Advice for MCDBA?

I'm a DBA trying to get my MCD BA credentials. I've attempted this test twice now, but with no joy. On the last attempt, this morning, I was sure I was going to pass. There were no doubts in my mind ... right up to the point the score was displayed.

I know I'm out of my comfort zone here. How often is a DBA consulted when you are setting up IPSec, after all...

What's the general feeling - should I try 70-290 instead or keep plugging away? My best attempt was close at 678.

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sprkymrk

Hi MTroike24. What's your background and experience? Do you like working with databases?

sthomas

70-291 is a tough exam, look at this list and see if there is another exam you could take instead.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdba/requirements.mspx

Maybe try 70-290 instead, it is a little easier.

MTroike24

I've been in IT for a little over 10 years. I've spent time as a developer in VB and VB .NET. I've been working with database interface and database administration for most of that time. I have Oracle OCP DBA certifications from 8.0 through 10g and I've passed both of the SQL Server 2000 exams and the VB .NET application exam. I need wither 70-291 or 70-290 to complete the MCDBA.

My problem seems to be that I'm not a network admin or anything close to it. I have a lot of experience using the network, but little administering it

70-291 covers topics that are interesting to me, but I just don't seem to be picking up the level of detail I need.

So far, I have used the Microsoft Press Training Kit for 70-291 (2nd edition), Exam Cram, Self Test software and MeasureUp.

sprkymrk

If you need to complete 290-291 I would definately set up a lab with a couple of servers and evals of W2K3 or use Virtual Server to do it on a beefy workstation. You need to practice and walk through the various DNS, DHCP, AD, etc. to get a good feel for it if you don't work with it on a daily basis. If you can afford it I highly recommend CBT Nuggets.

mzgavc

If you don't mind sharing, what was your score on the 291 exam that you were "sure" you passed.

Quite honestly, if you were able to score a relatively close score to pass the 291 exam, it would probably require little study to pass the 290.

The subject matter is different in quite a few respects, but the learning curve is a lot less agressive, and a person in your position could probably hammer out a book in a week, and prepare in a month to easily ace the 290.

MTroike24

The second attempt was a 640.

One strange thing did happen during the test, but I doubt it had an affect. I finished question 8 and clicked the next button. The test application disappeared except for the login box. At the proctors suggestion, I clicked "Start Test" again and it came back at question 8. I paged through the first seven questions and my answers were still there. I doubt it had any affect, but I'd sure love to blame the lower score on that ...

I've picked up the Syngress book and I think I might give 291 one more try. I also have books for 290 available.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Philippatos

290 would definitely have been easier IMHO.

I used 293 as my MCDBA elective, since at the tme had no interest in dot-net and that was the only other alternative -- glad I did as 293 covers database clustering and using SCW to "harden" SQL servers. So found myself only two tests away from MCSA (270 and 291) when I completed the track.

Knocked out 270 a couple months ago and am taking 291 for the first tme this coming Friday, the 12th.