Exam 70-431 passed! Well, I finally took the initiative to take the MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) 70-431 exam today and passed:) Per my confidentiality agreement I cannot give out specific test information, but will share my experience about what I think one would need to pass this exam.

The books I used to study with were the following:

MCTS Self Paced Training Kit: Microsoft SQL Server 2005-Implementation and Maintenance

Author Solid Quality Learning

Pages 992

Disk 1 Companion CD(s); 1 Evaluation DVD(s)
Level Beg/Int

Published 05/31/2006

ISBN 9780735622715

ISBN-10 0-7356-2271-X

Price(USD) $59.99


http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/9364.aspx


Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrators Pocket Consultant

http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/6794.aspx



I used the books listed above for hands-on training and also utilized Self Test Software for practice tests. I will have to say the Self Test Software was key in preparing me for what kinds of questioning I would see on the exam.

I have to say you will need to be prepared to get your hands on SQL Server 2005 in order to pass this exam. Lots of simulation questions.

Key areas I studied and re-studied for that matter:

Linked Servers
Import/Export tools: (BCP, BULK INSERT, SSIS etc.)
Database mirroring
XML Methods (cant stress you understand XML enough....)
Views. (Understand differences with indexed views and partitioned views)
Clustered Indexes vs. Non-clustered
SQL Profiler and Activity Monitor
Database Tuning Advisor
Know dynamic mangement views and how to properly query to find db statistics etc. (dont query system db's)...etc

These are just a few of the things I used to focus on...but overall...make sure you review the Microsoft learning objectives for the exam...and it will assist you in the areas of what you n
eed to focus on etc.

-Carl (The Water Buffalo)  ¶ 4:57 PM