MCSA SQL Server 2016

ndjo

I apologize ahead if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find any before posting this.

I'm interested in pursuing MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Dev certification. There doesn't seem to be announced commencement of exam availabilities anywhere, except "70-762 is scheduled for beta release in Sep 2016, with exam 70-761 following short after". I want to take 761 first and then 762, and the prerequisites for the exams, along with exam numbers, seem to suggest that's the chronological order.

What does "beta" release even mean? Can a student start taking the 70-762 exam Sep 2016 onwards and be fully certified?

I am thinking of taking classes for both exams through MOC-on demand, which each gives me access to materials for 3 months, so would it be better to wait until there's an annoucement of beta/actual exam release date for 70-761? Thank you.

ndjo

On the side note, Exam 70-761 in Microsoft Official Websites states Oct 7, 2016 in "Published Date". Is that the latest official release date for the exam?

aaronchristenson

A beta release is where they Microsoft tests questions to actual outside test takers to see if they have the correct mix of content and difficulty. Some people get a free voucher to take the beta exam others have to pay the regular exam price. It takes about 8 weeks to get the results back and if you pass that is all, you do not need to take it again. I would wait until the exam is released before taking the class unless you have the time. The dates on exams tend to shift.