MCSE 2003 down, 70-431 up!

So I took a month off after completing my MCSE and decided to go the SQL route. Now the only experience I have is deleting stuck jobs from our order processing department using query analyzer. In other words, I don't know anything. I'm about 50 pages into the mspress and have watched a few cbt nuggets so far. Should I have alot more experience before attempting this exam, or can I be an absolute newb and dive right in?

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BeaverC32

You will probably want a little more background in T-SQL that what the MSPress book covers. Also a little more background in database structure and normalization would be very helpful. A good book you should pick up is: http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Server-2005-Programming-Programmer/dp/0764584332/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-6583888-2014862?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191279803&sr=8-1

cashew

Thanks, after reading the foreward on that book I think I will pick it up and put down the mspress for now. I was into chapter 2 and it basically gives you some practices of creating and adding databases. While the commands made sense, I was still a little confused as I have no experience with databases. I will knock out that book then get back to the ms press. Thanks for the advice!

BeaverC32

Yeah, the MSPress does a bad job in some areas...expecially the XML chapter. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration if you take your time and read the Beginning SQL Server programming book. Glad to see others pursuing this exam...good luck!

cashew

Since the exam is maintenance and administration, would this be a better read?

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-SQL-Server-2005-Administration/dp/0470047046/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/104-5147940-0964748?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191293140&sr=8-3

sinistamunkey

I was starting to think I was doing something wrong with the XML part of thie MS-Press book, I've got a fairly solid working knowledge of T-Sql, XML and XSD's and yet that section made my brain want to escape from my ear

BeaverC32

The exam is maintenance and administration, but it assumes you have a solid understanding of T-SQL and database structure. I have read quite a few books on SQL Server 2005, and the one I recommend above is the best I have seen in introducing these topics.