge in one specific area, earn multiple MCTS certifications to show breadth of knowledge across different areas, or build on one MCTS certification to earn a Professional Series credential.

Three MCTS certifications on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 are available.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional

When you earn an MCITP certification, you demonstrate your expertise in using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 to excel in a specific job role. Professionals who earn the MCITP credential typically have at least two to three years of experience using the technologies covered in the exam and have already earned the MCTS credential.

Three MCITP paths build on MCTS prerequisites.

Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)

Differentiate yourself as the technical expert. The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program helps the best professionals in the IT industry become even better. Whether you want to enhance and validate your advanced skills or take your career to the next level, achieving a Microsoft Certified Master certification will help differentiate you from others in the competitive ranks of senior IT professionals.

This unique program consists of three weeks of mandatory, hands-on training led by experts, and extensive written and lab-based testing. Candidates' practical product knowledge, technical acumen, knowledge of best practices, personal and professional stamina, and communication skills are constantly challenged as they work toward attaining this premier Microsoft technical certification.

Choosing the right certification path

No matter what your SQL Server certification or technology background, one of the following certification paths aligns to your current job role and can help prepare you for your next career step. Consider your options.

We offer three MCTS on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 certifications—each aligning with market-relevant job roles. Determine which one best fits your current role and career goals.

Individual MCTS certifications will be retired when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology.

Choose from the following MCITP certifications, based on your background, your goals, and the type of MCTS certification you have previously earned.

Note Individual MCITP certifications will be retired when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology.

Upgrade your MCITP certification to a SQL Server 2008 certification

If you already have an MCITP on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 certification, you only need to pass one upgrade exam to earn both an MCITP on SQL Server 2008 certification and an associated MCTS certification.

Microsoft Certified Master (MCM)

The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM): Microsoft SQL Server 2008 program provides the most in-depth and comprehensive training available today for SQL Server 2008. This three-week training program is delivered by recognized experts from Microsoft and Microsoft partner organizations.

To achieve MCM certification, you must attend the training program and successfully complete three weekly exams and a qualifying lab exam. In addition, you must have already earned the following prerequisite certifications:

MCM training—a mixture of presentations, white-board discussions, and goal-based labs—covers the individual core SQL Server 2008 technologies as well as broader architectural and operational areas, such as high availability, storage, performance tuning, security, and disaster recovery.

Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)

If you have proven experience designing and delivering IT solutions for enterprise customers, and technical and leadership skills that surpass those of your peers, and have achieved a Microsoft Certified Master credential, consider earning the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) credential.

The MCA: Microsoft SQL Server credential is designed for architects who specialize in using Microsoft technologies to provide expert solutions and is the highest level of professional certification on Microsoft server products.