Exam 70-561:

TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development

Published:	August 04, 2008
Language(s):	English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese(Simplified)
Audience(s):	Developers
Technology:	Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
Type:	Proctored Exam

About this ExamCandidates for this exam use Microsoft Visual Studio to develop data-access portions of applications. Candidates should have a minimum of two to three years of experience developing Web, Windows, or distributed applications by using the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Audience Profile

Candidates for this exam use Microsoft Visual Studio to develop data-access portions of applications. Candidates should have a minimum of two to three years of experience developing Web, Windows, or distributed applications by using the Microsoft .NET Framework. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of relational database concepts and should have a minimum of one to two years of experience using Microsoft SQL Server and other relational database management systems, such as Oracle, DB2, and MySQL.

In addition, candidates should have a good grasp of the following:

Structured Query Language (SQL)
Stored procedures
Data-bound controls

Credit Toward CertificationExam 70-561: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):

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.

Connecting to Data Sources (12 percent)

Manage connection strings. May include but is not limited to: using the ConnectionStringBuilder; leveraging the ConfigurationManager; protecting the connection string; using Security Support Provider Interface (SSPI) or SQL Server authentication; correctly addressing the SQL Server instance; managing “User Instance” and AttachDBfilename
Manage connection objects. May include but is not limited to: managing connection state, managing connection pool; implementing persistent data connections; implementing Multiple Active Result Sets (MARS); encrypting and decrypting data
Work with data providers. May include but is not limited to: limitations, behaviors, performance, installation issues, deployment issues; ODBC, Microsoft OLE DB, SqlClient, managed providers, third-party providers, native providers
Connect to a data source by using a generic data access interface. May include but is not limited to: System.Data.Common namespace classes
Handle and diagnose database connection exceptions. May include but is not limited to: implementing try/catch handlers

Selecting and Querying Data (22 percent)

Build command objects. May include but is not limited to: building Parameters collections; using input and output parameters and return values; selecting an appropriate CommandType action; selecting an appropriate Execute method; using the CommandBuilder class; choosing appropriate CommandBehavior
Query data from data sources. May include but is not limited to: writing queries to solve assigned problems; implementing data paging; sorting, filtering, and aggregating data
Retrieve data source data by using the DataReader. May include but is not limited to: retrieving data from SELECT statements; retrieving data from stored procedures; working with multiple result sets
Manage data by using the DataAdapter or the TableAdapter. May include but is not limited to: retrieving data from SELECT statements; retrieving data from stored procedures; working with multiple result sets; working with JOIN products; creating updatable DataAdapters and TableAdapters; modifying TableAdapter Fill methods
Execute an asynchronous query. May include but is not limited to: handling asynchronous events
Handle special data types. May include but is not limited to: Binary Large Objects (BLOBs); Filestream, Spatial, Table Value Parameters
Query data sources by using LINQ. May include but is not limited to: extended method; CLR delegate; lambda expressions; classes of the System.LINQ.Expressions namespace
Manage exceptions when selecting data. May include but is not limited to: identifying and resolving syntax errors; security exceptions

Modifying Data (24 percent)

Manage transactions. May include but is not limited to: selecting an appropriate transaction isolation level; participating in local transactions; participating in distributed transactions; using declarative transactions
Manage data integrity. May include but is not limited to: cascading updates or cascading deletes; auto number management; server-generated value management; client-side data validation; business rules, constraints
Update data. May include but is not limited to: update data by using stored procedures; update dataSets to data source; managing concurrency
Manage exceptions when modifying data. May include but is not limited to: resolve exceptions from data integrity, constraint, or referential integrity violations; data locking conflicts; data collision issues
Transform data by using LINQ. May include but is not limited to: aggregation operators; JOIN operator, QUERY operator, LIKE, etc.

Synchronizing Data (15 percent)

Monitor event notifications. May include but is not limited to: implement notifications by using SqlDependency or SqlNotificationRequest
Cache data. May include but is not limited to: SqlCacheDependency, Local Data Cache
Manage update conflicts between online data and offline data.
Partition data for synchronization.
Implement Synchronization Services. May include but is not limited to: SyncAgent, SyncTable, ClientSyncProvider, ServerSyncProvider, SyncAdapter

Working with Disconnected Data (16 percent)

Manage occasionally connected data.
Programmatically create data objects. May include but is not limited to: DataTable; DataSet
Work with untyped DataSets and DataTables. May include but is not limited to: populating a DataSet or DataTable
Expose a DataTableReader from a DataTable or from a DataSet.
Work with strongly typed DataSets and DataTables.

Object Relational Mapping by Using the Entity Framework (11 percent)

Define and implement an Entity Data Model. May include but is not limited to: mapping schemas and storage metadata; EDM Generator
Query data by using Object Services. May include but is not limited to: querying data as objects and shaping results; working with objects; managing the Object Context; customizing objects
Map data by using the Entity SQL Language. May include but is not limited to: manually define mapping files; execute an Entity SQL Query by using EntityCommand
Access entity data by using the EntityClient Provider. May include but is not limited to: managing EntityConnection; creating EntityCommand; executing a query by using EntityDataReader; managing EntityTransaction

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

Microsoft E-Learning

Microsoft Press Books

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-561): Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 - ADO.NET

Practice Tests

MeasureUp(Measureup.com)
Self Test Software(Selftestsoftware.com)

Microsoft Online Resources

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 – Learning Portal: Find special offers and information on related training and certification.
Data Platform Developer Center: Visit the Web site for detailed technology information.
Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with your peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.
TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.
MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.