Microsoft SQL Server Certification

Why get certified?

Earning a Microsoft Certification validates your proven experience and knowledge in using Microsoft products and solutions. Designed to be relevant in today’s rapidly changing IT marketplace, Microsoft Certifications help you use evolving technologies, fine-tune your troubleshooting skills, and improve your job satisfaction.

Whether you are new to technology, changing jobs, or a seasoned IT professional, earning a certification demonstrates to customers, peers, and employers that you are committed to advancing your skills and taking on greater challenges. In addition, certification provides you with access to exclusive Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) resources and benefits, including opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of MCPs.

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. 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.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional

When you earn an MCITP certification, you demonstrate your expertise in using Microsoft SQL Server 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.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008

We offer three MCTS certifications on Microsoft SQL Server 2008—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.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005

We offer two MCTS certifications on Microsoft SQL Server 2005—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.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Choose from the following three MCITP certifications on SQL Server 2008.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Choose from the following three MCITP certifications on SQL Server 2005.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008

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 SQL Server 2005

If you already have an MCDBA certification on Microsoft SQL Server 2000, you can upgrade to certification on SQL Server 2005 by passing two exams.

There are two advanced certifications for SQL Server: Microsoft Certified Master and Microsoft Certified Architect. Review the details below to determine which is right for you.

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.