Need advice on certification choice - SQL 05 or 08??

theroyale

I am an SQL developer working in the UK with 5 years of working experience. I have circa 2 yrs experience on SQL Server 2000, and the last 3 years on SQL Server 2005. Now that I've moved from permanent to contracting type work I have decided to acquire an MCTS/IP certification(s) to enhance my CV for future contracts. I need advice on whether I should be taking my certfication in SQL05 or SQL08:
- 05 is what I have worked on and hence it "makes sense" to be certified in that.
- But perhaps on the other hand I can show my (future) interviewers that I am eager to move up into the 08 environment, hence an 08 certification?
Any thoughts on the above I would be grateful for.
Thanks!

aaronchristenson

I would say go with 2008. Most companies have moved on since SP1 has been out. There were not that many changes in 2008. I bet with the current experience that you have you should be able to grab the MS Training Kits and go through the exams easily enough. There are 3 exams for 2005 and only 2 for 2008.

earweed

Welcome to TE!

RobertKaucher

I totally agree with Aaron on this. 90% of the 2008 track is also part of the 2005 track.

theroyale

Aaron and Robert, thanks. It does seem logical that 08 is the right certification to get - although an awful number of organisations here in the UK are still on 05, I've noticed that the ones that have moved to 08 are often willing to pay a premium in terms of rates to developers.

My question however was also about the fact that I'd then have an 08 certification but no 08 work experience - how would this go down (with employers/managers/organisations) do you think?

earweed: thanks for the welcome

RobertKaucher

You could list it simply as MCITP: DBA on your resume for the sake of HR people. Any person who was also a DBA interviewing you would understand that the difference between 05 and 08 is incremental and evolutionary. I would not worry about it.

aaronchristenson

I agree with Robert. The title for the 2005 DBA is just MCITP: Database Administrator.

theroyale

Thanks both - I have decided to go with the 2008 MCTS (70-433), have picked up the MS Press Training Kit (which seems to be fairly basic except for the odd lesson here and there that I need to read closely).