Microsoft’s MCDBA (Microsoft
Certified Database Administrator)
on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 is an
advanced-level certification for
individuals who derive physical
database designs, develop logical
data models, create physical
databases, create data services by
using Transact-SQL, manage and
maintain databases, configure and
manage security, monitor and
optimize databases, and install
and configure SQL Server.
The MCDBA Microsoft got its
start in the spring of 1999 to
coincide with the launch of SQL
Server 7.0. The MCDBA has most
recently changed in the fall of
2002 with the release of .NET
development exams, and in the
summer of 2003 with the
introduction of Windows Server
2003 exams being part of the MCDBA
certification path. In terms of
mixing and matching SQL 7.0 exams
with Windows Server 2003 exams,
note this comment from Microsoft’s
MCDBA FAQ: Within
the MCDBA on SQL Server 2000
certification track, only SQL
Server 2000 exams can be combined
with Windows Server 2003 Exams
70-290 and 70-291. SQL Server 7.0
Exams 70-028, 70-029, or 70-019
can be combined with Windows
Server 2000 Exams 70-215 and
70-216 to fulfill MCDBA
certification requirements.
The MCDBA certification does
not retire but newer versions of
it may be released as technology
changes. There are no specific
prerequisites for the MCDBA,
although Microsoft recommends that
you have at least one year of
experience working with SQL
Server. As soon as candidates pass
their first qualifying exam for
the MCDBA program, they achieve a
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
certification. Moreover, if a
candidate takes an elective exam
with a development slant, he or
she will be that much closer to an
MCAD (Microsoft Certified
Application Developer) or MCSD
(Microsoft Certified Solution
Developer) certification.
To achieve the MCDBA, a
candidate must pass a total of
four exams: three core and one
elective.
Job roles of those pursuing
this certification generally
include: database administrators,
database analysts, database
developers.
